A remarkable piece of street art has appeared outside Cardiff Central Station, captivating passersby and literally stopping them in their tracks. The artwork, created by world-renowned chalk artist Julian Beever, is far more than just a clever optical illusion – it serves as a fascinating gateway into centuries-old Welsh history that has been hidden beneath people's feet for generations.
Commissioned by Cadw, Wales' historic environment service, the stunning street art celebrates the newly reopened medieval water-gate passageway at Caerphilly Castle. This historic passageway connects the castle's great hall to the southern lake and represents a significant part of the fortress that has remained hidden from public view for hundreds of years.
The artwork is part of an ambitious campaign marking the completion of an $10 million regeneration project at Caerphilly Castle. This comprehensive transformation is breathing new life into one of Wales' most iconic landmarks and encouraging visitors to explore this historic treasure during the summer season.
"It's been brilliant to see so many people stop, stare, and realize they're literally standing on history," said artist Julian Beever, reflecting on the public's enthusiastic reaction. "The water gate has always been there, just beneath people's feet, so creating a piece of art that opens up the ground felt like the perfect way to reveal something that was hidden in plain sight all along."
The water gate represents just one highlight of Cadw's major regeneration project at Caerphilly Castle. The comprehensive renovation also features the castle's beautifully refurbished Great Hall, brand-new accessible visitor facilities, and innovative interactive exhibits that immerse visitors in the castle's rich medieval past.
"There's more than one side to history, and more than one way for people to interpret and enjoy it," explained Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw. "This magnificent piece of art does just that – it re-imagines and brings to life a scene at the water gate to help people envision how it may have once looked. Breathing new life into Wales's heritage isn't just about restoring old walls, it's about opening doors to stories old and new, welcoming visitors from near and far, and captivating future generations."
Caerphilly Castle now features numerous new, interactive exhibits that tell the compelling stories of the castle and the men, women, and children who lived within its walls over the centuries. With summer holidays in full swing, officials say it's the perfect opportunity for families to get out and experience history in an entirely new and engaging way.
The eye-catching artwork will remain in Cardiff Central Square until Monday, August 4th, before relocating to Caerphilly Town Centre where it will be displayed until Thursday, August 7th. Following its time in the town center, the artwork will move to its final location within Caerphilly Castle grounds starting Friday, August 8th.
The project will expand further with a second piece of street art expected to appear on the Maes in Caernarfon on Saturday, August 9th. This second installation will then move into Caernarfon Castle Grounds on Tuesday, August 12th, continuing the campaign to showcase Wales' remarkable historic heritage through innovative artistic expression.
The initiative demonstrates how modern art can serve as a bridge between past and present, making historic sites more accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences while preserving and celebrating Wales' rich cultural heritage.
