Further along the coast, Caernarvon Castle is notable for its unusual eight-sided towers with their distinctive bands of colored stone; the builders were probably influenced by buildings they saw on recent travels to exotic Constantinople (now called Istanbul). Caernarvon was also originally intended to be a seat of power, as well as the ultimate symbol of English superiority; hence its rather majestic appearance.
Caernarvon is best known for being the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969, and there is a small exhibit on the ceremony in one of the towers. You can still see the Royal dais in the upper ward of the castle. There are also small but fascinating exhibitions on famous British battles and the history of weapons, which help make the past come alive.
Despite its somewhat less rugged appearance, Caernarvon castle also had formidable defenses, with walls measuring 20 feet thick, and two gateways defended by strong gatehouses. A rather clever feature at Caernarvon is angled entryways so if intruders ever breached the castle, they could not use their shields effectively as defense.
Harlech and Criccieth
Harlech and Criccieth have settings almost as spectacular as Conway. Both are perched on hilltops above their respective towns – it isn’t difficult as you approach these castles to see that their settings were carefully and strategically chosen. The highlight at Criccieth is the huge twin-towered and massive gatehouse which looms over you as you climb the rather steep hill up to the entrance. Unfortunately, much of the interior of Criccieth is a ruin and not much remains except the shells of various rooms.
Harlech’s setting almost rivals that of Conway, although since its construction, the tide has permanently gone out, leaving Harlech watching over miles of sand dunes and the nearby golf course. The defensive features are as impressive as any other castle – apart from its strategic position on top of the hill, the main entrance was protected by no less than 3 portcullises. Harlech is best known for a song – the rousing march “Men of Harlech” was supposedly written after a siege of the castle by the house of Lancaster during England’s War of the Roses.