states: [uk]
category: cultural
year: 1986
location: Gwynedd, North Wales
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 53.1397222200, -4.2769444440
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK, are renowned as premier examples of late 13th and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe. Built under King Edward I between 1283 and 1330, this collection includes four castles—Beaumaris, Harlech, Caernarfon, and Conwy—along with the fortified towns of Caernarfon and Conwy, designed by the masterful architect James of St. George. These well-preserved structures showcase innovative concentric designs and robust defenses, reflecting their historical role in Edward I’s campaign to assert control over the region. Their outstanding universal value lies in their architectural excellence, historical significance, and detailed documentation from the medieval period.
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