A tour around the key landmarks of Cardiff city
United Kingdom - Wales -
Cardiff is the largest city in Wales and ranks eleventh in the United Kingdom. It serves as a major commercial centre and an important hub for most cultural, national, and media institutions. Therefore, it is considered a distinctive media and tourist destination. In this article, we will present the top landmarks in Cardiff.
1: Cardiff Castle
Located atop a Roman fort, Cardiff Castle is surrounded by a vast, picturesque garden, making it one of the most important and oldest historical castles in Cardiff and a unique attraction for visitors. The interior of Cardiff Castle is divided into several rooms showcasing ancient exhibits representing their respective historical periods. It also features the ancient Roman style that influences its tourism and cultural value.
2: The National Museum in Cardiff
The National Museum, located in Cathays Park in Cardiff, is distinguished as both an art gallery and a museum, making it one of the most valuable cultural destinations in the city. It houses a massive collection of unique and prestigious art, representing rich and diverse collections across various sciences such as geology and history. It showcases a treasure trove of crystalline samples, samples of whales washed ashore, and presents a journey through time from Welsh history, starting with a simulation of the Big Bang theory and ending at the Ice Age.
3: Cardiff Bay
It is the most visited tourist destination, originally serving as a coal export station since the 1980s, evolving into a prominent entertainment destination and a notable tourist attraction. It has become a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering various water activities such as walking and running along the waterfront.
4: Norwegian Church Art Centre
The Norwegian Church Art Centre is one of the largest buildings in the Cardiff Bay area, serving as both a cultural and historical destination. Situated within the Norwegian Church, which was built to serve Norwegian immigrants in Cardiff, the centre boasts an excellent view of the Bay Coast. It has been restored following fires that previously damaged it.
5: Llandaff Cathedral
Llandaff Cathedral is one of the prominent religious and historical landmarks in Cardiff, housing beautiful sculptures and stained glass windows that reflect religious and historical narratives. Visitors can explore the sacred shrines and spacious interior halls, enjoying the tranquility and serenity within, as it serves as a center for worship and religious life in the area, hosting prayers and various religious events. Besides its religious significance, it is also a famous tourist site where visitors can enjoy guided tours to explore the cathedral's history and magnificent architecture.
6: The Wall of Animals
If you wish to see various animal species in the form of sculptures, then the Wall of Animals will fulfill your desire. Created in 1890 as part of the city's renovations and enhancements, it includes animal sculptures such as American lions, bears, gorillas, hyenas, camels, monkeys, horses, cobras, and many others. The sculptures are carefully designed to depict the animals' details and movements realistically. The Wall of Animals in Cardiff has become part of the city's identity and a beloved and famous tourist attraction, making it a distinctive tourist destination and landmark in Cardiff.
7: City Hall
City Hall is considered the most attractive historical site in Cardiff, serving as the centre for local government. It has been classified among the most significant historical and heritage destinations, showcasing Edwardian Baroque architecture. The hall includes a clock tower that stands nearly 59 metres tall, housing the clock and four other bells engraved with English inscriptions.
Not only does the square of City Hall contain the clock tower, but it also features a fountain, a pool, and two commemorative monuments, making it a distinctive destination with a unique character as well.
