Welsh people are called. Open left menu Wales

The Principality of Wales is one of the four administrative parts of Great Britain. In ancient times, the commonwealth of the Celtic kingdoms was located on its territory. Architectural monuments of those times can still be found in Wales today.

Located in the south-west of Great Britain, the principality is distinguished by amazing picturesqueness and a mild, travel-friendly climate. characteristic feature Wales are also numerous medieval castles that appeared here in the XIII century during the establishment of English rule.

The tiny towns and villages of Wales retain the spirit of both medieval and Victorian England. Numerous national parks and gardens offer tourists the beauty of local nature and culture.

The mountain landscapes of the Principality allow for active sports such as rock climbing and mountain biking. Surfing and windsurfing are popular in the Gower Peninsula area. Popular in the UK, golf is also in demand in Wales, where there are over two hundred playing fields. Dance and song festivals are often held in the principality.

There are eighteen national restaurants in the capital of Wales - Cardiff. Local cuisine is represented by tender lamb, spicy cheeses and fresh seafood.

The best way to travel around Wales is by train. Old steam locomotives and narrow gauge trains allow you to see the Principality in all its landscape splendor.

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What to see in Wales?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.

The majestic dark pink castle of Powys, built in Wales about a thousand years ago, is famous throughout England not only for its ghost of the “Lady in Black”, but also for its picturesque garden, laid out in Italian style. Rock-cut terraces, hedgerows, moss-covered trees, Apple orchard and a tropical greenhouse make up a worthy setting for a medieval structure.

St. Davids Cathedral was founded in 1181. The architectural appearance of the building was formed over several centuries. In the 13th century, the Cathedral of St. David suffered significant damage after an earthquake, in the middle of the 14th century, an episcopal palace was added to it, and at the beginning of the 16th, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared.

Located on the two banks of the River Tuff, the city park of the capital of Wales - Cardiff was founded in 1873 as a garden area of the local castle, owned by the Marquesses of Bute. The main attractions of the park are the ruins of the monastery, the Lit mill and the local Arboretum. The recreation area is decorated with wooden, stone and metal sculptures.

The northern Welsh city with a population of fifteen thousand people is rich in historical sights. It contains the medieval castle of the same name, built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the monastery of Aberconwy, residential buildings of the 14th-16th centuries and the most little house England, measuring 3.05 x 1.8 meters.

Founded at the end of the 13th century at the base of the Kreydin peninsula, the city in the 60s of the 19th century received the status seaside resort. This was facilitated by a significant restructuring of Llandudno, carried out by the architect J. Felton. On the the best resort Wales, you can not only relax, but also visit the Museum of the history of the city, as well as plunge into the fairy tale about “Alice in Wonderland” that came out from here.

The original Italian-style village was created by architect C. Williams-Ellis on the site of a former foundry in the 1920s. Most of Portmeirion's buildings have an unusual 'folly' look. They mainly house hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

Founded in 1912, the Cardiff National Museum is integral part the larger National Museum of Wales, opened five years earlier. Museum collections, which include exhibits of an archaeological, botanical, geological and artistic nature, are located in the Cardiff Central Library building.

The Pontcysillte navigable aqueduct, located in northeast Wales, was built in early XIX century by engineer T. Telford. It was no coincidence that Walter Scott spoke of him as “the most beautiful work of art”: the grandiose structure is still the longest and highest aqueduct in all of Great Britain.

The picturesque Welsh Gulf of Rossili and the beach of the same name located within its borders is one of ten the best places recreation in the world. romantic rocks, the purest water, hospitable residents and unusual house for recreation, which was once the residence of the parish priest, make the stay here truly unforgettable.

The favorite vacation spot of Prince William and Duchess Catherine is located near the northwest coast of Wales. Anglesey is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The first people settled on the island nine thousand years ago. Traces of their stay in the form of stone monuments are still found on Anglesey today.

Built about two thousand years ago on the site of the ruins left from the ancient Roman fortress, the castle for a long time was used for urban needs - at the beginning as a fort, then as a judicial institution. Over time, Cardiff came into the use of the Marquesses of Bute. Today the castle houses the Historical and Archaeological Museum.

The two hundred and seventy-kilometer trail that runs along the Offa Wall, which has been the conditional border between Wales and England for about a thousand years, is an excellent entertainment for tourists who love hiking. It takes an average of eleven days to overcome it. The route runs through the picturesque Welsh landscapes.

Opened in 1948 on the grounds of St. Fagans Castle, the Cardiff Open Air Museum acquaints tourists with the cultural and architectural history of Wales from the time of the ancient Celts to the present day. Here you can see round Celtic houses and medieval chapels, the building of the classic English post office and the most ordinary pigsty.

