Turaida Castle

Turaida Castle is a fortress in Latvia, which is only 13 years younger than Riga. It was once home to the Livonian Order, the bishop’s residence and a garrison of Swedish soldiers. Turaida Castle keeps the imprint of antiquity peeking through the restoration. Here you can walk through the many rooms of the castle, walk up the narrow staircases, and most importantly, enjoy the magnificent views from the towers.

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Video: Turaida Castle

Contents

Diagram of Turajd Castle

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Highlights

Turaydskog Castle is located not far from Riga – about 50 kilometers away. The inhabitants of Lithuania carefully treat the heritage – a museum-reserve was created on the territory of the castle. The complex united not only the castle, but also other historical buildings. Every year almost 200 thousand tourists come to see the ancient citadel, which makes the Turaida Castle the most famous museum complex in Latvia. It is recognized internationally. At the congress of European museums in Spain, Turajda Castle was awarded with a laureate mark and marked with a diploma for development.

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‘ Turajdskij castle.’
‘ Castle Court
‘ Stone at the entrance to the castle
‘ Gauyskiy National Park. View of Turajdskij zamokreterte

History of Turajd Castle

‘ Initial plan of the castle

Revival of former greatness

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‘ Viewing platform‘
‘ This building houses the main exhibition of the museum
‘ Castle Museumhttps://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Turajdskij-zamokreterte/Muzey-zamka-2.jpg” alt=””/>‘
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Getting to know the museum-reserve

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‘ http://www.turaida-muzejs.lv.

The sightseeing tours are conducted in four languages: English, Russian, German and Latvian. In 1.5-2 hours, guests are introduced to the history of the Latvian people. Thematic excursions give an opportunity to see the medieval castle, church mountain, to see the center of the estate’s economic development. A guide can lead the group on local trails and show flower displays.

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The pride of the complex is Turaida Castle. High walls, seven towers reaching into the sky – the fortress has been fully recreated. The main tower proudly surveys the surroundings. Earlier it was used for observation of the surroundings and for defense. If the castle was besieged, the tower served as a shelter. At the level of the third floor there was an entrance with a wooden staircase. If the enemy penetrated the castle, it was burned down. The entrance can still be seen today – it is made in the form of a balcony.

‘ Inside the Great Semicircular Tower
‘ In the courtyard of the castle

During the peace period the tower was “resting”. No one lived inside, and its loneliness was only brightened by a fireplace. In case of a siege, it provided people with heat. The thickness of the walls of the tower varies. In the north – up to 3.7 meters, on the other sides – from 3 meters and more. The difference was due to the need to reinforce the vulnerable outer walls.

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But tourists do not need to climb the wooden stairs to get to the main tower of Turaida Castle. A passage was made at the bottom and a viewing platform was created. They also built an internal staircase, making it easier for people to climb. They also took care of the ceilings between the floors. The upper part of the tower was completely destroyed, so they had to rebuild it too. Now the “giantess” lives a busy life, protecting the exhibits of the museum.

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‘ The sledding track in Sigulda
‘ Castle Prison

The observation deck offers a view of the river valley, the remains of Sigulda Castle and the sledding track. The area where the outbuildings were located is beautifully visible. The panorama covers the courtyard inside the castle and the semicircular tower.

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‘ Inside the Main Tower
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‘ View from the observation deck
‘ Entrance to the Main Tower
‘ Chandelier in the Main Tower
‘ Folk Song Park
‘ Holm Dayn.

Tourist Opportunities

You can diversify your visit to the complex with special programs offered by the museum. All year round, tourists are given the opportunity to participate in a role-playing game called “Visiting Turaida Fort”. Participants are dressed in the clothes of knights and peasants, taught the basics of ancient writing on wax tablets and medieval manners.

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‘ Walls of the castle
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How to get there

Turaida Castle is located 5 km from Sigulda city center in the territory of the Gauja River National Park.

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Address: 10 Turaidas Street, Sigulda, Latvia, LV-2150.

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You can get to the museum-reserve by bus, train or car. Buses traveling from Riga to Sigulda, Cesis, Smiltene, Aluksne, Gulbene and Madona are suitable. Bus stops in Sigulda are Sigulda (on the A2 road) or Siguldas Autoosta (bus station).

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Turaida Castle is located 3 km north of Sigulda railway station, where trains from Riga to Sigulda, Cesis, Valmiera, Valga stop. From there you can reach it on foot or by bus (stop Turaida).

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By car, take the A2 road (E77) to Sigulda, then take the P8 road to Turaida. Another option is to take the A3 road (E264) to Ragana, then turn onto the P7 road towards Turaida or drive to Inciems, then turn onto the P8 road towards Sigulda. Also in summer season there is an electric car from Sigulda to Turaida Castle.

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