HARLECH, Wales — The view from the battlements of Harlech Castle, a 13th-century fortress built by Edward I on the northwest coast of Wales. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a commanding panorama of the surrounding landscape, including Tremadog Bay and the Snowdonia mountains, showcasing the strategic importance of its location in medieval times.
Photograph by David Coleman. The view from Harlech Castle's battlements offers a stunning panorama that highlights the fortress's strategic significance. Built between 1282 and 1289, the castle was positioned to control both the coastal plains and the mountain passes of Snowdonia. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the castle's defensive design. The crenellated walls and towers provided protection for archers while allowing them to fire upon potential attackers. The vista encompasses Tremadog Bay to the west, once much closer to the castle's walls, and the rugged peaks of Snowdonia to the east. The landscape visible from the battlements has changed little since medieval times, allowing modern observers to understand why Edward I chose this location. The commanding view over potential approaches by land or sea underscores Harlech's role in the "iron ring" of castles built to secure English control over Wales. Today, as part of the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd" UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harlech Castle continues to impress visitors with its architectural grandeur and the breathtaking views from its lofty position.
Size: 4258px × 2833px
Location: Harlech Castle, Harlech, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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