Conwy is one of the most popular tourist draws in all of Wales and its shining centerpiece, the glorious Conwy Castle, is far and away one of the major reasons for the town's popularity. This enormous stone fortress brings visitors right back into medieval times with a vengeance. Built in the 1200s by the first King Edward, this stronghold was meant to scare and subdue the Welsh people who were under control of the English at the time. The castle is considered one of the most impressive "Edwardian" castles ever built and the walls that span over three quarters of a mile are flanked by an astonishing twenty two towers!
Another fascinating tourist spot is the famed great hall that, in Conwy, is known as the Plas Mawr. This gorgeous building was built in the late 1500s and is considered the most impressive piece of Elizabethan architecture still standing in Britain. The River Conwy is also a gorgeous flowing body of water that helps to complement the castle and the Plas Mawr by adding a touch of natural beauty to the manmade splendor. Not to be outdone by nature, the incredible Conwy Suspension Bridge was created in 1826 and is yet another hugely popular tourist attraction. Fortunately, the city saw fit to ban traffic on the bridge so that it can stand unimpeded and untarnished for generations to come. To this day, only pedestrians are allowed on the bridge.
Aberconwy House is another must-see for anybody lucky enough to pay a visit to this scenic town. This is one of the oldest buildings in the entire town, dating back to the 1300s! Those who are familiar with the Guinness Book of World Records will also be thrilled to know that the smallest house in Great Britain can also be found in Conwy. This tiny little abode is only 3.05 meters by 1.8 meters. It has been lived in by various families and single dwellers ever since the 16th century.
Conwy is nothing if not a unique town. While much of its appeal has to do with the age of many of its venerated edifices, we must remember that it is also the sheer beauty of most of these buildings and bridges that have kept them in the public consciousness for so long. An old building is most assuredly important because of its historical significance but an old building that is also like a snapshot in time is infinitely more valuable. Everywhere you look in Conwy you can see the remnants of the Elizabethan era or the Victorian era or any other period of time if you peer in the right spots. Few cities in the world, much less in Great Britain, have such a wide and vast array of historical buildings that span such an amazing timeline. Conwy may not be one of the most immediately familiar or most famous cities in the world but perhaps it deserves a higher place up on the list. After all, the importance of Conwy is more than just stone and steel: It is the history of our civilization as we know it.
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