Wales‘ largest castle, Caerphilly Castle, is reopening to visitors this weekend following two years of conservation and refurbishment work.
Constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century, Caerphilly Castle reopens on 19 July with a renovated Great Hall and inner castle ward, as well as new digital exhibits.
The Great Hall’s refurbishment was carried out by a team of specialists, including stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts.
Renovations to Wales’ largest castle
In the updated space, guests will be transported back to the 1320s for a royal feast with medieval decor and digital enhancements.
As for Caerphilly Castle‘s new interactive exhibits, these tell the stories of the building itself, and of the men, women and children who lived in it over the centuries.
In addition, the medieval water-gate passageway connecting the Great Hall to the southern lake has been conserved and made accessible to the public.
Major repairs have also been made to the Inner East Gatehouse, and accessibility has been improved across the site.
More than £8 million has been invested into Caerphilly Castle’s redevelopment.
Jack Sargeant, Wales’ culture minister, said the £8m investment “has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone”.
He added, “The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales’ rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.”
New digital exhibits
Wales’ housing secretary Jayne Bryant said the project “isn’t simply about restoring ancient stones – it’s about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies”.
She added, “The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years, and through this sensitive restoration, we’re ensuring it remains at the heart of the town’s identity for generations to come.”
In more news, Raby Castle in County Durham has seen a 71 percent increase in visitor numbers after last year’s opening of it restoration project.
Images courtesy of Caerphilly Castle
