Turaida Castle, Medieval castle in Sigulda, Latvia.
Turaida Castle is a medieval brick fortress standing on a hill above the Gauja River valley, with a distinctive cylindrical tower and defensive stone walls. The structure spreads across multiple levels and offers views over the river valley and surrounding forests from its upper sections.
The Livonian military order built this fortress in 1214 under the direction of Archbishop Albert of Riga. Over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, with each period leaving its mark on the structure.
The castle served as a center of power and administration for centuries in this region. Today, visitors can see in the museum everyday objects and sacred items that reveal how people lived and worshipped here.
The paths to the tower are steep and involve many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for your visit. The best time to come is during the warmer months when all sections of the site are fully accessible.
The name comes from an ancient Baltic language and means Garden of Gods, reflecting the sacred traditions of people who lived here before the arrival of the military order. This connection to pre-Christian history makes the site especially valuable to archaeologists and cultural historians.
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