Cape Great Orme rises above the city of Llandudno. You can climb it on a tram departing from the outskirts of the city; go down - by cable car or on foot. Cape Great Orme offers a picturesque view of the city embankment and the bay. On the hills there is the Museum of Local Lore and the Open Air Museum, formed on the basis of ancient mines.

One hundred lakes, ninety mountain peaks, a huge number of beaches and moorlands, located in the north of Wales, make up one huge Snowdonia National Park. The remains of Roman fortifications and medieval castles attract lovers of antiquity, mountain ranges and lakes - fans of outdoor activities.

Until the Second World War, Cardiff Harbor was used exclusively for industrial purposes- for the export of coal mined in the South Valley. In 1999, it was modernized and turned into an entertainment area, surrounded by a twelve-kilometer embankment with shopping malls, bars and restaurants. Water sports can be practiced in the waters of Cardiff Bay.

The Brecon Lighthouses is a unique national park that includes not only natural, but also architectural sights of Wales. On its territory, located on four mountain ranges, there are mountain rivers and waterfalls, forest valleys and moorlands, tiny cities and ancient villages, Bronze Age relics and Celtic menhirs.

Built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the castle was conceived as a symbol of English rule over Wales. Massive walls, built in the shape of an irregular figure eight, and polygonal towers were crowned with statues of eagles and contained multi-colored stripes. Only the outer parts of Carnarvon have survived to this day, only the foundation has remained of the internal components.

Located in the west of Wales, the National Park was opened in 1952. Today, on its territory, covered with wooded estuaries and rocky cliffs, there are several independent national and marine reserves. The beaches of Pembrokeshire Coast annually receive the most prestigious awards as the cleanest and most suitable for recreation.

The family residence of Lord Aberconway was surrounded by a chic garden back in 1875. Since 1949, the flowering area has been protected by the National Trust. The upper part of the Boudnat has the appearance of Italian terraces, the lower one consists of intricate paths and thickets of exotic and European fruit and berry plants and flowers.

The country of Wales is one of the constituent administrative-territorial units that make up the United British Kingdom. Located in the southwest of the English island. Most of its borders are adjacent to the sea: in the north, the state is washed by Ireland, in the southwest - by the Strait of St. George, in the south - by Bristol Bay. The length of the coastline of Wales is 1,200 km. In the east, the state borders on the counties of Gloucestershire, Cheshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. The population of Wales is 3 million people. total area- almost 21 thousand km². Wales in the Russian version was previously pronounced as Wallis. Therefore, the inhabitants of the country are still called Welsh.

Historical data

It is known that people have lived in this area since the last ice age. At the beginning of our era, the country of Wales was settled by Roman conquerors who developed gold mines here. After their departure, at the beginning of the 5th century A.D. e., the Britons created many independent kingdoms in this area. However, due to constant internecine wars, the divided areas were very quickly conquered by the Anglo-Saxons and Scots. It was not until the reign of King Henry VIII that the area became a unified kingdom, legally merging with the rest of Great Britain. Many people care: is Wales a separate country or not? In fact, it has never been an independent territory, but has always had a special status within the Kingdom.

In the XVIII century, Wales becomes the center of the industrial revolution. Found throughout the country largest deposits iron ore, hard coal, tin. During this period, more and more workers come here and become permanent residents of the country. The city of Cardiff has always been an important port, and in 1955 it receives the status of the capital. Currently, the settlement is the largest in the country.

Characteristic

The country of Wales stretches from north to south. Numerically, its length in this direction is 274 km, from east to west - 97 km. Most of the territory (about 70%) is occupied by Oni composed of volcanic and sedimentary rocks with wide ridges, which are deeply cut by river valleys. In the northwest, Wales is framed by the Snowdon mountain range. The main peak of the same name of this system is the highest point of the country (1085 m). The southern part is occupied by the Brecon Beacons ranges. In addition, 23% of the territory of Wales falls on land, most of which is occupied by pastures.

The mountainous nature of the country was taken as a basis for the study of geological periods and the foundations of paleontology. And it left a certain imprint. So, this moment influenced the name of the Paleozoic periods: Cambrian - according to the old name of Wales (Cambria), Silurian and Ordovician are named after the Celtic tribes living in the country.

Climatic features

Where is the country of Wales located and in what climate zone? Let's talk about this now. The climate is typical maritime, with warm mild winter and cool summers. In the west, Wales is not protected from the Atlantic winds, which often encroach on its territory. Average summer temperatures are +17°…+19°С, winter - +5°…+7°С. Frosts in the country are rare, as well as snow. Here is Wales, unique in its weather conditions.

