Top architectural sightseeing and landmarks of Cardiff - ideas on city exploration routes

Cardiff Castle Pierhead Building, Llandaff Cathedral, Castell Coch , and Wales Millennium Centre are the architectural landmarks, the names of which always remind you the words 'Cardiff' and 'Great Britain'. And this is natural, since these prominent landmarks are the ones that shape the historical and architectural look of Cardiff. Let’s look at these landmarks from high above, namely, from a bird’s eye view – click the video and make a flight over the architectural ensemble of Cardiff. In the main article, you can also read the most interesting facts about every famous landmark of Cardiff.

Pierhead Building, Cardiff

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The red-brick building is located on the embankment of the bay.
»  The kiln construction of the building is extraordinary, as pipes with different diameters are installed in each other. The edge of the roof is decorated with carved edging. Stone ledges of gutters from where rainwater flows down are sculptural.
»  The unusual facade is decorated with sculptures of big snakes with wings.
»  The Pierhead Building was built in 1897. There is the main office of the railway company. You can see its emblem on the facade.
»  The clock tower is also very impressive. The citizens call it “Our Big Ben”. The clock with a history of a hundred years was sold to the American collector of antique pieces. It was replaced by an electric device but was installed on the tower again in 2005.
»  Nowadays, it serves as the Museum of the Welsh Annals. Wales is translated as “the country of strangers”. Exhibits of the exhibition, films, and studies will tell you about the formation and development of the land from the Neolithic Age to these days. Iron ore and coal production expedited the formation of Cardiff as one of the perspective ports in the world.
»  Contemporary art exhibitions are often organized here. The construction is owned by the legislative body of Wales.

Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The cult construction is named after the place where it is located. In it, there is the headquarters of the city diocese.
»  The church was built on the plateau many years ago. It is proved by the Celtic Cross found here. There was a shelter even before the Normans (people of the North) had come here.
»  The temple was built in the 12th century. Then, the tower with a cone spire was constructed near it.
»  The Anglican building was reconstructed in the 50s of the last century. Original windows were replaced by stained glass.
»  Before, the building was damaged by the falling shell during the Second World War.
»  The opening ceremony in 1960 was visited by the Queen.
»  Many people come here to listen to the updated organ. The old one was affected by lightning. According to some data, the new musical instrument cost £1.5 million.
»  In the House of God, there is a chapel with 12 bells sounding differently.
»  Llandaff Cathedral is also famous for men and maidens’ choir.
»  The interior of Llandaff Cathedral attracts with a concrete arch with the aluminum figurine of Christ.
»  Near the cathedral, there is an outbuilding, an aisle named after the Mother of God. There is also an altar and a desk for services.

Castell Coch , Cardiff

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The red castle resembles a fantasy building with its architecture combining different styles, Victorian and Gothic.
»  The oval construction has several round towers of different height. The unusual house is located on the hilltop. It has thick fortification walls. The patterned roof contrasts with outbuildings.
»  To enter the castle, you can cross the lift bridge. The entrance is protected with a movable grille.
»  The stone building was last rebuilt in the late 19th century. The architect reconstructed the medieval castle.
»  Castell Coch (translated as “red”) was built at the site of the former fortress of the 13th century.
»  You should visit the Red Castle to feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. In the audience hall that belonged to the noble family, there is the wonderful collection of picturesque canvasses and antique items. In the living room, there is a fireplace made by a famous master.
»  The former owner almost did not live in the new house although it made significant investments in its reconstruction. The Marquis passed his property to the state.
»  The building is very attractive and appeared in many fantastic films due to its picturesque landscape.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The art center is a concert hall for theatrical performances, concerts, entertainment events, art exhibitions, and ballet premiers. The cultural complex includes 9 buildings.
»  The first stone was laid in 2002. The complex has a total area of 2 hectares. The theatre accommodates almost 2 000 visitors.
»  You can see the inscription of the Welsh poetess above the main entrance. She calls for spectators to promote truth and find inspiration.
»  There are two additional small halls, shopping malls, boutiques, and cafes. The Wales Millennium Centre has its own National Opera and orchestra.
»  It has been built in modern style. The stone facade of natural materials is made of blocks of mineral pieces. Shining wall panels of shale attract tourists’ attention with different colors. 2.5 thousand tons of laminate was used for the centre.
»  The complex is located on the embankment of the bay. It is called “The Armadillo” for its unusual design.
»  Also, the Millennium Centre got into the shot of the series.

Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The Cardiff City Stadium is smaller than the Millennium Stadium.
»  Up to 30 thousand sports fans can watch the action here at one time.
»  The size of the hybrid area is 104x66 m. The field is not heated and there are no running tracks.
»  Football and rugby players train on the arena.
»  The modern sports ground was opened in 2009. The complex has been built for 2 years. The construction of the Cardiff City Stadium cost €55 million.
»  Cardiff City played against Celtic in honor of its opening.
»  According to the decision of the club management, its symbols have been painted red again (in 2015).
»  The sports complex has a modern infrastructure. There are hotels, shops and convenient road junctions for vehicles. According to specialists and fans’ assessments, Cardiff City leads the top 10 stadiums with the highest attendance.
»  There is the memorial in honor of the famous Welsh footballer and coach Fred Keenor. Due to his merits, Welsh sportsmen played the English Cup without defeats for the first time. The sculpture depicts the coach holding the award.
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Build your walking routes in Cardiff on the landmark map

More to see in Cardiff
Start your observation of the city from visiting Castell Coch, which is known as the most prominent monument of the Victorian era. The beautiful building looks like an illustration of a children’s fairy tale. The castle built on a large hill can be safely called the most spectacular architectural landmark of Cardiff. Quite a notable fact - the first fortification on the site of the castle was built yet in the 9th century. Later the old castle was completely destroyed, and the ruins of the predecessor were the main building material in construction of a new fortress. LLandaff Cathedral is another interesting and mystical attraction. This church was built in the beginning of the 12th century. Curious travellers will hear many interesting legends connected with this beautiful religious monument. It is believed that ghosts live in it. After inspection of this grand building thrill seekers are welcome to participate in the so-called “Ghost tour”, during which they will visit the parts of the cathedral, where ghosts are seen most often. The administrative center of the city is the most attractive place for walking. The territory of the quarter is the location of several important excursion objects. This is the location of beautiful Alexandra Park that also houses the memorial opened after the end of World War II, the House of Justice and National Museum. The building of the town hall is another interesting architectural monument. A huge dome of the building is visible … Read further

Architectural landmarks in the regions around Cardiff

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