Dolbadarn Castle

Caernarfon, United Kingdom

Dolbadarn Castle is a fortification built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great during the early 13th century, at the base of the Llanberis Pass, in northern Wales. The castle was important both militarily and as a symbol of Llywelyn's power and authority. The castle features a large stone keep, which historian Richard Avent considers the finest surviving example of a Welsh round tower. In 1284 Dolbadarn was taken by Edward I, who removed some of its timbers to build his new castle at Caernarfon.

The remaining parts of the castle continued to be used as a manor house into the 14th century. By the 18th century, however, Dolbadarn Castle was ruined and uninhabited. From the 1760s onwards, however, it became a popular topic for painters interested in the then fashionable landscape styles of the Sublime and the Picturesque. J. M. W. Turner's 1800 work Dolbadarn Castle depicted the back-lit castle looming over the landscape and became particularly famous, but the paintings of the castle by Richard Wilson and Paul Sandby also represent important artistic works of the period.

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Address

Caernarfon, United Kingdom
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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

De Ryc Rr (2 years ago)
Free to visit with the added bonus of some spectacular views through the lens of your cameras. If you wish to climb the castle steps to the top then be prepared to navigate steep stairs in a narrow stairways. The views from the top will make your trip worthwhile..
CHOCCY BARR (2 years ago)
This tower and remains reminds me a little of the tower in "Highlander". There`s an inner stairway to the top with a safety cage, but the views are stunning over the 2 lakes, especially Padarn. There were a great many people visiting this site, and you kinda get why, because it has a certain charm about it. Visit, it`s free.
Andrew Thomas (2 years ago)
Small but fantastically situated castle. Information board on the wall gives a summary of its history and a very steep and narrow spiral staircase leads to the top, which is enclosed in a metal cage for safety. The views over the lake and the mountainous backdrop are spectacular.
Evalynn B. (2 years ago)
Visited in August 2019, when I had my holiday in Wales. I spent the whole day in Llanberis, try the railway to the summit, visit the slate museum, walk on the streets of the village, which is very pretty. I found this castle on the map and headed there after my museum visit. Not the easiest to find, a bit of a hidden place, or maybe just the path which leads there. Also, it is not too big and rather ruins, but still stands on a nice grounds and it has a lovely view around to the mountains and lake. Not too much to do, but a nice spot to relax and chill out, and because it doesn't take too long to visit, so worth to pop in.
Amy Murray (2 years ago)
Free to enter, a great view also I nice place to have a picnic like we did on a clear day. It is a steep climb to the castle and the path is not even with uneven steps also. The grass near the castle can be muddy and slippery so good footwear is advised.
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