Culture of Bangor. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Bangor is an old historic city, so sightseeing enthusiasts will definitely not get bored here. Its main symbol is the 19th-century Penrhyn Castle, which is considered a striking example of neo-Norman architecture. The castle houses several museums and most of its halls are currently open for guided tours. Beautiful historic finishes and interior elements have been preserved in some halls. Wonderful carved ceilings and colorful stained-glass windows deserve special attention here.

An interesting collection of artworks is kept within the castle walls. One of the most unusual exhibits is an antique bed that weighs a ton. It was carved from a large solid stone by local craftsmen in the middle of the 19th century. The Dolls' Museum can be found on the ground floor of the castle. On the same floor, you can also check out an exposition dedicated to the history of railway development.

A very interesting historical site is the old Eisenhower Pier that was opened in 1896. The length of 450 meters makes it the second-longest pier in Wales. In 1974, the city government was close to demolishing the pier, as it has become badly dilapidated and lost its former relevance. However, during that same period, its historical significance was recognized by the state, so it was decided to completely restore the pier. Fully renovated in 1988, the historic pier is now one of the favorite spots of both tourists and locals. You can always see fishermen catching not only fish but also crabs from the pier. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the city's main museums, Storiel, occupies a beautiful historic building. Its collections are dedicated to Welsh history and culture. The museum halls present incredibly diverse exhibits of all kinds. Here you can see archaeological artifacts discovered in the region, as well as unique works of art belonging to different eras. You'll also have a chance to see collections of old black and white photographs showing the city in the first half of the 20th century. This historical museum serves as a permanent venue for various art workshops. It also houses a souvenir shop selling the best crafts of local craftsmen.

One of the city’s oldest buildings is Bangor Cathedral. The very first church was built on its site back in the 6th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times. It was completely destroyed by fire in the early 15th century. The religious monument greeting guests of the city today was built in the 16th century, and since then its appearance has not changed much.

Many unique elements of 15th-century decoration including oak-carved fragments have been preserved within the cathedral walls. On Sundays, you can listen to one of the oldest organs in the region here. A historic garden located next to the cathedral is of great interest too. Interestingly, all plants mentioned in the Bible were planted here.

Not far from the cathedral is the Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, which besides artworks displays an interesting collection of historical exhibits. You’ll have a chance to see antique household items and textiles, beautiful old handmade furniture. Among the most valuable are archaeological artifacts belonging to the Roman period.

Among the ancient buildings that have survived in the city, there are also quite unusual ones. A vivid example is the McKee Clock Tower. It was built in 1886 and is located in the very center of the city. Its appearance has remained pretty much the same after more than a hundred years. The clock tower is one of the most popular meeting points among the townspeople.

When it comes to Bangor’s historic defensive structures, Helen's Tower is of the greatest interest. Today, the tower built of dark stone houses one of the most amazing local hotels. Historic finishes have been preserved in it as much as possible. The tower is designed to look more like a historical museum. Inside, you can see beautiful antique furniture, paintings, and other interior items that wouldn’t surprise you if you'd see them a hundred years ago. On certain days, the tower is available for tours. Everyone can stay here for a few days. The tower's upper level offers a stunning view of the mountains and the forests. The ancient tower is a starting point for many interesting hiking trails. Of course, most tourists visit these places in the warm season.