Segontium Roman Fort
Overview
Roman stronghold that passed into Welsh legend
Established nearly two millennia ago, this strategically-placed fort at the edge of the Roman Empire bustled with life for more than three hundred years.
Segontium was founded by Agricola in AD77 after he brutally suppressed a rebellion by the native tribe known as the Ordovices. Designed to hold a 1,000-strong regiment of auxiliary infantrymen, it was linked by Roman roads to the main legionary bases at Chester and Caerleon.
Thanks to excavated coins we know the Romans stayed until about AD394 – no other fort in Wales was held so long. Segontium not only controlled access to fertile and mineral-rich Anglesey but later helped defend the Welsh coast against Irish pirates.
Long after the final departure of the legions Segontium passed into Welsh legend as Caer aber Seint – ‘the fort at the mouth of the Saint river’ – mentioned in The Dream of Macsen Wledig, one of the ancient tales of the Mabinogion.
Opening times
The grounds are open at this site between 10am - 4pm.
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission |
Free
|
Facilities
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Directions
Contact us
Email
SegontiumRomanFort@gov.wales
Llanbeblig Rd, Caernarfon LL55 2LN
