Ērģeme Castle ruins, Medieval castle ruins near Ērģeme, Latvia
Ērģeme Castle ruins are the remains of a medieval fortification built from red brick, arranged in a rectangular shape with clear architectural lines. Two tall defensive towers and a round corner tower rising two stories high are still visible, along with traces of the moat that once circled the structure.
The fortress was built in the 14th century as a defensive post of the Livonian Order and served as a border stronghold for several centuries. It was destroyed during warfare in the early 18th century and ceased its military role.
The castle grounds serve as a venue for summer performances and local gatherings that bring the community together. These events transform the historic space into a living place where residents and visitors experience the connection between the fortification's past and present-day traditions.
The site is accessible on foot and visitors can freely walk around the walls and towers to explore the structure from different angles. The warmest months are ideal for a visit, as the surroundings are green and local events often take place during this period.
After its destruction, the fortress was repurposed for practical storage needs, with locals using it to keep grain for the parish for many decades into the 19th century. This unexpected shift shows how abandoned military structures can find new purpose in community life.
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