Caernarfon

Introducing Caernarfon

Caernarfon, situated 9 miles from Bangor between the gleaming swell of the Menai Strait and the deep-purple mountains of Snowdonia, is home to Wales’ most magnificent castle, a looming, fantastical World Heritage Site built by Edward I as a medieval show of strength. Following the efforts of the former Welsh prime minister, David Lloyd George, the castle was designated as the venue for the 1911 and 1969 investitures of the Prince of Wales, the latter focusing the attention of the world to Caernarfon when Prince Charles, the current heir to the British throne, had his investiture broadcast live on TV.

Given the town’s crucial historical importance, the pervading downbeat feel of the town comes as something of a disappointment. There is a tangible sense of history in the streets around the castle, and within the walled town, cobbled and lined by fine Georgian buildings, but many shopfronts are boarded up and Caernarfon has a rather down-at-heel feel. Only the new arts centre, Galeri Caernarfon brings a breath of fresh air to the town’s cultural life.

Caernarfon has traditionally been the heartland of the Welsh Nationalist movement and remains a defiantly Welsh-speaking enclave that preserves its traditional language and culture with pride. Indeed, about 70% of locals speak Welsh as their first language.

Last updated: Apr 17, 2009