Cadw Cymru Heritage
Exploring Welsh History Through Minecraft
Partnership
Welsh Government & Hwb
Focus Area
Welsh Cultural Heritage
Access
460,000+ Students via Hwb
Languages
Bilingual: English & Cymraeg
Project Overview
Part of Wales' pioneering Minecraft Education initiative, Cadw Cymru showcases Welsh heritage through immersive digital recreations. Wales leads the world in educational Minecraft adoption, with the Hwb platform providing access to over 460,000 students across the nation.
Building on the success of projects like Gardd Cymru (Garden of Wales) and historic castle recreations, this experience allows students to explore Welsh identity, Celtic architecture, and centuries of history. The project exemplifies Wales' commitment to innovative education, supported by five Minecraft Learning Centers serving as centers of excellence.
🏴 Full Welsh Language Support
We're proud to offer complete Welsh language integration, making this the first Minecraft Education experience with comprehensive Cymraeg support. Students can explore their heritage in their native language with:
- Fully translated user interface
- Welsh language descriptions and historical information
- Downloadable Welsh Language Resource Pack
- Support for bilingual learning environments
Featured Castles
Explore five of Wales' most iconic castles, each meticulously recreated with historical accuracy and educational purpose. Every castle tells a unique story of Welsh heritage, from medieval warfare to architectural innovation.
Castell Coch - The Red Castle
Perched on a hillside in South Wales, this 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built on medieval foundations showcases Victorian romantic architecture. Students explore how ancient ruins were transformed into a fairy-tale castle.
The distinctive red sandstone towers that give the castle its name
Victorian Gothic details blend with medieval defensive features
Richly decorated interiors showcase 19th-century craftsmanship
Conwy Castle - Medieval Fortress
Built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, Conwy Castle remains one of Europe's finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture. Its eight massive round towers and high curtain walls demonstrate medieval defensive engineering at its peak.
Eight imposing towers dominate the North Wales coastline
Explore the defensive walls where medieval soldiers once stood guard
The Great Hall where medieval nobles held court
Experience royal life in the reconstructed throne room
Raglan Castle - Tudor Grandeur
This late medieval fortress showcases the transition from military stronghold to luxurious residence. The Great Tower and elaborate state apartments reveal how Welsh castles evolved from instruments of war to symbols of wealth and power.
The hexagonal Great Tower stands as a monument to 15th-century ambition
Elaborate gatehouse combines defence with architectural splendour
Luxury apartments where Tudor nobility enjoyed Renaissance comforts
St Davids Bishop's Palace - Ecclesiastical Power
Adjacent to St Davids Cathedral, this ruined palace demonstrates the wealth and power of the medieval church in Wales. Its distinctive arcaded parapet and great hall showcase how bishops lived like princes.
The palace ruins reveal the grandeur of medieval church architecture
Distinctive decorative arcading unique to Welsh ecclesiastical architecture
The bishop's great hall where pilgrims and nobles were entertained
Tretower Court and Castle - Medieval to Tudor Evolution
This unique site shows the evolution of Welsh domestic architecture from Norman military might to Tudor comfort. Students can compare the 13th-century castle keep with the later medieval manor house, understanding how society and architecture changed together.
The circular Norman keep represents early medieval military architecture
Tretower Court showcases the shift from fortress to comfortable home
Recreated medieval gardens demonstrate daily life beyond warfare
Period-accurate interiors help students understand medieval domestic life
Educational Features
- Historically accurate recreations based on archaeological research
- Interactive exploration of medieval architecture and life
- Integrated learning activities aligned with Welsh curriculum
- Virtual time travel through different historical periods
- Collaborative multiplayer exploration for classroom groups
- Teacher guides and lesson plans in English and Welsh
- Regular content updates with new sites and features
A Gateway to Welsh Heritage
Step into a world where history lives and breathes through meticulously crafted digital recreations:
A bird's eye view of Welsh castle miniatures welcomes learners, offering an interactive map to centuries of architectural heritage
The majestic dragon statue in our teleport hub embodies the spirit of Wales, serving as a powerful symbol of cultural identity
Meet Taliesin, the legendary bard, who guides students through Welsh mythology and poetry with interactive storytelling
Immersive Historical Exploration
Every corner reveals hidden treasures and authentic medieval experiences that bring the past to life:
Discover regal throne rooms where students can imagine the lives of Welsh princes and understand medieval power structures
Climb ancient towers to experience medieval defensive architecture firsthand, understanding how castles protected their inhabitants
Caerphilly Castle stands as a testament to our commitment to historical accuracy and educational excellence
Each site is continuously enriched with new discoveries, ensuring students always have fresh historical perspectives to explore.
Living History Through Design
Our development philosophy transforms archaeological data into living, breathing educational experiences:
Every stone placement is informed by Cadw's extensive historical research and archaeological surveys
Teachers shape every interaction to ensure curriculum alignment and meaningful learning outcomes
Master builders breathe life into history while maintaining educational integrity and historical authenticity
Access and Implementation
Cadw Cymru is available to all learners in Wales through the Hwb platform, ensuring equitable access to this innovative educational resource. The project includes:
- Easy access through Hwb for all Welsh schools
- No additional licensing requirements beyond Minecraft Education
- Regular updates and new content releases
- Technical support and implementation guidance
- Community of practice for sharing best practices
Impact on Learning
Cadw Cymru transforms history education by:
- Making abstract historical concepts tangible and explorable
- Fostering pride in Welsh cultural heritage
- Supporting both Welsh and English medium education
- Encouraging collaborative learning and discussion
- Providing inclusive access to heritage sites for all students
- Inspiring interest in history, architecture, and archaeology
Ready to bring your cultural heritage to life?
Let's create an immersive educational experience that connects students with their history.
Start Your Heritage Project