Salaspils Castle, Medieval castle ruin near Salaspils, Latvia.
Salaspils Castle is a medieval castle ruin near Salaspils in Latvia, spread across a rectangular layout of about 40 by 30 meters. The limestone walls and octagonal tower in the western section form the main features of this fortification.
The ruins were built by the Livonian Order before 1380 and later played a key role in negotiations over control of Riga. The fortification was an important element in the region's military and political structure during medieval times.
The remains show how German military orders built fortifications across the Baltic region to serve as both defense and administrative centers. You can see in the walls how these two purposes were integrated into the structure.
The ruins are partially submerged by the Daugava River dam, so the remains are best visible when water levels are lower. Check water conditions before visiting to see the site under the best circumstances.
The fortification featured an innovative drawbridge system positioned roughly halfway along the northwest wing. This engineering approach was advanced for its time and shows technical sophistication in medieval Baltic construction.
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