【Studio Ghibli】The Model of Laputa: Castle in the Sky | Caernarfon Castle in Wales, UK (England) Complete Guide
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’. One of the places said to be the model for the fantastical floating ancient castle Laputa is Caernarfon Castle (Caernarfon Castle) located in the Gwynedd region of northwest Wales, England. In this article, we thoroughly explain the appeal of Caernarfon Castle as a sacred pilgrimage spot that every Ghibli fan should visit at least once.
What is Caernarfon Castle? Its Relationship with Laputa: Castle in the Sky
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress located in Gwynedd County in northwest Wales, England. Construction was begun in 1283 by King Edward I of England and was built as a symbol of the conquest of Wales.
Reasons It Is Said to Be a Model for Laputa
In the production of ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, Director Hayao Miyazaki is said to have referenced medieval castles from various parts of Europe. The reasons Caernarfon Castle is said to be one of the models are as follows:
- Distinctive polygonal towers: The characteristic polygonal towers of Caernarfon Castle have commonalities with the architectural style of Laputa’s castle
- Location surrounded by sea and mountains: Facing the Menai Strait and backed by the Snowdonia mountain range, creating a fantastical landscape
- Substantial stone castle walls: The imposing presence evokes images of ancient civilization ruins appearing in the film
- Historical dignity: The grand scale registered as a World Heritage Site
However, it is important to understand that Studio Ghibli has not officially stated this, and it is highly likely that multiple castles and ruins served as combined sources of inspiration.
The History of Caernarfon Castle and Its Value as a World Heritage Site
Background and Purpose of Construction
In 1282, King Edward I of England subdued the independent forces of Wales and, to solidify his control over them, constructed a group of fortresses called the “Iron Ring” throughout Wales. Caernarfon Castle became the core fortress among them, and was constructed over approximately 47 years beginning in 1283.
Designed by architect James of Saint George, it employed distinctive polygonal towers modeled after the city walls of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) and colorful stone materials. It was not merely a military facility but also a symbolic structure demonstrating the prestige of English royal authority.
Connection to Prince of Wales
In 1301, Edward I invested his son Edward (later Edward II) as the first “Prince of Wales”. This title subsequently became a tradition passed to the heir to the English (later British) throne, and the current Prince William also holds this title.
In 1969, the investiture ceremony for Prince of Wales of Charles (present King Charles III), the eldest son of Elizabeth II, was held at Caernarfon Castle and was broadcast worldwide.
UNESCO World Heritage Registration
In 1986, Caernarfon Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of “Edward I’s Castles and Town Walls in Gwynedd”. Registered at the same time were:
- Caernarfon Castle
- Conwy Castle
- Beaumaris Castle
- Harlech Castle
These are evaluated as the finest examples of medieval European military architecture.
Architectural Features of Caernarfon Castle
Distinctive Polygonal Towers
While typical medieval castles adopted circular towers, Caernarfon Castle is characterized by polygonal towers (primarily octagonal or decagonal). This was done with awareness of Byzantine architectural style and reflects Edward I’s international vision and ambition.
Major towers include the following:
- Eagle Tower: The tallest and most magnificent tower within the castle, which once had an eagle sculpture adorning its summit
- Queen’s Tower: Named after Edward I’s queen, Eleanor
- Black Tower: An impressive tower constructed with dark-colored stone
Colorful Stone Materials
The castle walls of Caernarfon Castle are characterized by a distinctive striped pattern created by alternately stacking light-colored limestone and dark-colored sandstone. This was modeled after the walls of Theodosius in Constantinople and was an extremely advanced design for the time.
Double Wall Defense System
The castle has a double-wall structure of inner and outer walls, equipped with a sophisticated defense system. The thickness of the castle walls reaches a maximum of 5 meters and is protected by multiple gates and drawbridges.
Sights to Note for Laputa: Castle in the Sky Fans
Castle Wall Walk
When visiting Caernarfon Castle, be sure to walk along the top of the castle walls. From the approximately 730-meter-long castle walls, you can take in a panoramic view of the Menai Strait, the Snowdonia mountain range, and the town of Caernarfon.
Particularly at dusk, the sky tinged in orange and the silhouette of the ancient castle create a fantastical landscape reminiscent of a scene from ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’. On windy days, you might feel as if Pazu and Sheeta are flying through the sky.
Views from Eagle Tower
Climbing to the highest Eagle Tower in the castle offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can see as far as Anglesey Island and Snowdon Mountain (Wales’ highest peak).
Inside the tower are exhibits recreating medieval life and exhibits on the history of Prince of Wales, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the castle’s historical background.
King’s Gate
The main entrance, King’s Gate, has a complex defensive structure with 5 doors and 6 portcullises. Passing through this gate allows you to truly understand how medieval soldiers defended the castle.
Exhibitions within Chamberlain’s Tower
Inside Chamberlain’s Tower is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum, where you can see valuable exhibitions on Welsh military history. Medieval weapons, armor, and uniforms are displayed, with many elements linking to the world of Laputa.