What other country can boast such good weather, especially if we take the climate of Russia as a comparison? There is no stable snow cover. Precipitation falls in the form of rain and fog. And their number varies from west to east: from 1,200 to 700 mm/g. The climate in Wales is cooler than in the UK due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Division into administrative objects

According to the administrative-territorial division, the country is divided into 22 unitary districts. Of these, 9 regions have the status of counties, 10 - city-counties and 3 - city-city. The Local Government Act was adopted in 1994. Although the border between Wales and England has been agreed upon, it has not been officially established. The largest cities are Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor, Newport and St. Davis. Unlike other states, most of the country's population does not live in large settlements. The Welsh prefer to settle in small towns and small towns.

Government

The head of the government of Wales is the British monarch (currently Elizabeth II). The head of the Government of the Assembly is responsible for the executive power, while the legislative power belongs to the British Parliament. The executive bodies include the Welsh Government headed by the Prime Minister. It consists of 7 people. The main sectors of the economy are mining, black and non-ferrous metallurgy, oil production and processing. Agriculture and dairy farming are also developing.

The beauty of the country

Wales has always attracted travelers to its lands. There is something to see here. These are bewitching landscapes, ancient castles, small ancient cities with narrow streets and a special national flavor. Great Britain all harmoniously honors traditions and its history. But in the described country, this moment manifests itself most clearly.

National parks

The country of Wales has many natural national parks. They occupy one fifth of the territory. To the south is the Brecon Beacons. It received the status of a park in 1957. There are four mountain ranges, the Forrest Favre Geopark and the old trading town of Brecon on this territory.

In the north-west of the country there is another natural attraction. It's about about Snowdonia National Park. It covers the surrounding area of the highest point in Wales - the city of Snowdon. Most of the park is mountains. But there are also lands suitable for Agriculture. Snowdonia is a popular destination for hiking trails. Especially for this purpose, trains run through the territory, and bus routes are laid.

In the western part of Wales is the third national park - Pembrokeshire Coast. This area amazes with a variety of landscapes. Rocks approaching sandy beaches, cliffs, hilly peaks, coastal estuaries overgrown with grass - all this is an amazing local nature.

Addition to natural landscapes national parks are human buildings - ancient palaces and castles, small villages that have retained their original appearance. Unlike other national parks in the world, those located in Wales are not considered a remote area. Pastures, villages and even cities are located within their borders.

Those students who become familiar with this information will be able to accurately answer the question: "Is Wales a city or a country?" They will easily make interesting presentation or abstract. By giving only accurate and correct data about the state, you can get a good grade in school or college.

Useful information for tourists about Wales in the UK - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Wales is an administrative and political part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, along with the other three "historical provinces": England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Wales is located in the southwestern part of the island of Great Britain. The area is mostly mountainous, the highest point is Mount Snowdon (1085 m). Wales also includes about 50 offshore islands, the largest of which is Anglesey. There are three national parks in Wales at once: Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire coast. Largest cities: Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Wrexham.

archaeological finds evidence that people lived in Wales in the Stone Age. It was here that the oldest ritual burial in Western Europe- the so-called "Red Lady" (in fact, the skeleton belongs to a man), the age of the burial is 33,000 years.

The Brythonic tribes that inhabited the entire island and gave it the name Great Britain were incorporated into the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. The Romans founded only one city in Wales. After the departure of the Roman legions, independent kingdoms are formed, which are now forced to repel the invasions of the Germanic tribes of the Angles and Saxons, and later to resist the Norman conquest. In 1282 the English king Edward I subjugated Wales. Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion in 1412 ended in failure, and Owain went into hiding and was never caught.

It is curious that Cardiff was proclaimed the capital of Wales only in 1955, before that the capital of Wales did not exist.

There is a poem about the "Seven Wonders of Wales" - the main natural and man-made attractions. This is a waterfall on the Raadar River with a height of 73 m, Mount Snowdon - the highest point in Wales, and yews in the village of Overton - the age of the trees is from one and a half to two thousand years. Miracles created by human hands are the bell tower of the church of St. Giles in Wrexham, the bells of the Church of All Saints in Gresford, the bridge over the River Dee in Llangollen (1347) and the miraculous well of St. Winfrid.

The cultural heritage of Wales cannot be overestimated. Welsh, one of the few surviving living Celtic languages, is of great interest to linguists and philologists. Welsh literature and mythology, including the earliest Arthurian legends, is an essential part of world culture. In Wales, Welsh is the official language alongside English.

