The castle was erected during the reign of Edward I for £8,190, making it one of the cheapest of Edward’s fortresses in Wales. Its lofty perch on a nearly 200-metre-high ledge of granite made it a formidable stronghold. It is one of a handful of castles erected by Edward I in Wales to consolidate control. It is located in the coastal town of Harlech. Along with the castles of Beaumaris, Conwy, and Caernarfon, the current destroyed castle is part of the magnificent Castles & Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site. With its double-wall structure and proportionate form, the castle is regarded as one of the finest examples of military architecture in 13th and 14th-century Europe.
The castle has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd since 1986. The castle is considered a remarkable reference point for mediaeval architecture and history, as well as an architectural marvel with lovely proportions. The magnificent castle, with its picturesque setting, provides a wonderful feeling of history and tradition, which visitors can explore to discover more about the castle’s charm and character.