02/14/2026
Wales had around 60 medieval monastic foundations (abbeys, priories, and monasteries) before they were dissolved under Henry VIII between 1536–1540.
Wales had around 60 medieval monastic foundations (abbeys, priories, and monasteries) before they were dissolved under Henry VIII between 1536–1540.
Castles of Wales
Wales has over 600 recorded castle sites (more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe).
About 100 castles still have substantial remains, and many are open to visitors.
Wales also has more than 4,000 Scheduled Monuments, including:
Roman forts and amphitheatres
Prehistoric burial chambers
Medieval abbeys and churches
Caerleon Roman Fortress (one of the best Roman sites in Britain)
Segontium
Caerwent Roman Town
Wales is often called the “castle capital of the world.”
Towns, Villages & Cities
There is no official number, but Wales has over 100 historically significant towns and villages with medieval roots, market charters, or preserved architecture.
Famous examples include:
Conwy
St Davids (smallest city in the UK)
Caernarfon
Tenby
Llangollen
Hay-on-Wye
Many towns still have medieval walls, castles, historic quays, and market squares.
National Parks & Protected Landscapes
Snowdonia National Park (also called Eryri)
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Brecon Beacons National Park (officially Bannau Brycheiniog)
These cover about 20% of Wales.
5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
76 National Nature Reserves
Over 1,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)