29/06/2022
Turaida Castle (Sigulda)
Just 50 kilometers from the Latvian capital is a beautiful provincial town - Sigulda. An honorary landmark of Latvia, the Turaida Castle of the 13th century, became his hallmark. Once in the Middle Ages, there was a bishop's residence, the Livonian Order was located here, and even a garrison of Swedish soldiers was housed. Today, the fortress keeps the imprint of antiquity, so the castle today has acquired the status of a museum complex, and a museum-reserve has been created on its territories.
The museum complex includes not only the castle, but also a lot of surrounding historical buildings - there are 37 such buildings in total. The castle itself was founded in 1214 by the Bishop of Riga on the right bank of the Gauja. Unfortunately, the fortress has not retained its original appearance since those times, so it went through a lot of reconstructions, but nevertheless, it has not lost its appearance. Survived to this day and numerous legends that exist about the castle and its inhabitants, and the very name of the castle, in translation meaning "Divine Garden".
The key and oldest element of the castle is the main tower. Now an observation deck is equipped on its upper level, and a museum exposition is located on the lower level. In addition to the tower, exhibitions of exhibits are held in the southern and western buildings of the castle. Archaeological excavations do not stop on the territory of the museum-reserve to this day, new finds are discovered, which subsequently replenish the museum's collection.
Today, Turaida Castle has become a popular tourist attraction - along with excursions, holidays, exhibitions are regularly organized on its territory, concerts of classical and modern music are held.