Wales trip, Dec 2006 - Caerdydd (Cardiff)

Cardiff is the capital of Wales. It is situated on the narrowest part of the south Wales coastal plain and it played a crucial strategic role in the wars between the Normans (on lowland Wales) and the Welsh (on uplands Wales). As a result, Cardiff claims to have the largest concentration of castles/fortification of any city in the world. According to the records, there were 9 castles in this small piece of land.

In front of one of the gates of the Cardiff castle.

One of the major castles of the city is the Cardiff castle. The site itself is located right in the heart of the city and it had served many purposes in the past, as: a Roman fort, a medieval castle and Victorian revival mansion. Nowadays, it is owned by the City of Cardiff and it is opened to public.

The clock tower of the Cardiff tower

Another area worth visiting is the Cardiff Bay (Bae Caerdydd). It is a regeneration area which utilises the docklands which has fallen into disuse. In a way, it does feel like the docklands area of London. If only the weather in Cardiff is nicer, I can see it turning into a 'Darling Harbour'.

This red brick and terracotta Pierhead building is the former HQ of Cardiff Railway Company, a.k.a. Bute Dock Company. It is very beautiful in person.

The Wales Millennium Centre (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru) is a new performing arts centre.