The Bahá'ís of Caerphilly
CAERPHILLY
Caerphilly is a district in the valleys of South Wales, situated between Cardiff, capital of Wales, to the south, and the scenic beauty of the hill range known as the Brecon Beacons to the north.
Perhaps its most spectacular
site is Caerphilly Castle, a magnificent structure first built
in the late 13th Century and covering over 30 acres. It was constructed by the
Norman noble Gilbert De Clare in order to subdue the Welsh and was successful
eventually, but not before the first castle was razed to the ground by Welsh
hero Llwellyn the Last. De Clare began building flooding a valley to achieve a
30 acre lake and then constructing islands within. The castle has everything
medieval that you could wish for: classic concentric design, high towers,
moats, banqueting hall, working replicas of siege engines and even a tower that
outleans Pisa. It was used as an authentic period set for the 1994 film
Restoration, starring Meg Ryan and Robert Downey Junior.
The name of the
district is from the Welsh Caerffili (Ffili's fort) - named for an
early settlement. Caerphilly is rich in scenic beauties and contains many
features worth visiting including Cwmcarn Forest and Llancaiach Fawr Manor. One
of the most modern and unusual is the Welsh International Climbing Centre in
Merthyr Tydfil, which boasts the world's largest indoor climbing wall.