Methods of Access to Caernarfon Castle
Access from London
When using railways:
- Direct train from London Euston Station to Bangor Station in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
- Local line from Bangor Station to Caernarfon Station in approximately 15 minutes
- Walk from Caernarfon Station to the castle in approximately 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 4 hours
Cost: approximately £100-150 return (discounts available with advance booking)
When using a rental car:
Head north from London on the A5 highway, approximately 400 km, taking 5-6 hours of driving. It is also possible to stop at tourist sites such as the Cotswolds along the way.
Access from Manchester
From Manchester, it is accessible by car in approximately 2 hours and by rail via Bangor in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it ideal to combine with north England tourism.
Access from Liverpool
From Liverpool, it is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car and approximately 2 hours by rail. Plans combining Beatles pilgrimage tourism with Wales tourism are also popular.
Local Transportation
Since Caernarfon is a small town, it is easily accessible on foot from the station to the castle. There are also parking lots in town, making visits by rental car convenient.
Practical Information for Visiting
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Opening hours:
- March-June, September-October: 9:30-17:00
- July-August: 9:30-18:00
- November-February: 10:00-16:00
- Closed December 24-26 and January 1
Admission fees (as of 2024):
- Adults: £11.00
- Children (5-17 years): £6.60
- Family ticket (up to 2 adults + 3 children): £31.90
- Over 60 / Students: £9.90
※ Fees may be subject to change; please check the official website for the latest information.
Time Required
Plan for 2-3 hours to thoroughly tour the castle. If you include a castle wall walk and take time for photography, 3-4 hours is ideal.
Best Season
Wales is a region with frequent rain, but the best season to visit is May to September. During this period, daylight hours are long and the weather is relatively stable. Particularly from June to August, it remains light until around 9 PM, allowing for extended sightseeing.
In winter (November-February), opening hours are shorter and the weather is unstable, but there are fewer tourists and you may have the opportunity to see the castle in a snowy landscape.
Clothing and Items to Bring
- Waterproof jacket: Essential as the weather in Wales changes frequently
- Comfortable walking shoes: Recommended are sneakers or trekking shoes for climbing castle walls and tower stairs
- Hat and sunscreen: Summer sun can be strong
- Camera: Many scenic spots exist, so bring a fully charged camera or smartphone
- Binoculars: Convenient for enjoying distant views
Tourist Spots Around Caernarfon
Snowdonia National Park
Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Caernarfon Castle, Snowdonia National Park is a grand nature park centered on Snowdon Mountain (elevation 1,085 m), Wales’ highest peak. The landscape evokes the nature-rich scenery of ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’.
Using the Snowdon Mountain Railway, even those without mountaineering experience can reach the summit and enjoy spectacular views on clear days.
Conwy Castle
Also constructed by Edward I and registered as a World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle is located approximately 30 minutes by car from Caernarfon Castle. It is well-preserved and is characterized by eight massive circular towers.
Portmeirion
The unique village of Portmeirion, featuring Italian-style architecture, is approximately 40 minutes by car from Caernarfon. With its beautiful colorful buildings and gardens, you can experience an atmosphere as if you were in the Mediterranean.
Anglesey Island
Beyond the Menai Strait lies Anglesey Island, attractive for its beautiful beaches and nature. It is also known as the place where Prince William and Catherine spent their early married life.
Sacred Pilgrimage Plan for Ghibli Fans
One-Day Model Course
Morning:
- 9:30 Enter Caernarfon Castle upon opening
- 10:00-12:00 Tour the castle interior, castle wall walk, climb towers
- 12:00-13:00 Lunch at a cafe near the castle
Afternoon:
- 13:30-15:00 Explore the town of Caernarfon and shopping
- 15:30-17:00 Travel to Snowdonia National Park, nature walk
- 17:30 Photograph Caernarfon Castle from outside while watching the sunset
2-3 Day Plan
Day 1:
- Tour Caernarfon Castle
- Stay in Caernarfon
Day 2:
- Hiking in Snowdonia National Park
- Tour Conwy Castle
- Stay in Conwy or Bangor
Day 3:
- Visit Portmeirion
- Explore Anglesey Island
Accommodation and Dining in Caernarfon
Recommended Hotels
The Celtic Royal Hotel:
A historic hotel located directly in front of the castle. Some rooms offer views of the castle, making it ideal for Ghibli fans.
Caernarfon Youth Hostel:
Recommended for those looking to keep costs down. It is clean and well-equipped.
Plas Dinas Country House:
A quiet country house hotel in a rural setting. Enjoy an elegant stay.
