Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell y Gaer
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Castell y Gaer

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME053
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell y Gaer is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Meirionnydd, north Wales. The monument consists of a roughly circular or oval defensive enclosure defined by substantial earthen ramparts and associated ditches, typical of Iron Age hill fort construction in Wales. The site occupies a commanding position on elevated terrain, affording strategic views across the surrounding landscape. Though precise dating remains subject to archaeological interpretation, the monument is characteristic of Iron Age defensive settlements that served communities in this region during the later prehistoric period.

Castell y Gaer is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME053. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell y Gaer?

Castell y Gaer is a prehistoric hillfort situated in Meirionnydd, north Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME053.

What period does Castell y Gaer date from?

Castell y Gaer 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 y Gaer?

Castell y Gaer 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 ME053.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell y Gaer?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Allt Lwyd Bronze Age Ritual Complex (2.6 km), Waen Fach Standing Stone (4.2 km), Castell-Mawr (4.4 km).

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