Koknese Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Koknese Parish, Latvia.
Koknese Castle is a medieval fortress ruin in Koknese Parish perched on a high bluff that overlooks the Daugava River valley. The stone walls reveal different construction phases, while sections of the lower foundations have been partially submerged in water since the mid-1900s.
Bishop Albert founded the castle in 1209 as a stone structure replacing an earlier wooden stronghold, making it a strategic center in the region. The fortress changed hands several times and endured multiple sieges before Saxon forces destroyed it in 1701.
The castle served as a center of power and religious authority for centuries, and locals view it as a symbol of medieval Latvian resistance and identity. Today the ruins remain a focal point for cultural events that reconnect people with their heritage.
The site is best explored on foot, with the vantage point from the bluff offering expansive views of the river valley. An information pavilion at the entrance provides context about the castle's history and architectural features.
When the Pļaviņas hydroelectric plant was built in the 1960s, the lower portions of the castle were deliberately submerged, creating an unusual state of partial preservation. This flooding permanently altered how the ruins appear and can be accessed today.
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