Cardiff: the capital city of Wales

Population

Cardiff, Wales' Capital city, is in the south-east of the country, on the coast of the estuary of the river Severn. It is the largest (6,652 km² ) city in Wales with a population of around 309,000 people.

Cardiff is a significant tourist centre and the most popular visitor destination in Wales with 18.3 million visitors in 2010. In 2011, Cardiff was ranked sixth in the world in National Geographic's alternative tourist destinations.

Historical context

Cardiff, located at the mouth of the Severn, was symbol of British industrialization at the end of the nineteenth century. It was a busy port. The coalfield of Wales is one of the most productive in Britain. This function explains the very rapid growth of Cardiff, whose population increased from less than 20 000 inhabitants in 1851 to 129,000 in 1891.

Cardiff docks.

Lionel Walden (1861-1933)

Bus transportation

The fastest way to get around Cardiff is the bus with many buses running throughout the city center and the periphery at regular times.

Cardiff university

Cardiff University is a university founded in 1883. It is located in Cathays Park.

Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales. It is the home of the Wales National Rugby Union team. It is also host to many other large-scale events and various music concertrs. It was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. During 2000 years of history, the Castle has been a Roman garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed into a gothic fairytale fantasy. 

by Julie PLANTEFEVE