Cilgerran Castle

In the midst of tranquil Welsh countryside, the River Teifi rushes into a dramatic gorge. Above the gorge, dense woodland clambers to a high bluff and above the treetops perch the romantic ruins of Cilgerran Castle.

The poetic setting has inspired many artists, not least Turner whose evocative painting hangs in the Tate. Romance is in the air of Cilgerran. In 1109 it led to the abduction of 'Nest', Wales' very own Helen of Troy, by a besotted son of the Prince of Powys.

The building that stands today dates from the 13th Century and the major re-development of Cilgerran Castle by the Norman Baron, William Marshall the Younger. His plans included twin round towers, which still rear skywards and mark out Cilgerran against more common, single-towered medieval castles. The towers have largely survived the passing of time, as have many of the walls, and visitors can enjoy the panorama of the Teifi valley from a wall-walk. Sadly, the Marshall family line died out in 1389 and Cilgerran Castle speedily became uninhabited and uninhabitable. However, it's position, solid and serene above the river gorge, has ensured these noble ruins suffer no shortage of admirers.

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