Dolbadarn Castle, sitting at the base of the Llanberis Pass, overlooks the lake of Llyn Padarn in northern Wales. Its history, like many medieval castles, is intertwined with the politics and power plays of kings, princes, and nobles. The fortress was constructed by Llywelyn the Great between the 1220s and 1240s. Initially, the castle was built as a timber and earthwork castle, later expanded with stone in later phases. The castle was crucial for both military and political purposes, serving as a base for Llywelyn's influence over the surrounding district of Is Gwyrfai. The castle fell into English hands after Llywelyn's death in 1240, and was occupied by Norman forces.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a popular destination for painters interested in the Sublime and Picturesque landscapes. Today, the castle is owned by Cadw and is protected as a Grade I listed building.
The castle's massive stone keep, at 46 feet (14 m) high, still dominates the landscape, a testament to the power struggles of medieval Wales.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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