Our journey through medieval Wales begins with three impressive castles that still inspire awe today with their power and architectural craftsmanship.

The first point on our map is the majestic Conwy Castle, a true jewel of medieval defensive architecture. Erected between 1283 and 1289 at the behest of King Edward I, this massive fortress still impresses today with its monumentality. Eight massive towers and 1.2 km long defensive walls make Conwy Castle one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe. Walking along the defensive walls, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the town and the Conwy estuary. Entrance to the castle costs about £11 for an adult (as of 2023), but the views and atmosphere of the place will certainly make up for this price.

The next point on our trip is Castell Cydweli, also known as Kidwelly Castle. Located in the picturesque county of Carmarthenshire, this Norman fortress was founded in 1106 and has played a key role in the defense of the region for centuries. The castle impresses with its austere, military-style architecture, while offering many charming corners perfect for a picnic or relaxation. Entrance to the castle costs about £4.20 (as of 2023), making it one of the more affordable attractions on our list.

The last castle in this section is the impressive Castell Rhaglan, or Raglan Castle. This late medieval mansion, built in the 15th century, combines elements of defensive architecture with the luxury typical of noble residences. The castle is famous for its imposing Great Tower, known as the Great Turtle Tower, and picturesque ruins, which create an unforgettable setting. An entrance ticket costs about £7.30 for an adult (as of 2023).

Each of these castles offers unique experiences and attractions. Conwy Castle stands out for its monumentality and panoramic views, Castell Cydweli impresses with its austere military character, and Castell Rhaglan impresses with its combination of defense and luxury. All three sites are family-friendly, offering space to explore and discover history. It's worth remembering, however, that due to their historic nature, not all parts of the castles may be easily accessible to those with limited mobility.

In this part of our journey through medieval Wales, we'll discover sites that combine the charm of picturesque ruins with breathtaking landscapes.

We begin with the mysterious Castell Dinas Brân, also known as the Castle of the Crows. Perched atop a steep hill above the town of Llangollen, this site offers not only the fascinating ruins of a medieval castle, but also spectacular views of the Dee River valley. Climbing the hill requires some effort, but you will be rewarded with unforgettable panoramas and the opportunity to explore the ruins of the castle, which has witnessed the turbulent history of Wales over the centuries. What's more, admission to the castle grounds is free, making it an attractive option for families traveling with children.

Our next destination is the majestic Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty. This impressive castle, founded in 1093, is one of the best preserved and largest in Wales. Pembroke Castle offers many attractions, including the opportunity to explore the dungeons, walk the ramparts or learn about the castle's history at an interactive visitor center. An entrance ticket costs about £7 for an adult (as of 2023), which, given the wealth of attractions, is good value for the price.

We end our journey through the picturesque landscapes of medieval Wales at Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Europe. This massive fortress, built by Edward I in the 13th century, is not only a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, but also a symbol of English domination in Wales. The castle is famous for its distinctive polygonal towers and massive walls, which still impress visitors today. Entrance to the castle costs around £11.40 for an adult (as of 2023), but the wealth of history and views it offers certainly makes up for the price.

When comparing the three sites, it's worth noting that each offers a unique experience. Castell Dinas Brân impresses with its wild landscape and romantic ruins, perfect for nature and photography lovers. Pembroke Castle is a great place for families with children, offering many interactive attractions and the opportunity to learn about history in an accessible way. Caernarfon Castle, on the other hand, is a real treat for lovers of military architecture and medieval history.

All three sites are open to the public for most of the year, but it's worth checking opening hours before visiting, especially during the winter season. Each also offers a variety of facilities for visitors, from souvenir stores to cafes, although the extent of these services can vary depending on the site and the season.

In the final part of our journey through medieval Wales, we will focus on a site that combines the sacred and the profane, offering an unforgettable spiritual and aesthetic experience.

Tintern Abbey, known in Poland as Tintern Abbey, is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Wales. This medieval Cistercian abbey, founded in 1131, impresses with its Gothic beauty and romantic atmosphere of ruins surrounded by the lush greenery of the Wye River valley. Although the abbey was dissolved in 1536 during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, its ruins still impress visitors today.

Tintern Abbey is not only an architectural monument, but also a place of extraordinary atmosphere that has inspired many artists and poets, including William Wordsworth. Walking through the ruins, one can admire the majestic Gothic arches, tall windows and carved details that have stood the test of time. Particularly impressive is the abbey's west window, which creates a magical play of light and shadow at sunset.

The abbey is open to the public year-round, and an admission ticket costs about £6.60 for an adult (as of 2023). This is a relatively small price to pay for the opportunity to interact with such a unique cultural heritage. It's worth noting that the area around the abbey is ideal for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, making the site attractive to families with children.

Comparing Tintern Abbey with the previously discussed castles, several aspects are worth noting. First of all, the abbey offers a completely different kind of experience - it is a place of contemplation and tranquility, in contrast to the military nature of castles. At the same time, like the castles, Tintern Abbey is a testament to the turbulent history of Wales, although it tells it from a different perspective.

In terms of accessibility, Tintern Abbey is relatively easy to visit, with well-maintained paths and information for tourists. However, due to its ruinous nature, some parts of the abbey may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.

To sum up our journey through medieval Wales, it's worth noting that each of the seven sites featured offers a unique experience and provides a look at the region's history from different perspectives. From mighty fortified castles to romantic hilltop ruins to a mystical abbey, each site has its own fascinating tale to share.

Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for inspiring places for a family trip, medieval Wales has much to offer. Each of the sites described is open to the public most of the year, although it's worth checking exact opening hours and ticket prices before planning a visit. Also keep in mind that many of these places offer discounts for families, seniors or students, which can significantly reduce the cost of your trip.

As you embark on a journey in the footsteps of medieval Wales, be prepared for an unforgettable experience, breathtaking views and a fascinating history lesson. Every stone, every ruin and every historic wall has its own story waiting to be discovered. Let the magic of medieval Wales enchant you and your family, leaving memories to last a lifetime.