Cardiff’s beautiful Civic Centre can be found just off the Boulevard de Nantes, to the north-east of Cardiff Castle.

Cou may hear the Civic Centre referred to as Cathays Park, although sometimes the name is generically used to refer to the whole area around the Centre.

The grounds around the Civic Centre are known as Alexandra Garden, and they are elegantly laid out in a traditionally formal style.

Running through the park are two splendid boulevards, built as processional routes for official ceremonies and the like.

The buildings that make up the Civic Centre date from the early part of the 20th century and are built in a classic Edwardian style.

The focal point of the area is the domed City Hall (pictured above), constructed of gleaming white Portland stone the majestic building is topped by a Welsh dragon.

Equally elaborate inside, with a stunning marble hall, the City Hall is well worth a visit. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

The other buildings that make up the Civic Centre include the National Museum of Wales, the Law Courts and Wales’ National War Memorial.

And nearby is the main campus of the University of Wales College of Cardiff.

The elegance and extravagance of the buildings that comprise the Civic Centre clearly reflect Cardiff’s hey day as one of the world’s busiest export ports.

They simply smack of prosperity and civic pride and they combine to make Cardiff Civic Centre one of Europe’s most stunning such centre.