Bryn-Y-Ddafad : Places to Visit : Cardiff City Centre
The Romans invaded Britain in AD43 and the capital takes its name from the Roman general Aulus Didius, Caer Didi (Fort of Didius).
In the 20th Centuary Cardiff became the biggest coal exporting port in the world. At at its peak in 1913 more than 13 Million tons left here. In 1955 it was proclaimed the capital of Wales.
West of Cardiff don't miss!
Museum of Welsh Life
One of the most highly acclaimed visitor attractions in Wales. More of a village chronicling the story of Wales than a museum where over forty buildings from across Wales have been rebuilt to create a fascinating record of Welsh daily life throughout history. The stunning castle is an Elizabethan Manor with its exquisitely restored gardens gives a taste of how the other half lived.
www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans/
Llandaff Cathedral
Three Celtic missionaries who sailed up the river Taff established Llandaff Cathedral the first religious community here 1400 years ago. The present Cathedral built in 19th C, was partly destroyed by a wartime air raid in 1941, now rebuilt the interior is dominated by Epstein's modernist controversial sculpture, Christ in Majesty.
In the city centre don't miss!
National Museum & Gallery
The museum houses the largest collection of impressionist paintings in Europe outside Paris, along with the best Welsh art, and world-class collections of everything from archaeology to zoology.
Free entry, closed on Mondays
Cardiff Castle
Featured in 'Britain's Best Buildings', the castle's history spans 2000 years dating from the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century. It was rebuilt after Norman Conquest when the 12th century Norman keep was added which now affords magnificent views across the city. From 1865 John the 3rd Marquis of Bute (reputedly the richest man in the world) employed the genius architect William Burgess to transform the castle lodgings.
Within Gothic towers he created lavish &opulent interiors rich with murals, stained glass, marble gilding and elaborate woodcarvings. Other points of interest are the regimental museums and the famous animal wall. Discover Bute Park, the extensive grounds of the Castle and the many ancient trees where peacocks, ducks and geese wander freely.
Open all Year
www.cardiffcastle.com
Other city centre attractions
Guide Friday Tours
Take in the sights from an open-topped double-decker bus.
City Hall, Cathays Park
Completed in 1906 - centrepiece of a magnificent collection of Edwardian buildings built in Portland stone & set around a haven of formal gardens
Millennium Stadium
Built to host 1999 Rugby World Cup Final.
Tours are available
St. John's Church
First built as an independent chapel inside city walls in the 12th C until 1404 when rebuilt it became Cardiff's parish church. The handsome building with its 132ft tower built in 1473 and peal of ten bells is an eloquent reminder of its part in the history of the city.