Sigulda Medieval Castle

The Order castle at Sigulda was begun in 1207 on the edge of the Gauja valley, one of the first stone castles raised in the region, and it grew into a substantial fortress before being ruined in the seventeenth-century wars. What stands are walls, tower fragments and gateways on the bluff, consolidated and fitted with walkways and a viewing platform looking across the valley to Turaida castle on the far side, which is the view the place is known for. An open-air stage built within the ruins is used for concerts and the Opera Festival. The New Castle beside it, a nineteenth-century manor house, has been restored and holds exhibitions and a cafe.

History

The castle was built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, an order of German warrior monks founded in 1202, and passed with them to the Livonian Order. Its walls were strengthened many times in the 20th century, and it reopened to visitors in 2012 (Wikipedia, Sigulda Medieval Castle).

Highlights

• The ruined walls - the consolidated fortress remains on the bluff.
• The valley view - Turaida castle across the Gauja from the platform.
• The open-air stage - the performance space within the ruins.
• The New Castle - the restored nineteenth-century manor beside it.

When to go

April to October for the valley and the walkways; autumn colour in the Gauja valley is the reason many come, with the Sigulda autumn season built around it. Concerts run in summer. Winter closes some walkways.

What to expect

Only fragments of the medieval castle survive. Entry is charged and the site is small. Concert days restrict access. Autumn weekends bring very heavy crowds to Sigulda as a whole.

Nearby

Turaida castle stands across the valley; the cable car crosses nearby.

Key facts