Though Cardiff has only been Wales’ capital city since 1955, it has been a strategic centre since Roman times, when the first fortress was built on the banks of the River Taff. The Normans also made their mark on the settlement, though arguably the real making of the city was industrialisation, when Cardiff exploited its links with the Welsh coal fields and developed into a mighty port. The Welsh National Assembly has met in Cardiff since 1998, though the new headquarters, planned for the Cardiff Bay area, are significantly behind schedule, and over budget.
|
|
|
![]()
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suburbs and towns covered by this travel guide to Cardiff (South Wales & the Valleys) include Cardif, Cardiff, Cardiff Bay, Cathays, Dinas Powys, Llandaff, Near Cardiff, Penarth, Penarth Vale, Penarth, Pentwyn, Rumney, South Wales, St Fagans, St. Fagans, St. Mellons, Sully, Thornhill, Vale of Glamorgan, and more.

Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...