The Roman origins of Cardiff Castle were discovered in 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute decided to build a new tower and extend the grounds. The Roman remains were discovered in what was considered to be a solid earth bank. Rather than continue with his original plans Lord Bute decided to investigate and and reconstruct the Roman Fort.

The Roman walls were reconstructed in what was thought at the time to be an accurate way, with one exception, the addition of a gallery with in them. this was built for two reasons: to allow access to the substantial lower level of Roman remains and so that Lord Bute could still take his daily exercise even in bad weather.

The Roman wall galleries found a new role during World War II, when they were used as air-raid shelters by shoppers and cinema-goers from busy nearby streets during enemy action, accommodating nearly 2000 people.*

* Information from The Essential Cardiff Castle guidebook

As mentioned in my previous post this is the Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach gallery displayed in the former refectory in San Giacomo Carthusian Monastery.

Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach (Hadamar 1851 – Capri, 1913)
The painter Karl Wilheim Diefenbach, born in Hadmar on February 21st 1851, came to Capri in the early 20th century in an attempt to escape frequent vicious attacks on him by the press. On the Island of Capri, Diefenbach was inspired by the dramatically beautiful scenery, the soaring cliffs and enchanting panoramas, which he skillfully reproduced in works which he exhibited in his studio close to Capri’s Piazzetta.
Karl Wilheim Diefenbach observed the principles of Theosophy and preached the return to a simple way of life, in harmony with nature: his let his hair grow long, walked barefoot and dressed in nothing more than a white robe, even in the coldest months. Many of the German painter’s works were of notable dimensions and were created using unusual materials and unconventional techniques. Since 1975, Karl Wilheim Diefenbach’s works have been displayed in the Charterhouse of San Giacomo.

I was moved by the above painting which is entitled ‘Visione di Cristo’. My photograph doesn’t do the painting justice due to the light from the windows reflecting on the painting.