Cardiff
Cardiff - the capital of Wales is located in the southern part of England. In the past years it was regarded as a rough, industrial city, but it has changed significantly in last several years. Today Cardiff is an entertaining,modern capital city, offering many interesting sites fro history and culture buffs. Although it has been overlooked in the past, it is now among the United Kingdom's most attractive destinations. Its population exceeded 300,000. Geographically, Cardiff is a "flat" city, which helped it become one of the world's leading ports in the transportation of coal from the southern Wales Valleys.Cardiff was established more than 2000 years ago. Initially it was a Roman fort and the castle of Cardiff and the surrounding village were the first settlements in the area. Later, under the Norman rule, the existing motte and the bailey tower were erected. The town continued to evolve slowly but steadily for centuries until the beginning of the industrial revolution and the rise of coal. The city was rightfullynamed a city in the year 1905, and then became capital of Wales in the year 1955.
The city was traditionally encamped in the historic civic centre, where there are the famous castle, the park and the beautiful university buildings. This spreads to the northern parts of the area by the River Taff to the western, as well as by the Valleys and South Wales rail lines to the eastern and southaern corners of the city area. However, the growth in the recent years has been pushing the city centre beyond these boundaries, especially when it comes to commercial and office provision.
Wales' capital city has a unique and quite intimate atmosphere, that is best absorbed by strolling along the cozy streets of the the old town. The Victorian facades and arcades with their charming shops are particularly fascinating and endearing. The sumptuous and extravaggant interior was designed in the Victorian Age as a medieval fantasy. It includes an elaborate banqueting hall, a wonderful parkland that goes a long way behind the castle to the river; and many more beauties.Another of the appealing beauties of cardiff is the National Museum and Gallery, which houses unique historical and art exhibits, including exceptional collections of impressionist works. Furthermore, Cardiff is a center of various internationally acclaimed cultural events, such as the Cardiff Singer of the World event held in St. David’s Hall, there also are world acclaimed performances of the Welsh National Opera in various venues.
Cardiff is a home to breathtaking modern architecture and contemporary art, as well as countless chic shops and boutiques, also top-class restaurants, and plenty of clubs and bars. These modern qualities are close to some impressive historical sites, such as the aforementioned Cardiff Castle, built by the wealthy third Marquis of Bute centuries ago.
A vibrant nightlife, lively waterfront district filled with attractions, and the awesome Millennium Stadium, as well as a full cultural calendar are some of the first reasons to make a visit to Cardiff worthwhile.