We arrived to visit Caernarfon Castle on a rainy windy day. Nonetheless it was obvious why some rank Caernarfon as one of the finest castles ever built anywhere.

The castle sits defiantly on a peninsula bounded by the Menai Strait and banks of the River Seiont, a strategically excellent place to build a castle. Caernarfon with its castle-town was designed not only for defensive purposes of an important area but also to be the royal palace and administrative center for North Wales. It was a symbol of the king’s power over the Welsh.

Edward I ordered this castle to be built as one of his "Iron Ring" of castles and to serve as the powerful seat of English government in Wales. The construction began in 1283 and the first building phase was completed in 1285, however construction continued for another fifty years. The first English Prince of Wales, Edward’s son, was born at Caernarfon in 1284.

The castle is elongated in design and is often described as hourglass in shape. It’s most impressive view is from the south with the river flowing alongside of it. It has a series of polygonal towers joined by a long curtain wall. Its most impressive features are the Eagle tower at the west wall and the bands of color used in the walls. Today the south side view is a beautiful harbor with lovely yachts and boats rocking gently on the waves with the impressive castle dominating the skyline.

In 1969 the castle attained its place in modern history with the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales.