In pictures: Cardigan Castle renovation project
- Published
Cardigan Castle's £11m renovation project started in February 2013 and is now well underway. Project leaders the Cadwgan Buildings Preservation Trust hope to open part of the site of the 12th Century castle by the summer of 2014.
In March 2013 steel beams which had propped up the crumbling castle walls since 1975 were removed from one of the first stone castles to be built by the Welsh Princes. It was the stronghold of Rhys ap Gruffydd, prince of the medieval Deheubarth region.
The castle was the site of the first eisteddfod in 1176 and will re-open after decades of decay in 2014 as a multi-purpose venue including a restaurant and heritage centre
The 12th Century tower is the only part of the original castle still standing and is being renovated as part of the project which aims to increase visitor numbers from 3,000 to 30,000 a year
The Cadwgan Building Trust has campaigned to save the site for the last 14 years
A community, recreational and educational complex will include a centre for learning the Welsh language, culture and crafts, as well as an environmental and horticultural study centre