Landmarks of Wales. The most important and interesting sights of Wales - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

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Caernarvon Castle

Caernarvon Castle is quite worthy of being talked about only with the prefix "the most". This is the largest, most ancient, most majestic and one of the most significant castles in Great Britain and the most impregnable fortress of the Old World, which has a long history, full of events.

The most unesco

Harleck Castle

One of the most interesting castles in Wales from a historical and aesthetic point of view, without a doubt, can be called Harleck - gem in The Iron Ring of King Edward I. This castle, like several others, was built at the end of the 13th century with the aim of establishing dominance over the proud and implacable people of Wales.

Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Wales combines mountain peaks, cold castles, mining towns, wastelands and bright festivals. It is easy to get to this country - in a couple of hours you get from London. And here a land with a rich history opens up before you, the study of which can bring great pleasure.

Capital of Wales

Speaking about the sights of Cardiff - the capital of Wales - one cannot fail to note the following several places that are noteworthy from a tourist point of view. These, first of all, include Katey Park. It is located in the city center and has become popular for its sculptures and architectural structures. This park is a living testimony to the rich history of the country. It seems that it is wonderful in any weather - both on a clear and rainy day.

Football and rugby fans will appreciate the Millennium Stadium, which can accommodate more than 80,000 people. This object can be seen at a distance of several kilometers from the earth. Spectators can not be afraid of bad weather - retractable roof protects the stadium from rain.

The Welsh Assembly is part of new history country. There is an art center here, as well as several cafes and restaurants. The assembly houses the Welsh National Opera. One of the oldest buildings in the capital is the Church of John the Baptist. It was built in the 15th century and was destroyed several times almost to the ground. The church houses the relics of St. David, the patron saint of Wales.

Cardiff Castle, which once protected the city from enemies, is now a Victorian mansion. It contains several dozen rooms, each with its own design.

Cities of Wales

The cities of Wales cannot boast large population. Most often there are small settlements. However, this does not affect the infrastructure of cities - each of them has everything necessary for a full-fledged human life. From a tourist point of view, they are of great interest, because the history of this small country is concentrated here.

For example, you can get a closer look at Welsh life at the museum in St. Fagans. This is one of the most popular open-air museums in Europe. It tells about the life of the inhabitants of Wales, traditions, culture. On the large territory of the castle of St. Fagans there are original buildings that were brought from all over the country.

Not far from the city of Blaenafon is a mine museum. Once Big Pit ("Big Pit") gave the country coal, and today it has become a historical exhibit. Together with former miners, you can go on a journey through the dungeon and find out if it is easy to mine coal in Wales.

Swansea's Gower Peninsula is one big attraction. Surfers are crazy about the local coastline, and tourists love to explore the picturesque caves. In general, Gover was created for family vacation and picnics. Here life is against the backdrop of green fields and sandy beaches flows lazily, slowly and a little carelessly.

Among the interesting places in different cities of Wales, one can also highlight the wool museum in Carmarthenshire, the slate museum in Llanberis, the Roman legionary museum in Caerleon, the Waterfront National Museum in Swansea.

Castles of Wales

The castles of Wales are an important part of the history of the country. A rare city 8-10 centuries ago could afford the luxury of living without a castle and without a fortress. They were not only protection from the enemy, but also a kind of beacons that helped travelers.

For example, the castle of Beaumaris is well preserved for 8 centuries, because it practically did not participate in battles. Translated from French, its name means "Beautiful swamp." Is it really so beautiful, the inhabitants of the island of Anglesey probably know. Beaumaris is one of the historical monuments of Wales and is protected by UNESCO.

Swansea's Gower Peninsula is one big attraction. Surfers are crazy about the local coastline, and tourists love to explore the picturesque caves.

Cardiff Castle has earned worldwide recognition due to its long and rich history, which lasts for almost 2 thousand years. It is located in the center of the capital of Wales and more than once passed from one noble family to another. In the 19th century, the castle turned into luxurious apartments with unique interiors, wood carvings, marble, frescoes and gilding. Each room has its own unique style.

Caerphilly Castle is considered one of the greatest castles of the Middle Ages. Its huge walls were reliable protection from the enemy and the water element. For its time, the castle was a revolutionary building. Another uniqueness of the building lies in the fact that the castle is made in a single architectural style. The builders did without lurid heaps and did their job in a way that no one did in the 13th century.

Another unique building is Conway Castle, which is part of the so-called "iron ring" - eight fortresses that defended Wales during the time of Edward I. It was built on a rocky ledge near the Conway River. Until the beginning of the 19th century, access to it was difficult. But then bridges were built to the castle, through which now the fortress can be reached by car or train. Also, do not forget about the amazing Caernarvon Castle, it is a must to visit.

