The first task for the class was for us to divide in groups and walk around the city to get to know each other better and discover Cardiff’s beauties. We firstly choose Cardiff’s Symbol: The Castle.
Once you arrive in Cardiff, the first thing to catch your attention is the Castle which is located right in the city center at the entrance of a huge park, Bute Park. The fortification was originally built late 11th century then rebuilt and adjusted in time to become as we see it now. Cardiff Castle has been involved in several conflicts during history, the last one during the Second World War when its outer walls became an air raid shelters (structures for the protection of non-combatants as well as combatants against enemy attacks from the air – Wikipedia). In 1766 the Castle was handed to the Bute family who gave it in tribute to the city of Cardiff in 1947. At first it hosted the National College of Music and Drama and from 1974 became Wales’ most popular attraction. Right next to the Castle there is a ‘taxi boat’ that goes from Bute Park till the heart of Cardiff Bay guiding tourists and locals through the famous River Taff of the Welsh Capital.
A first visit to the Castle it’s certainly recommended, better if accompanied with the audio guide. The most curious and unexpected spectacle were the tunnels inside the outer walls, not immediately recognizable. These were used as well for refugee during the Second World War for the people of Cardiff. At the sound of the sirens up to 1800 people could fastly access the cold and wet tunnels which provided kitchens, toilets, first aid posts and dormitories but people had to bring their own sheets and blankets from home.
Like all suggestive and historical places, Cardiff Castle it’s a cauldron of inspiration for artists and mostly for surface designers where they can see motifs in the most unexpected places. 🙂