WIREDGOV

Throughout the month of September entry to 300 buildings and sites of historic interest across Wales will be free to visitors.

Known as Open Doors, this is the largest annual free celebration of architecture and heritage to be held in Wales. It is part of European Heritage Days – a cross continent initiative in which buildings that normally charge entry fees waive them in a bid to encourage people to visit and learn more about history and heritage.

Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service. Some venues require visitors to book in advance in order to ensure that they secure a place on a guided tour. Other sites are less specific and visitors can just turn up.

Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said:

“Wales enjoys a rich heritage and Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore it. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making the country’s history as accessible as possible and I urge everyone to see what properties are open in their area.”

This year the range of buildings varies from private houses to archaeological sites, religious buildings and castles to examples of the best of contemporary architecture. New and established sites are taking part in the programme. In addition to sites waiving their charges for visitors, other properties offer a chance to see behind the scenes of some very familiar buildings that are normally closed to the public.

This year there are extended programmes in Monmouth, Llandaff, Swansea, Conwy, Cardiff, Ruthin, Llangollen and Denbigh.  For visitors who like to explore on foot there are guided walks and heritage trails. For the more sedentary visitor, there are venues with concerts and lectures. New award-winning buildings are included and present a unique view of the ‘heritage of tomorrow’.

Among the highlights of the programme will be the opening of all the most impressive buildings looked after by Cadw, such as the castles in Caerphilly, Caernarfon and Conwy and the fascinating Elizabethan town house Plas Mawr in Conwy.

The jewels in the crown of the National Trust such as Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion, Erddig near Wrexham, Dinefwr Park and Castle near Llandeilo and Powis Castle near Welshpool are also available to visitors from Wales and beyond.

Wales is one of 49 countries across the continent that takes part in European Heritage Days. From the Baltic to the Balkans, Iceland to the Iberian Peninsular, European Heritage Days highlights the dazzling diversity of buildings and sites of interest that open for visitors during September. Wales has an impressive array of sites to offer to this initiative which is an important contributor to Europe’s cultural heritage landscape.

Based on the success of the Open Doors in previous years, around 50,000 visitors can be expected to attend sites this year. Open Doors is also Wales’ largest volunteer event in the heritage sector. Much of its success is due to the hard work and enthusiasm given by individuals and local voluntary groups who enter into the spirit of the event with gusto and energy. In Chepstow, for example, you will find members of the local Civic Society dressed up in period costume bringing the story of the Town Gatehouse to life for visitors.