Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Dolbadarn
Medieval · Castle

Castell Dolbadarn

Conwy, Wales
Cadw SAM CN066
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Dolbadarn is a medieval castle occupying a prominent hilltop position in the Llanberis Pass, within the modern county of Conwy in north Wales. Built in the early thirteenth century, likely during the reign of Llywelyn the Great, the castle served as a stronghold of the native Welsh princes and demonstrates the military architecture of the Gwynedd dynasty. The surviving structure comprises a substantial circular stone tower, known as a round keep, which dominates the site and reflects both Welsh and Norman-influenced defensive design. The castle was gradually abandoned following the English conquest of Wales under Edward I, with the tower remaining as a conspicuous landmark and testament to medieval Welsh princely power in Snowdonia.

Castell Dolbadarn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CN066. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Dolbadarn?

Castell Dolbadarn is a medieval castle occupying a prominent hilltop position in the Llanberis Pass, within the modern county of Conwy in north Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CN066.

What period does Castell Dolbadarn date from?

Castell Dolbadarn dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Dolbadarn?

Castell Dolbadarn is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is CN066.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Dolbadarn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cwm Brwynog Deserted Rural Settlement (3.1 km), Ystrad Rural Settlement (4.7 km), Craig Cwmbychan cairn (6.1 km).

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