Architecture The castle is divided into two main rings of buildings: the inner ring, which is centered on a tiny courtyard, and the outer ring, which houses the important apartments. This building is located in the heart of a vast bailey. It includes a great hall with an open timber roof structure, a chapel, and private living quarters. Alnwick Castle was built between 1543 and 1565 for Sir William Fitzalan. The earliest written evidence of construction dates from 1543 when the king granted permission for the castle to be built near "a good water supply". The castle took nearly 20 years to build at a cost of about £40,000 (today's value). It was designed by the Italian architect Giuliano da Maestro who also designed King Henry VIII's palace at Greenwich. The castle has nine towers and three courtyards. Inside the castle, you can see many paintings by famous artists such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Van Dyck. Alnwick Castle is one of the most important examples of Tudor architecture in England. It has been listed as a National Heritage Site since 1970. Today, the castle remains intact and is used mainly for state occasions and for public events. The castle is open daily except Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Entry is free but there is a charge for some exhibitions.