Welcome to Wales!
Wales is a beautiful country in the United Kingdom, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. It has its own language, Welsh, which is spoken alongside English. The capital city is Cardiff, and the country is famous for its mountains, castles, and friendly people.
St David – The Patron Saint of Wales
St David is the patron saint of Wales, celebrated every year on March 1st. He was a Christian monk who lived in the 6th century and was known for his kindness and wisdom. He spread Christianity across Wales and encouraged people to live simple and humble lives. It is said that he performed miracles, including making the ground rise beneath him while he was preaching. On St David’s Day, people wear daffodils and leeks, the national symbols of Wales, and celebrate with parades, traditional music, and food.
Famous Landmarks and Tourist Sites in Wales
Wales is full of amazing places to visit! Some of the most famous landmarks include:
• Snowdonia National Park – Home to Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, where visitors can hike or take a scenic train to the top.
• Cardiff Castle – A historic castle in the capital city with Roman and medieval history.
• Pembrokeshire Coast – A breathtaking coastline with sandy beaches, cliffs, and wildlife.
• Brecon Beacons – A stunning mountain range, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
• Portmeirion – A colorful, Italian-style village that looks like something from a fairytale!
Welsh Castles
Wales is known as the “Land of Castles” because it has more castles per square mile than any other country! Some of the most famous include:
• Caernarfon Castle – A massive fortress where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales.
• Conwy Castle – A spectacular medieval castle with thick stone walls and towers.
• Harlech Castle – A dramatic castle built on a rocky cliff, with views of the sea.
• Raglan Castle – A grand castle with beautiful towers and an impressive moat.
A Brief History of Wales
Wales has a long and fascinating history. It was once home to ancient Celtic tribes before the Romans arrived around 2,000 years ago. After the Romans left, Wales was ruled by powerful Welsh princes, including Owain Glyndŵr, who led a rebellion for Welsh independence. Later, Wales became part of England, but the Welsh people kept their traditions and language alive. Today, Wales has its own government, called Senedd Cymru, which makes decisions about Welsh laws and policies.
The Welsh Flag, Daffodils, and Leeks
The Welsh flag is one of the most striking in the world. It has a red dragon on a green and white background. The dragon is a symbol of strength and has been linked to Wales for centuries.
The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and is worn on St David’s Day as a symbol of Welsh pride.
The leek is another important symbol of Wales. According to legend, St David told Welsh soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to tell them apart from their enemies in battle.
