Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Olwen
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Castell Olwen

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD161
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell Olwen is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Ceredigion, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Cadw SAM CD161). The fort dates to the Iron Age and represents a significant example of defended settlement architecture from this period. The site comprises an oval or circular enclosure defined by a substantial earthwork comprising one or more banks and ditches, typical of the hillfort tradition characteristic of Iron Age Wales. Such fortified hilltops served defensive and possibly administrative functions, controlling local territories and trade routes during the pre-Roman iron working period.

Castell Olwen is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD161. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Olwen?

Castell Olwen is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Ceredigion, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Cadw SAM CD161). It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD161.

What period does Castell Olwen date from?

Castell Olwen dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a hillfort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Olwen?

Castell Olwen 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 CD161.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Olwen?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Lampeter Pillbox (1.5 km), Caer Pencarreg (5.1 km), Llanwnnen Ring Motte (5.1 km).

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