Lielvārde Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Lielvārde, Latvia.
Lielvārde Castle is a stone fortress that stands on elevated ground above the Daugava River, with walls preserved in places up to the second story. The structure displays the typical dolomite construction methods and defensive layout of a 13th-century stronghold.
The Brothers of the Sword built this fortress in 1229 on the site of an earlier wooden Livonian stronghold. Russian forces destroyed it during the Livonian War in 1579, ending its role as an active military installation.
The ruins reveal how people lived and organized their defense in medieval times. Walking through the preserved walls gives you a sense of the daily life and building methods of that era.
The site is open year-round and can be freely explored without restrictions. The ruins stand on elevated ground, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and grass-covered walls.
The location on the Daugava River was strategically valuable because it allowed control of important river trade routes. This command of the waterway made the position especially significant for medieval power in the region.
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