Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Dolwyddelan
Medieval · Castle

Castell Dolwyddelan

Conwy, Wales
Cadw SAM CN040
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Dolwyddelan is a medieval stone castle occupying a commanding hilltop position in the Conwy valley in north Wales. The castle was constructed in the early thirteenth century, likely under Llywelyn the Great, as a stronghold to control the mountain passes and assert Welsh princely authority in Snowdonia. The structure comprises a substantial four-storey rectangular keep built in local stone, which remains largely intact, alongside fragmentary outer defensive works. The castle's strategic location and architectural form reflect its primary function as a defensive and administrative centre for the native Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd during the High Medieval period.

Castell Dolwyddelan is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CN040. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Dolwyddelan?

Castell Dolwyddelan is a medieval stone castle occupying a commanding hilltop position in the Conwy valley in north Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CN040.

What period does Castell Dolwyddelan date from?

Castell Dolwyddelan 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 Dolwyddelan?

Castell Dolwyddelan 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 CN040.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Dolwyddelan?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rhiwbach Quarry, Tramway and Incline System (5.7 km), Diffwys Quarry (6.4 km), Oakeley Quarry Tips (6.5 km).

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