Turaida Castle

Sigulda, Latvia

Turaida Castle is a recently reconstructed medieval castle in Turaida. The castle was originally constructed in the Brick Gothic style in 1214 under Albert, archbishop of Riga, on the site of the destroyed wooden castle of the Livonian leader Caupo of Turaida. Construction and development of the fortifications continued to the 17th century, when the castle started to lose its strategic importance. It was badly damaged by fire in 1776 and not reconstructed, and in the course of time fell into ruin.

Restoration began in the 1970s and a castle wing is now the centrepiece of the Turaida Museum Reserve, which also includes the oldest wooden church in Vidzeme and its surrounding Livonian cemetery, containing for example the the grave of Maija, the Rose of Turaida, a sculpture park celebrating Latvian folksong and the beautifully landscaped castle grounds. The current count of Turaida is Kristaps Peake and it maintains a small garrison.

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Address

Gauja National Park 4, Sigulda, Latvia
See all sites in Sigulda

Details

Founded: 1214
Category: Castles and fortifications in Latvia
Historical period: State of the Teutonic Order (Latvia)

More Information

www.latvia.travel
en.wikipedia.org
www.pilis.lv
www.inyourpocket.com
www.turaida-muzejs.lv

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Sigulda Castle Ruins (1,8 km)
Sigulda New Castle (1,9 km)
Krimulda Castle Ruins (1,7 km)


Cesis Castle (29,2 km)
St. John's Church (29,2 km)
Birini Palace (13,4 km)
Lielstraupe Castle (19,2 km)
Lielvarde Castle (52,4 km)
Ikskile Church Ruins (46 km)
Dikli Manor (48,6 km)

User Reviews

Martin k Mathew (3 months ago)
Good place to visit and don't forget to climb to the top of the tower
Tracy Simpson (5 months ago)
Lovely partly ruined castle which is an impressive presence on the hill. We visited in February when some of the buildings were closed, but loved the views. There is a car park over the road, and a few mins drive away a good pizza place. I'm sure in summer you could spend hours there as there are several walks around the countryside.
Arvids Godjuks (9 months ago)
Great place for a visit and a good walk around the property surrounding the castle.
Katrina Korotkiha (9 months ago)
Very nice both castle and park, especially in autumn. Castle well restored.
Roman Valášek (10 months ago)
I was very excited to see that castle neverethless "huge" disappointment. There is not so much to see. Outlook tower is however nice. But thats all.
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