- Address: Lielā Ezerkrasta iela 19, Ludza, Ludzas pilsēta, LV-5701, Latvia;
- Built: in 1433 year.
Ludza Castle is located in the Latvian town of Ludza . The castle is one of the oldest in Latvia . Its history is closely connected with the history of the city and the legends accompanying the Ludza Castle also affect the origins of the small Ludza.
Three destruction of the castle
The first mention of the fortress is dated 1433 year. It is built between two lakes on a spit, which is at an altitude of 20 meters. It seems that such a location should completely protect the structure from the attack of enemies.
Ludza Castle was surrounded by a wall 4 m high and 500 m long. The main castle was also made of stone and had an impressive appearance. On the fortress wall there were six observation towers on which guards were stationed. Despite this strengthening of Russian troops, three times attacked and destroyed the castle. In 1481, several castles were practically destroyed on the territory of Livonia, among which was Ludzensky. After 50 years it was restored. But a few years later the troops of the commander Temkin invaded the lands, which again damaged the fortress. His "mistake" was corrected by the Polish King Stefan Batory, who rebuilt and fortified the fortress in a new way. Ironically, his ancestors will not be engaged in the restoration of the legendary castle after the invasion of Ivan the Terrible, because of what the fortress will decline. To date, tourists can only see the ruins of the old castle.
Legends of the Ludza Castle
There are several legends that explain the appearance of the castle and settlement in the modern city of Ludza. One of them says that these lands belonged to the feudal Vulquin. He had three daughters who had land after his father's death. Having divided them equally, each of them erected a castle. The girls were Rosalia, Lucia and Maria. It was from their names that the names of the cities built around the castles were obtained: Rezekne , Ludza and Marienhausen.
The remaining legends are associated with the names of Lucia and Maria. By the way, the city where the Ludza Castle is located, until 1917, was called Lucia.
How to get there?
To get to the castle, you need to get to Ludza along the E22. The attraction is in the center of the city, between the lakes. Next to it passes the route P49 or Talavijas iela.