Lakes of Wales

Wales is famous for its unusual, beautiful nature. It's no joke, almost a quarter of the country's territory is occupied by Snowdonia National Park. Lakes are one of the features of Wales, they play a big role in the life of the country.

So, one of the largest lakes in Great Britain - Bala is located in the country. Its area reaches 5 square kilometers, depth - 42 meters. Bala is a popular tourist attraction. Fishermen love the lake for a good catch of carp, perch, trout and pike.

Another unique building is Conway Castle, which is part of the so-called "iron ring" - eight fortresses that defended Wales during the time of Edward I.

In the south of Wales in the Cynon Valley is Lake Llyn Vaur. They started talking about it after archaeologists found objects of the Iron and Bronze Ages here. At the beginning of the 20th century, the lake began to be used as a reservoir, and historians continue to look for iron swords, spears, sickles and other iron on the banks, which will help to better understand the history of the country.

Another favorite lake for archaeologists is Llyn Kerrig Bach, located in the northwest of Anglesey. Here, too, things were found from the Iron Age, as well as from the era of Claudius's invasion of Britain. Full-fledged excavations are hindered by the fact that the lake is located on the territory of the air base. Naturally, no one is allowed near him.

Mountains of Wales

The Welsh Mountains date back to the Ice Age. They occupy most of the area of the country. There are three mountainous regions in Wales: the Brecon Beacons (south), Snowdonia (northwest) and the Cambrian (center). Most high mountains- in Snowdonia. For excursions, tourists choose the highest point in the country - Snowdon, which goes into the clouds at 1085 meters.

The Cambrian Mountains are a chain that separates Wales from England. They stretched for 150 kilometers. These are wild places, which, nevertheless, supply almost the entire country with water.

In the south-east of Wales, the Black Mountains are a chain of hills. They stretch from Monmouthshire to Herefordshire. The height of the mountains above sea level is more than 800 meters.

Brief information about the country: Wales

Wales - one of the four main administrative and political parts of Great Britain, in the past a conglomerate of independent Celtic kingdoms.

Wales located in the southwest of the UK.

Capital - Cardiff

State structure

Since Wales is part of the UK, its head is the monarch of the United Kingdom. Legislature divided between the London Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.

"Country of Friends" so the English call the land, which is famous for the abundance of beautiful old churches, vast green valleys and vast desert spaces, on which gloomy mountains are located. The Welsh call this area Cymru, while the British call it Wales. This is the only area in the whole of the UK where signs on shops, offices and public buildings, as well as road signs - made in two languages.

Flag of Wales
The modern flag of Wales is a panel painted white and in green, which depicts a red dragon. Although this flag was legally adopted in 1959, the red dragon has been directly associated with Wales since the days of the Roman Empire. Green and White color are also associated with Wales since the Middle Ages, because even under the reign of Henry VIII Tudor, all the troops acting under the Welsh auspices were dressed in a white and green uniform.

Coat of arms of Wales

In the Principality of Wales, there is no legislatively approved national coat of arms - its role is played by the royal badge of Wales, which since 2008 has been the official highest heraldic symbol. This peculiar coat of arms is used by the Welsh National Assembly to certify legislative acts. The royal badge of the principality consists of a shield divided into fields, on each of which a lion walks, with blue claws and a tongue; two lions are on golden fields, two on red ones.

Symbol of Wales

The yellow daffodil has been called the flower symbol of Wales since the 19th century, and this happened because the word "cenhinen" can be translated as both narcissus and leek. And since there are a great many yellow daffodils in Wales in spring, that is probably why the daffodil has become another equally beloved and revered symbol of Wales.

Anthem of Wales "Land of my fathers"

Essential facts about Wales

Wales attracts tourists with the richness and diversity of its nature.
Along with English, the people of Wales also speak their own Gaelic or Welsh language.
The Welsh make up about a third of the population of Wales and take care of their language: the press is published in the country, books are printed, TV presenters speak.
The summer festival of poetry and music "Eisteddfod" is held annually.

The early history of Wales was created by the Celts, who arrived in this territory as early as the 1st century BC. Here was one of the main centers of the druids. Today, the territory of Wales boasts more than 150 monuments of Celtic culture, sacred graves and places of worship from those ancient times.

The Celts never built temples. Rites were held in secret places where large stone circles were built. The Celts have long had a developed economy and technology, they mined iron ore and used tools that are used by modern blacksmiths. The Celts minted their money. The ancient Celtic society was divided into estates: priests, warriors and tillers. The king ruled everything. The property of the king, at the same time, was public property.