Turaida Museum Reserve, Medieval castle and museum complex in Sigulda, Latvia.
Turaida Museum Reserve is a large complex featuring a red brick castle, a wooden church, manor buildings, and exhibition spaces spread across approximately 42 hectares. The site displays medieval structures and recreates how people lived during earlier centuries.
Construction of the castle began in 1214 under the Archbishop of Riga, replacing an earlier wooden fortress built by the local Livonian tribe. This stronghold became important for settling and controlling the region throughout the medieval period.
The Dainu Hill section displays stone sculptures honoring those who collected and preserved Latvian folk songs over the centuries. Visitors can explore these monuments and learn how traditional music shaped local identity and storytelling.
Visitors can access the visitor center, join guided tours available in multiple languages, and climb the main tower for a view of the surrounding valley. Comfortable shoes are recommended since exploring the large grounds involves considerable walking.
The name Turaida comes from the ancient Livonian language and means 'Garden of God', referring to the beautiful Gauja Valley landscape surrounding it. This meaning was often overlooked by visitors for centuries, yet it reflects a deep connection between the site and its natural setting.
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