Castles of Wales

Wales is often called the "Land of Castles" and rightly so, as it is home to some of Europe's finest surviving examples of medieval castle construction. Over the years I've visited and explored many of the region's famous and lesser-known castles, from mighty Chepstow in southeast Wales, to picturesque Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey, and charming Ewloe in the north.

Lovely Oxwich on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales is among a handful of Welsh medieval castles that were transformed during the Tudor era into mock fortified manor houses. The castle was built by the power Mansel family in the 16th century. Today there is much to explore at Oxwich. Although greatly ruined, the castle offers an intimate look into the lives of these later castles and their inhabitants, aided by a small visitor center and on-site exhibition. The castles of the Gower are often an afterthought with Welsh castle enthusiasts, however with the likes of Oystermouth, Weobley, Penrice, and Oxwich, the Gower Peninsula is certainly worth visiting for its outstanding beauty AND its castles.

Catherine Koranda

Last modified Feb 16, 2003