Cardiff - Culture

As capital of Wales, Cardiff is a truly international city. For the visitor - on holiday or on business - it offers a host of interests - entertainment, sport, art and culture. Cardiff also has a fascinating history, from its modest beginnings as a Roman fort 2,000 years ago through to its emergence this century as the dynamic and cosmopolitan capital of Wales. Cardiff was chosen to host the European Council Summit in June 1999 and was the proud host of the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Cardiff Castle is the most precious of all the jewels in the crown of this buzzing European Capital city. Sitting at its very heart, the Castle is its most famous landmark and focus for local pride.

However, like the City itself, this unique and varied site is truly cosmopolitan. Established almost 2,000 years ago as a fortress by the Romans, the walled site on the banks of the River Taff was chosen because of its excellent defensive qualities at the gateway of the Welsh Valleys. Then came the Normans in the 11^th and 12^th centuries, which developed the dramatic and imposing Keep. Indeed, it is from this bastion of strength that the name of the modern city unfolded - Caerdydd, as Cardiff is known in Welsh, comes from the word ‘caer’ meaning ‘fortress’.

The interior of the main house is an embodiment of the vision of the educated and travelled John Patrick Crichton Stuart, the Third Marquess of Bute. Employing the prolific art-architect William Burges, together they masterminded the creation of a series of neo-gothic and fairytale towers, influenced by the medieval castles of France, Germany and other European countries, which contain some of the most spectacular and elaborate rooms in Britain. Each chamber, with an eccentric and wonderful beauty, has a different theme, including Mediterranean gardens and North African and Arabian decoration.

It is fitting then, that Cardiff Castle should play host to international events of the highest quality and profile such as the gala dinner of the 1998 European Summit, to be attended by Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and European Heads of State.

As one of the region’s leading tourist attractions Cardiff Castle is visited by people from all around the globe. Guided tours reveal the secrets of the apartments, with the passage of time, nature, fairy stories, mythology and history all featuring in this medieval style fantasy. Look out for the delightful bell push between the teeth of a monkey and the Invisible Prince, but beware the demonic face, which guards the entrance to the Winter Smoking Room.

Whilst parrots, both painted and carved, feature throughout the house, the famous Castle peacocks, along with geese, ducks and unusual breeds of chickens, inhabit the grounds. They all wander freely and are particularly friendly towards those taking the opportunity to picnic within the tranquil haven of the green!

A climb to the top of the Keep is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views commanded across the City and beyond, and the chance to view part of the original Roman wall and to explore a military museum is included in a visit to Cardiff Castle. The museums of both the Queen’s Dragoon Guards and the Royal Regiment of Wales are within the walls of the Castle, and one or both are always open.

Although the memories of a visit to the Castle will be treasured forever, a visit to the quality gift shop at the main entrance can provide a more material memento of this truly splendid place, and the Castle’s tearooms, which serve light meals, feature several Welsh specialities.

CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE

The harbour at Cardiff experiences one of the world’s greatest tidal ranges: up to 14m. This has meant that at low tide, it has been inaccessible for up to 14   hours a day.  A barrage will eliminate the effect of the tide, which has acted as an inhibitor to development, releasing the potential of the capital city's greatest asset - its waterfront.

The construction of the barrage is one of the largest engineering projects currently underway in Europe.  Due for completion in 1998, it will create a 500 acre freshwater lake with 8 miles of waterfront and will stimulate the future development of the Bay as a tourist and leisure destination, as well as accelerating the inward investment potential of South Wales as a region.

(PIERHEAD BUILDING) ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS

The offices of Associated British Ports in Cardiff are based in the Pierhead Building. This distinctive building in the Bay area is famous for its carved brickwork.

PUBLIC ART IN THE BAY

Developers in Cardiff Bay are encouraged to contribute to public art in the area, this scheme has resulted in many various exhibits using many different materials from brickwork, steel, bronze and wood, many of the exhibits reflect Cardiff's maritime and industrial past.

COUNTY HALL

County Hall, the new home of local government is situated in Cardiff Bay on the western side of the former Bute East Dock. Most Departments of the county are housed within the award winning pagoda style building.

CITY HALL

The City Hall with its impressive clock tower is situated within the civic centre. The City hall once the main seat of Cardiff's local government may in the near future become the seat of the devolved Welsh Assembly. The City Hall was the host venue for the 1998 European Summit.

THE CIVIC CENTRE

The Civic Centre with its distinctive red coloured roads never fails to impress visitors to the city, it houses the Law Counts, Government Offices, Alexandra Gardens, City Hall, the University of Wales College Cardiff and the National Museum of Wales.

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

Forming part of the University of Wales, the college in Cardiff is one of the oldest and is situated in the civic centre.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES

The National Museum and Art Gallery of Wales is situated in the civic centre. It contains many art treasures and interesting exhibits the museum is open daily.

MUSEUM OF WELSH LIFE AT ST. FAGANS

One of the most remarkable museums in Europe, the Museum of Welsh Life is a delight - a living reminder of centuries of Welsh life.

Centred on St. Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan mansion, its magnificent grounds contain faithfully recreated examples of old buildings from all over Wales.   Many were transported and rebuilt stone by stone, and they include a chapel, a woollens mill, farmhouses and even a cockpit.  The Castle itself has hundreds of exhibits depicting life in Wales down the years.

THE NORWEGIAN CHURCH

The Norwegian Church, no longer a place of worship, has been restored to its former glory. It is situated in Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl the popular novelist, famed for "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" was baptised here. The building is now an art gallery/exhibition centre and also in its cafe a selection of “very nice” cakes is served. The Pierhead Building can be seen in the background of the photograph.

TECHNIQUEST

Museums have long since thrown off their hushed atmosphere and their ‘glass case’ image. The emphasis now is on a more imaginative, practical approach.

This concept is taken to its ultimate at Techniques. This is the ‘hands on’ approach to science with visitors able to see, and experience for themselves, how science works. Children especially love it and they can learn more in half a day here than in days in the classroom.