Sightseeing in Aberystwyth, Wales

By Debra Colarossi, South Africa

Aberystwyth is a coastal town located along the western coast of Wales in the United Kingdom. It is home to Aberystwyth University and doubles up as a holiday town during the summer months. One of the must see tourist attractions is The Castle, the ruins of which stand on the rocky headland overlooking Cardigan Bay. The castle is a testament to the pursuit of Welsh independence from the English Crown and the adjoining beach is host to the Aberystwyth Castle mosaics chronicling the history of the castle from 1277 when the castle was built for King Edward I, though to its capture byOwain Glyndwr in 1404, its subsequent loss to Prince Henry in 1408 and its destruction in 1649 by Oliver Cromwell's army.

The Castle offers a stunning view of the coastline as well as of the Old College, a failed hotel that became the first university in Wales. The building is constructed in high Victorian Gothic style and is carved from a beautiful, clean sandstone. the southern tower's external mosaic depicts Archimedes receiving emblems of modern science and industry.

The war memorial located at Castle Point depicts the angel of peace holding a wreath of victory and raising mankind from the ashes of war. It was sculpted by Mario Rutelli, an Italian sculptor, after being commissioned in 1919. The panels along the bottom of the memorial contain the names of the men and women from the Borough of Aberystwyth who died in World War 2.

Historical information was take from the Aberystwyth Town Guide published by The Aberystwyth Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Menter Aberystwyth in June 2011.