- Address: Pils iela 4, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, LV-2150, Latvia;
- Phone: +371 67 971 335;
- Years of construction: 1226 and 1881;
- Operating time: Mon. - Fri. from 09:00 to 20:00, Sat-Sun. from 09:00 to 17:00.
In addition to the famous Turaida and Krimulda castles, in Sigulda there is another ancient fortress that preserved the spirit of the great knightly times. There is a unique castle complex, where two buildings are located next to each other, which is divided more than 5 centuries, but at the same time, one story unites. This is the Old and New Sigulda Castles, surrounded by a picturesque park and authentic medieval buildings.
Construction of the Old Sigulda Castle
In 1202 in Riga the Order of the Swordmen was founded, desperately fighting for the Latvian lands, which then represented 4 autonomous territories. Guided by the statute of the Order of the Knights Templar, the new spiritually knight detachment soon became one of the most influential in the Medieval Latvia .
In 1207 the Swordmen seized the territories on the left bank of Gauja and decided to build a defensive fortress here, since they had already managed to gain a lot during their short history of existence.
For the castle selected a site located between two high ravines and the valley of the river. On the unprotected side, a wide moat, 18 meters in depth, was excavated. The castle was named Segevold, which in German means "Forest of Victories".
To build the fortress used dolomite stones, the thickness of the walls reached 3 meters. Construction was very slow. Local residents constantly tried to prevent the Swordmen, made raids and arsons. For the first time, the completed Sigulda Castle was mentioned only in 1226. Then he was a small fortress with a chapel. After the Order of the Swordmen fell apart (in 1236), and all of its possessions passed to the Livonian Order, the castle was rebuilt as a convention. Two forburgs, outbuildings, two watchtowers, and a 12-meter Gate Tower with observation hatches, embrasures and loopholes appeared. In the XIV century, several more buildings and a chapel were completed, a cellar-arsenal and additional protective shafts were dug.
Sigulda Castle has often been under the onslaught of Russian, Polish and Swedish troops. With considerable losses, he survived the Livonian War, but with the advent and development of firearms completely lost its strategic importance. In the Northern War the fortress was completely destroyed and was not restored any more.
Construction of the New Sigulda Castle
In the XVIII and XIX centuries, the castle, or rather - what remained of it, several times passed from hand to hand to notable officials. He was praised as a gratitude for his excellent service to military marshals and handed over by inheritance. So, in the second half of the XIX century Sigulda Castle is owned by the Kropotkin family. Knowing the enterprising nature of Prince Dmitry (it was he who made the construction of a railway to Sigulda and made a real resort out of a quiet town), it is not difficult to guess that he will find a way to use ancient ruins with profit. Considering that the reconstruction of the castle will be very expensive, Kropotkin decided to build a new palace next to the ruined fortress. So he got a luxurious home and revived the dying interest of tourists to the ancient ruins.
The castle was erected in two years (1879-1881 gg.). The project was led by the architect Mendel. The facades were decorated with hewn stones, a popular brick-and-mortar brickwork was used in the Neo-Gothic style.
Sigulda Castles in our days
In 2011-2012, a large-scale reconstruction of the Sigulda castle ruins was carried out. All internal structures were reliably reinforced with wooden beams. The preserved elements of the medieval buildings were carefully restored. Among them:
- Gate tower;
- separate fragments of the castle chapel, in which one can consider window openings and vaults;
- some elements of the interior;
- Facade parts of the castle (also in a fragmentary format).
The new Sigulda Castle remained practical in its original form from the outside. The interior was changed several times. In 1920 the new interiors were developed by J.Madernieks.
In 1936, the artist N. Strunk and the architect A. Birkhan made changes in the design of the castle's premises, which at that time became the property of the Latvian press. Later here was opened a hotel, a holiday home for journalists and writers.
On the territory of the castle complex in the 70s of the last century, a street stage was built for 2,000 visual places. Today, there are often held cultural events, concerts and festivals.
Since 1993, in the building of the New Castle, there have been meetings of the Silgudsky Regional Duma.
Things to do?
As in many Latvian castles open to tourists, Sigulda ruins are complemented by a special medieval entourage.
Near the gate you will be met by cashiers in knightly vestments. Disguised actors can be found in the castle itself. There is no museum on the territory of the fortress or the New Palace, but several expositions with exhibits of ancient times are presented in the Old Castle. There is a small exhibition of weapons, household items and medieval armor.
In the courtyard you can shoot from the bow in a specially equipped shooting range, decorated in the style of the XIII century.
Very nice in the park adjacent to the castles. Everywhere carved benches, lush flower beds and carefully trimmed green lawns. In the garden there are several stone sculptures dedicated to folkloric Latvian characters, as well as a modern installation composition depicting knights in uniform.
The former farm buildings near Sigulda Castle today are a creative quarter. Here are various workshops: weaving, tanneries, wooden / ceramic handicrafts. All comers can watch the work of skilled craftsmen and even participate personally in the creation of art objects. Of course, all souvenirs made here can be bought.
Especially popular among tourists is the house, where famous Sigulda canes and a leather workshop are painted. You can choose the cut of leather from which, before your eyes, the master will sew a custom purse or a passport cover on order.
Information for tourists
- The new castle can only be viewed from the outside;
- The ticket must be purchased only at the entrance to the Old Castle, the entrance to the park is free;
- Adult ticket costs € 2, child / student / pension - € 1, family ticket (2 adults + children) - € 5;
- bank cards are accepted for payment;
- the working hours of Sigulda Castle: from 09:00 to 20:00 daily (May to September), October from 09:00 to 17:00 (Monday to Friday) and from 09:00 to 19:00 (Saturday / Sunday), from 09:00 to 17:00 daily (November - April).
How to get there?
From Riga it is easy to get to Sigulda by train or bus. They go daily and very often (almost every hour). The journey takes 1,5-2 hours.
By car, you can take the A2 motorway.
To Sigulda Castle from the station square to walk for a few minutes. Exact address: Sigulda, st. Pills 18.