Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, is recognised as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales beginning in 1283. Taking 47 years to complete at a cost of around £25,000, the castle features distinctive polygonal towers rather than round ones, with striking bands of coloured stone echoing the architecture of Constantinople. The Eagle Tower with its three massive turrets is the castle's most impressive feature, and the fortress served as the birthplace of Edward of Caernarfon, the first English Prince of Wales, hosting his investiture ceremony in 1911 and 1969.
