The well-preserved, late-13th century Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site of buildings constructed during King Edward I’s colonization and defense of Wales. These sites (which also include Caernarfon, Harlech, and Beaumaris Castles) are considered the finest examples of that era’s military architecture in Europe. The spiral staircases in the building’s imposing towers have been restored, so you can walk all the way around the battlements and enjoy stunning views.

Another UNESCO-listed castle in Wales on the edge of Snowdonia, Harlech Castle sits on cliffs overlooking sand dunes and the Irish Sea. It’s one of the most dramatic coastal castles in Wales, but it’s also the simplest of the many castles in Wales that were built by Edward I. It was constructed in the late-13th century and was attacked many times. It even endured a 7-year siege—the longest siege in British history—during the Wars of the Roses (in the mid-to-late 15th century).

Another of Edward I’s castles, this polygonal fort-palace is not only considered one of the best Welsh castles but also one of the greatest medieval buildings in the world. It was constructed on the site of a Roman fort and took 47 years to complete. While visiting, you can climb the turrets and also learn more about Welsh castle history through audio guides. Located on the River Seiont, across from the island of Anglesey, Caernarfon Castle is a must-visit attraction.

Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili) is the largest castle in Wales (the second-largest in the UK, after Windsor Castle) and is surrounded by a restored moat. These days it proudly flies the Welsh flag, emblazoned with a red dragon, but this castle was actually built in the second half of the 13th century by the English as protection against the growing power of Welsh prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. It’s also easy to get to—located just 8 miles (12 kilometers) north of Cardiff.

The most ruined of the country’s castles to make this list, crumbling Castell Dinas Bran sits on a hilltop above the north-eastern Welsh town of Llangollen. The building’s history has been a subject of debate, but it was probably constructed in the middle of the 13th century—and historians believe it was likely ruined shortly after. To reach it, you can hike up from Llangollen along a zigzag path, or drive up a narrow track (though there’s very limited parking).

Wales’ National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural gathering in Europe. These days it’s held in a different location every year, but it started out in Cardigan, in West Wales, as a celebration: when Rhys ap Gruffydd finished rebuilding Cardigan Castle (Castell Aberteifi) in 1176, he hosted a gathering of musicians and poets. Unfortunately, the castle eventually fell into disrepair, but it’s now been revitalized with a Georgian house, gardens, a B&B, vacation rentals, and a restaurant.

Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd) has one of the most layered histories of any Welsh castle: the Romans built the first fortification here, the Normans built the stone keep, the medieval lords of Glamorgan built the house, and the 19th-century owners transformed it into a Victorian Gothic home. Visitors can take a free self-guided audio tour, check out the Roman walls, see the Norman keep, visit the Victorian apartments, learn about local history at the Firing Line Museum, and more.

Located on the west coast of Wales, Pembroke Castle (Castell Penfro) is one of the oldest castles in Wales, built at the end of the 11th century. It’s on a rocky cliff overlooking the beachside village of Milford Haven, and it has great views. Because Milford Haven is a popular summer retreat, this is also one of the most family-friendly castles in Wales. Additionally, Pembroke Castle’s main claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII of England.

While there are many ancient castles in Wales, Chepstow Castle (Castell Cas-gwent), in South Wales, is the oldest. In fact, it’s the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain, having been built in 1067—just a year after the start of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Chepstow Castle is now mostly ruins, but that doesn’t detract from the majesty of its location, on a cliff above the River Wye.

Constructed in the 1430s—around 150 years after many other medieval castles of Wales—Raglan Castle was built more to impress than to seriously defend. In its heyday, it had fine Renaissance gardens and was a fashionable country home for the earls of Worcester, but it was deliberately destroyed after it fell in the English Civil War of the mid-17th century. Some artifacts have been recovered over the centuries, and you can now see them in the visitor center.