Welsh Cuisine
When visiting Caernarfon, be sure to enjoy Welsh cuisine:
- Welsh Rarebit: A traditional dish with cheese on toast
- Cawl: Welsh-style stew
- Laverbread: A traditional breakfast made using seaweed
- Welsh Cakes: Sweet cakes baked on a griddle
Photography Tips and Best Spots
Standard Angles
- From the Menai Strait side: Photographing the castle with the sea as a foreground creates a beautiful reflection in the water
- From Castle Square: The sight of the castle walls rising from the town square is impressive
- From the top of castle walls: A landscape photograph with the Snowdonia mountain range as a backdrop
- Panoramic view from Eagle Tower: An expansive view overlooking the entire town
Appeal by Time of Day
- Early morning (7:00-9:00): A fantastical castle wrapped in morning mist
- Midday (12:00-14:00): Beautiful contrast between blue sky and stonework
- Dusk (18:00-20:00, summer): A spectacular silhouette against an orange sky
- Night: Illuminated castle (during special events)
Photography Equipment
- Wide-angle lens: Ideally 14-24 mm to capture the entire castle
- Telephoto lens: Ideally 70-200 mm to photograph tower details
- Tripod: Necessary for dusk and night photography
- ND filter: For expressing smooth water surfaces with long-exposure daytime photography
Other Places Said to Be Models for Laputa
The inspiration for ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’ is not singular, as ruins and castles from various parts of the world are said to have influenced it. Places other than Caernarfon Castle that are mentioned:
Beng Mealea Ruins (Cambodia)
One of the Angkor temple complex, a mystical temple engulfed by jungle. It is famous as the place that most embodies the sense of Laputa’s ruins and the fusion with nature.
Civita di Bagnoregio (Italy)
A small town atop a hill called “Castle in the Sky”. Its isolated location and ancient stone buildings create an atmosphere reminiscent of Laputa.
Machu Picchu, Peru
An Incan ruin floating above the clouds. In terms of the harmony between advanced civilization and nature, it shares commonality with Laputa’s world view.
Takeda Castle Ruins (Japan)
A mountain castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Called “Japan’s Machu Picchu” for its appearance floating above the sea of clouds, it is popular as a spot where one can experience Laputa’s atmosphere domestically.
Historical Episodes of Caernarfon Castle
Birth of Edward II
On April 25, 1284, Edward I’s son (later Edward II) was born at Caernarfon Castle. According to legend, Edward I promised the Welsh people that he would give them “a prince born in Wales who speaks no English,” and then presented the newborn child. This is said to be the origin of the title “Prince of Wales”.
Symbol of Welsh Independence Movement
Caernarfon Castle is simultaneously a symbol of English control and a symbol of Welsh identity. In the early 15th century Welsh independence movement led by Owain Glyndŵr, an attack on the castle was attempted (though it was not successful).
In modern times, the castle continues to play an important role as the center of Welsh language revival movements and cultural identity.
Role During World War II
During World War II, Caernarfon Castle was used as an air raid shelter and served as a storage location for valuable artwork and documents. Fortunately, the castle itself escaped war damage, and after the war it was developed into a tourist attraction.
Welsh Culture and Caernarfon
Welsh Language
Caernarfon is an area with many Welsh speakers, and town signs and information boards are displayed in both English and Welsh. The name of the castle in Welsh is “Castell Caernarfon”.
When interacting with local people, it is appreciated to memorize a few simple Welsh phrases:
- Hello: Shwmae (Shmwy)
- Thank you: Diolch (Deelokh)
- Goodbye: Hwyl (Hooill)
Annual Events
Various events are held at Caernarfon Castle throughout the year:
- Medieval Festival (summer): Knight combat reenactments, medieval marketplace, musical performances, etc.
- Prince of Wales Day: Special exhibitions related to heirs to the throne
- Christmas Market (December): Christmas market held within the castle
Checking the official website for event information before your visit will allow for a more fulfilling experience.
Voices of Travelers: Impressions of Those Who Have Actually Visited
Many Ghibli fans have visited Caernarfon Castle and shared their impressions:
“Walking along the castle walls, I really felt like I was Pazu and Sheeta. The wind was strong and I felt like I could fly at any moment.” (Woman in her 30s, Japan)
“Hearing that this was a model for Laputa, I came to visit, but I was also moved by the historical depth. This place has more value than just a Ghibli pilgrimage site.” (Man in his 40s, Japan)
“The castle at dusk is truly beautiful. The silhouette against the orange sky was exactly like a castle in the sky.” (Woman in her 20s, UK)
Conclusion: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site That Every Ghibli Fan Must Visit
Caernarfon Castle is a sacred pilgrimage site that every Ghibli fan should visit at least once, said to be one of the models for ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’. However, its appeal extends beyond its connection to anime.
As a World Heritage Site with over 700 years of history, it is a magnificent fortress that brings together the pinnacle of medieval European architectural techniques and is a symbol of Welsh culture and identity. Surrounded by beautiful natural environments of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountain range, you will be able to experience something special where history and fantasy intersect.
A day trip from London is possible, but it is recommended that you stay for 1-2 nights to slowly enjoy the nature and culture of Wales. Hiking in Snowdonia National Park, other world heritage sites such as Conwy Castle, and enjoying Welsh cuisine—the areas surrounding Caernarfon have abundant tourism resources.
On your next trip to England, be sure to extend your journey beyond just London and Edinburgh to Caernarfon Castle in Wales. It will be an unforgettable trip where you can actually experience the world of ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’.
While standing on the castle walls and gazing at the panorama that spreads before you, you may feel an impulse to shout “Balus!” However, actually shouting it will surprise other tourists, so it is recommended that you say it in your heart.
