Folklore & Tradition

Before Castell Coch was transformed into the fairytale castle you can explore today, it was a medieval fortress reputedly built by nobleman Ifor Bach. When Ifor died, he was said to have been buried deep within the castle in a secret chamber. Worried about being disturbed in the afterlife, he supposedly turned two of his men to stone eagles, positioning them by his burial chamber entrance to guard him for eternity. When two thieves attempted to break into his chamber, they were chased off as the two stone eagles suddenly sprang to life. Ifor’s legacy continues to live on in Cardiff today, with the popular music venue Clwb Ifor Bach ('Ifor Bach's Club') bearing his name. Castell Coch is managed by Cadw.