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. Despite 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.
Great photos, I love old castle 🙂
This castle looks like a very interesting place to explore! Love the stone it is made of.
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.
I love that the castle is slightly crumbling, it just adds to its appeal. Great photos.
What a great castle to come across. One of the many things that makes traveling so wonderful — the unexpected!
Love the light! Very interesting castles in Norway!
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
@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!
Great shots Sophie. Looks like a fabulous place to explore.
Thanks for posting to Travel Photo Thursday.
The medieval food looks quite fresh for being several centuries old 🙂
I really like the second photo with the light coming in the window!
I have a thing for old ruined buildings. Factories, hospitals, castles: they all have a ton of personality when they’re falling apart!
Cast my vote for #2 as well — love that “glowing orb” effect!
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! 🙂
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.
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? 😉
Great castle! Nice pics.