Heading from Hay-on-Wye towards Cardiff, we’re again sidetracked. Driving along A479 in the Welsh national park Brecon Beacons, we suddenly spot the ruins of an ancient castle. Despte the bright day, it looks foreboding, eerie. Naturally, we have to stop and investigate.
Tretower Castle
Inside, it looks a little brighter:
Tretower Court and Castle comprise the dark 12th century castle and the much more pleasant late medieval court residence. Side by side. At the foot of the Black Mountains, they look arresting.
However, what makes this site especially interesting is how the two reflect a change in attitude over the centuries – a shift in focus from war to more peaceful times.
Inside Tretower Court is displayed examples of medieval food. Luckily, some things never change.
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Great photos, I love old castle
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day- Naoya Urata feat Ayumi Hamasaki – Dream on
This castle looks like a very interesting place to explore! Love the stone it is made of.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Rhine Falls – Europe’s Biggest
Love the light coming through the old castle window, so ethereal.
Not sure what I was expecting, but that medieval food looks like what I eat today.
The Travel Chica recently posted..My Daily Toilet Paper Allowance and More Bazaar Rules
I love that the castle is slightly crumbling, it just adds to its appeal. Great photos.
Laurel recently posted..Plansee Photo
What a great castle to come across. One of the many things that makes traveling so wonderful — the unexpected!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Half Moon Bay Getaway
Love the light! Very interesting castles in Norway!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..A day in the lives of Scottish Games professional athletes
Ahhhh, us Brits did a decent castle in years gone by. Something beautiful and eerie about those Welsh castles. Is that anywhere near Treforest (or am I just linking the words badly)?
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..A Farewell To MeisFor Now
@Julia – I know, the Welsh castles look wilder somehow. Very cool. I think Treforest is a but further south, nearer Cardiff. Quite a few towns in Wales begin with tre. In Cornwall, too, now that I think of it.
Very cool photos! That “medieval” food looks yummy even today!
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday- Ávila- Spain
Great shots Sophie. Looks like a fabulous place to explore.
Thanks for posting to Travel Photo Thursday.
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday- May 26- 2011- Smiles to Warm Your Heart on Mabul Island- Borneo
The medieval food looks quite fresh for being several centuries old
I really like the second photo with the light coming in the window!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..A Fertility Restaurant in Sicily
I have a thing for old ruined buildings. Factories, hospitals, castles: they all have a ton of personality when they’re falling apart!
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Daily Travel Photo- Volcano Concepcion Sunset
Cast my vote for #2 as well — love that “glowing orb” effect!
Raymond @manonthelam recently posted..Travel Photo of the Week — Try Peruvian Cuisine
I love the view from the inside! Great shot!
Love the castles over your way. They are so, um, European-looking !
Love the photos! Castles are awesome!
Lauren recently posted..A Private Tour of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN
Love castles – they’re built strong and have a lot of character. The food looks simple but fresh, which we call can benefit from especially these days.
I love castles and this one certainly sparks the imagination.
Leigh recently posted..Fabulous Friday Finds – May 27th- 2011
I love the Brecon Beacons but haven’t seen this place. Like the last photo – cool perspective
Yumm, medieval food — veggies and bread! Did you get to taste it?
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Pole- Pedal- Paddle
Great castle! Nice pics.