Although many countries around the world claim they have the most castles, Wales certainly has an outstanding collection, which are preserved through Cadw, their historic environment (cultural) service. Some of the best are located near Cardiff, the nation’s capital. The following video displays the first of these sights: Castell Coch, Wales’ Victorian fairy-tale castle.
To describe something as “fairy-tale” generally means it originates from a myth or a legend, “magical” and “make-believe.” In reality, Castell Coch fits the description well. It was built in a forest above the small village of Tongwynlais in 1081. The current design is 19th Century Gothic revival, with portcullis, gallery/courtyard, and towering peaks of steeples. During its redesign, all of the comforts of the Victorian age were added to its baths, bedrooms, and dining hall.
Uniquely, the interior decor invokes fantasies of childhood fairy tales in the style of Grimms. Birds, stars, butterflies, and animals adorn the walls, especially in the lady’s bedroom on its ceiling. In the banquet hall, painted scenes from Aesop’s Fables adorn the walls, and remind us of the moral and spiritual nature of the builders. No doubt they influenced dinner conversation as well!
Please enjoy this video from “once upon a time in a land, far, far away…” I hope you get to see it in person one day.