Caer Gybi Roman Fort

Roman Britannia Superior's province in Roman Wales included a tiny fortlet called Caer Gybi. Unknown in Latin is its name. It is currently located in the town's center in the Welsh county of Anglesey. Welsh speakers refer to Holyhead as Caergybi after the fort.

One of just a few three-walled Roman forts in Europe is the fort. The fourth side, which faced the water, most likely housed a quay. Although its exact age is uncertain, it is generally accepted that it was a component of a plan developed in the late fourth century and linked to Segontium to protect the west coast from Irish sea raids. On the summit of Holyhead Mountain, the Romans also constructed a watchtower, known as Mynydd y Twr, which was almost certainly utilized as the fort's vantage point. Both may have been left behind when the army was despatched to put down Eugenius of Gaul's uprising in 393 or so.

Visitors can still see several of the old Roman defenses at Caer Gybi today, including at least one corner tower and walls that occasionally reach heights of 4 meters. The design of Caer Gybi is similar to that of other Roman fortifications from the same period, several of which still stand today in places like Portchester Castle and Pevensey Castle and formed the "Saxon Shore" forts. Even more, distant Roman sites, like the well-preserved Lugo Roman Walls in northern Spain, are reflected in the architecture.

Location: Victoria Rd, Holyhead LL65 1UB, United Kingdom