Giant optical illusion celebrates castle landmark

The artwork celebrates the reopening of a water gate at Caerphilly Castle

A giant piece of street art has appeared outside Cardiff Central railway station celebrating the reopening of a water gate at Caerphilly Castle.

The optical illusion was created by world-renowned chalk artist Julian Beever offering a fascinating window into Welsh history.

The artwork, which was commissioned by Cadw, shows the medieval entrance to the great hall at the castle which has been hidden from view for centuries.

It was originally used as a way to access the castle from the water's edge for logistical purposes and to defend the site.

The artwork celebrates the first time the water gate has been opened since medieval times.

The passageway connects the castle's great hall to the southern lake at Caerphilly.

It marks the completion of an £8m regeneration project at the castle which aims to "breathe new life" into one of Wales' most iconic landmarks.

Artist Julian Beever says it's been "brilliant" to see the public engaging with the artwork

Mr Beever said it was the "perfect way" to commemorate the reopening of the water gate.

"It's been brilliant to see so many people stop, stare, and realise they're literally standing on history," he added.

The water gate is one of several improvements made to Caerphilly Castle as part of the regeneration project.

The great hall has also been refurbished and new interactive exhibits have been installed to "plunge visitors into the castle's medieval past".

The art is featured outside Cardiff Central Station before it is moved to Caerphilly

Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said it was a "magnificent piece of art".

"It re-imagines and brings to life a scene at the water gate to help people envision how it may have once looked."

"Breathing new life into Wales' heritage isn't just about restoring old walls, it's about opening doors to stories old and new, welcoming visitors from near and far, and captivating future generations," he added.

The artwork will be in Cardiff Central Square until 4 August before moving to Caerphilly town centre until 7 August.

It will then move into the Caerphilly Castle grounds where it will feature alongside the new, interactive exhibits.