Turaida Castle — Attraction in Sigulda

Turaida - a place its first inhabitants, the Libians, have called the garden of God. Museum Reserve buildings have exhibits that tell you the events of different periods, people's lives, positions and traditions.

The visual dominance of the museum reserve is Turaidas pils – its mighty red-brick tower is also visible from several viewpoints on the opposite bank of Gauja. The mural castle for the Bishop Alberti of Riga was built in 1214, instead of the preexisting but battle-burned wooden castle of the Lebanese leader Kaupo of Turaida. Initially, the new castle was given the name Frodeland, but it was used only for a short time, and soon the Bishop's wall castle was called Turaida, as before, the Lebanese wooden castle and the surrounding county. The improvement of the castle's defence system continued in the coming centuries and, in parallel to fortifications, economic and residential buildings were built in the palace patio. As firearms developed, the palace began to lose its strategic importance. After the fire in 1776, it was no longer restored, it gradually turned into ruins. in 1976, regular archaeological research began and the preservation and reconstruction of the...

Turaida Castle was a fantastic addition to our Sigulda adventure!

As a family with two young boys, we were a bit unsure about how engaging it would be, but we were pleasantly surprised.

The castle itself is beautifully restored and offers a fascinating glimpse into Latvia's history.

The boys were particularly captivated by the stories of the Rose of Turaida, a tragic love story that has become a legend. The castle's tower climb was a highlight for them, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Beyond the castle, the Turaida Museum Reserve is a delightful place to explore. The park-like setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of spots for a picnic. We spent a good part of our afternoon exploring the grounds, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the fresh air.

While the castle itself might not be as interactive as some modern attractions, the overall atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings make it a worthwhile visit for families.

It's a great way to combine history, nature, and family fun.

Would definitely recommend it to other families...

The Baltic States have many castle ruins, and if you could only visit one, the Turaida castle ruins would undoubtedly be in the top three. Not only is the ruin itself beautiful, but also its location on the wooded banks of the Gauja River makes Turaida Castle a top attraction. After the wooden fortress of the Livonian leader Kaupo was conquered, Bishop Albert ordered the construction of a stone castle in 1214. Turaida Catsle (Livonian for Thor's Garden) became the counterpart to the Sigulda Medieval Castle of the Brothers of the Sword, which was located on the other side of the Gauja River. Tensions sometimes ran high and the Livonian Order temporarily conquered the castle in the 15th century. In the 18th century, the castle fell into military disuse, and the stones were used to build a manor house. In the last quarter of the 20th century, archaeological research and restoration work began, which has now preserved the castle ruins for posterity. The red brick castle is visible from far away among the...