Although none of its cities usually appear on the list of most important cities in the United Kingdom, it should be said that Wales has a certain weight in Great Britain, since we are talking about a bilingual country with 3 million inhabitants in which two languages are spoken: Welsh and English.
In this article I will tell you about the most important cities of this nation that has been taking shape since the Romans were expelled from Great Britain. Take note and prepare your route through the country without missing any of the cities that I mention below.
Cardiff
The capital of Wales is by far the most populous and important city in the country. About 350,000 people live there, enjoying all the privileges of living in a modern city that continues to evolve thanks to its important commercial activity, which is mainly centered on its coal port, which is one of the largest in the world. I recommend you walk along Queen Street and visit Cardiff Castle, as well as enjoying the city’s bay, which is one of the most Mediterranean that you will see in those parts.
Swansea
Swansea is the second most populous city in Wales with about 240,000 inhabitants. It is located in the south of the country, in Swansea Bay , and it must be said that it was an important industrial and port center for the last two centuries. Among its attractions we could highlight the Swansea Castle, the Swansea Museum or the Swansea Grand Theater, as well as the House Museum of Dylan Thomas, the best Welsh poet and writer the world has known. In addition, it is also worth stopping by Mumbles Pier, an old Victorian pier with a lot of charm.
Newport
About 120,000 inhabitants live in Newport, which we also located in South Wales, very close to Cardiff (only 19 kilometers away). In 2012 it reached the status of a city, something logical considering the number of people who live there and how much it has grown in recent years, in part because of how close it is to the capital. Newport Castle is its main attraction.
Wrexham
The fourth most populous city is Wrexham, which is located in the north of the country and has about 65,000 inhabitants. It is highly recommended to walk through its old town, which has been conveniently renovated and attracts many tourists. It’s also a good idea to visit the town’s church, St Giles Church, and a Gothic-Renaissance-style cathedral called St Mary’s Cathedral .
Barry
Barry barely exceeds 50,000 inhabitants, so it is a rather small town that has crept onto this list because despite this it is the fifth most populous in Wales. It grew a lot after 1880 thanks to the development of Barry Docks, which in 1913 was the largest coal port in the world. It is located in the southeast of the country and houses an incredible history that is still seen in places like the ruins of Barry Castle.
Neath
I end by talking about Neath, who like Barry moves through the 50,000 inhabitants. It is close to Swansea and shares space with the Neath River. In its day it was an important Roman settlement , who were in charge of creating Fort Nidum, whose name comes from the Nedd River. Neath Abbey, Dulais Valley Quads and the Gnoll Estate Park are some of the most representative places in this small town.
Recommended Article: The Most Beautiful Villages in Wales