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Castle · Conwy, País de Gales
Conwy Castle
The fortress built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287 on the banks of the Conwy estuary, with eight round towers and the town walls joined. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Cadw property.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle was built between 1283 and 1287 by the English king Edward I, after he conquered the north of Wales. The architect was master James de St George, the same responsible for the castles at Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris, and the castle and town walls were raised together in just four years, with thousands of workers. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Edward I's other castles in north Wales.
The castle stands on a rock at the edge of the Conwy estuary, with eight large round towers and two barbicans, one on each side. Inside it is divided into an outer ward, with the great hall, and an inner ward, with the royal lodgings and the chapel tower, with still-decorated windows. Spiral staircases lead up to the towers and the walls, with views over the estuary, the three bridges that cross it, the mountains of Eryri and the town's roofs.
The bridges beside the castle are part of the scene: Thomas Telford's suspension bridge of 1826, with towers decorated like battlements to match the castle, now for pedestrians only and managed by the National Trust; Robert Stephenson's tubular railway bridge of 1849; and the modern road bridge.
The castle is owned by Cadw. The stairs are narrow and some of the wall walkways have little protection in places; wear sturdy footwear.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2 hours, including the castle towers and walls.
Best time
In the morning, on a clear day, for the views from the towers. Late afternoon offers the best photo of the castle from the other side of the estuary, in Deganwy, or from the suspension bridge. Check opening times on the Cadw website.
How to get there
It is on Rose Hill Street, at the entrance to Conwy, a 5-minute walk from Conwy station and about 15 minutes from Llandudno Junction station, on the other side of the bridge.
Tip
Climb the king's tower and the chapel tower for views of the estuary and the mountains. Afterwards, cross Telford's suspension bridge on foot.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Conwy Castle
Who built the Castelo de Conwy?
The English king Edward I, between 1283 and 1287, with master architect James de St George.
Is the castle a World Heritage Site?
Yes, along with the other castles and walls of Edward I in northern Wales.
Can you climb the towers?
Yes, via narrow spiral staircases up to the high walkways.
Where is the best place to take a photo of the castle?
From the opposite bank of the estuary, in Deganwy, or from Telford's suspension bridge.