Historvius (mapping history)

Historic sites in Cardiff

Map Button

If you’re looking to explore historic sites in Cardiff and the surrounding area then you can explore our interactive map above or navigate further by using the links below.

The area which today forms modern Cardiff has seen a number of cultures and civilisations leave their mark. Once inhabited by the ancient British tribe the Silures, the region was later conquered by the Romans - in fact Cardiff has a number of Roman sites which bear testament to this period in the city’s history - for example Caerwent Roman Town (below).

After the Norman Conquest, Cardiff expanded around the new Norman castle which was built atop the foundations of a Roman fort. The city expanded during the middle ages and became a local trading centre. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that Cardiff really began to grow in importance, particularly with the expansion of the port. Throughout the 19th century Cardiff became the main port for the export of the area’s substantial coal production and by the close of the century it had become the largest town in Wales. Cardiff was officially declared capital of Wales in 1955.

Once you’ve explored the historic sites in Cardiff you can use our itinerary planner tool to plan out your trip and then print off a free pocket guidebook for your own Cardiff history tour. Our database of Cardiff's historic sites is growing all the time, but we may not cover them all. Remember, if you know of other historic places in Cardiff, you can always add them to Historvius now by visiting our upload page.

Historical sites in Cardiff : Site Index

what's this?
Data is being loaded. Please wait.