Places of interest

Cardiff has been the country's capital only since 1955. It is a major coal-shipping port and manu­facturing center. Visitors enjoy the broad tree-lined streets, National Museum of Wales, Civic Center and City Hall, the Cardiff Market and the New Theatre.

National Museum of Wales has exhibits on archeology, botany, zoology, industry and art.

Cardiff Castle, dating from 1093, occupies the site of an earlier Roman fort. It has its original well-preserved keep.

Beaumaris on Anglesey Island is among the prettiest towns in Wales. Beaumaris Castle was built in 1295 by Edward I to guard he straight separating Anglesey Island from the rest of Wales.

Caernarfron is a peaceful resort. Caernarfon Castle dominates the town. The first English Prince of Wales, Edward II was born in Caernarfon in 1284. His investiture at the castle in 1301 began the tradi­tion that extends through the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969. Snowdon Mountain Railway operates coal-fired steam locomotives, which clime the 4 miles to the summit of Snowdon.

Dolgellau is a good center for walking or pony trekking. More challenging are possible climbs up Cader Idris, the 3, 000-foot mountain that dominates the skyline of Dolgellau. Visitors are warned of the myth attached to the mountain: Whoever spends the night on Cader Idris risks waking the next day mad or a poet.

Harlech is known for its Castle. Harlech Castle was built by Edward I as a stronghold. It was the last Welsh castle to fall to the English.

Laugharne is best known as a home of writer Dylan Thomas /1914-1953/. Many contend that the town served as a model for Under Milk Wood. Dylan Thomas' Boat House was the riverside home of the poet for 16 years. An audiovisual presentation tells about the poet.

Llandudno is a large resort. The statue of Lewis Carroll /l832-98/ recalls that the author often came to Llandudno to visit the Liddells and their daughter Alice, for whom he wrote his best known story.

Llangollen is well known among music lovers as the site of the International Musical Eisteddfod, held since 1947. Every July folk singers and dancers from around the world compete here.

Swansea is metallurgical center of Wales. This second largest city of Wales is the site of the Uni­versity College of Swansea, the Glynn Vivian Art gallery and the Royal Institution of South Wales.

Wrexham is the industrial center of Northern Wales. St. Giles' Church rises above the city. The church is known for its iron gates. In the churchyard lies the tomb of Elihu Yale /1648-1721/, the merchant who founded the American University that bears his name.