Swansea, the second largest city in Wales, sits at the mouth of the beautiful, rugged Gower Peninsula. The city was founded in 1099 by the Normans, and was slowly transformed into an industrial town, becoming a major coal port by the 18th century. Swansea's importance as a seaport supplying coal to England made it a prime target for the German army in World War II, and the city was nearly completely destroyed over a period of three nights in 1941, when 30,000 bombs were dropped over the city. While little remains of Swansea's medieval architecture, its natural surroundings continue to draw visitors from Britain and beyond. Visit Swansea to walk along the stunning Gower Peninsula, soak up the poetry of Dylan Thomas, or explore the rich history of the Celtic coast.
