Half-Day Private Tour to Sigulda from Riga
Jūrmala, Latvia
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 5 hours
Visit of Sigulda Medieval Castle and Turaida Medieval Castle.
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Visit of Sigulda Medieval Castle and Turaida Medieval Castle.We are picking you up from your hotel in Riga and driving straight to Sigulda town. Where we will visit Sigulda Castle built in 1207 as a castellum type fortress, later rebuilt into a convent type building. Originally built eight centuries ago, the castle reopened it’s walls to visitors in 2012 and now encourages everyone to step back in time and enjoy the surroundings that bore witness to many historical events.
Next stop is at the Turaida Medieval Castle. The most visited museum in Latvia, which tell the story of events that have occurred during the last 1000 years. Building of the castle was started in 1214 according to directions given by Albert, archibishop of Riga in the place where in former times was located wooden castle of Liv leader Kaupo. “Castellum” type fortress was built and named Fredeland in translation it means “Land of Peace”. This name was not popular and but the local name Turaida survived till nowadays. Perfection of defensive system of the castle continued also in the next centuries – in 14th century was built towershaped southern section, in the beginning of 15th century when fire arms were invented was built semi rounded western tower. Along with formation of fortifications household buildings and living houses were erected in the inner yard of the castle. Small reconstruction work was carried out in 17th century though castle started to loose its strategical meaning. After fire in 1776 it was not reconstructed and in the course of time it was ruined. Since 1976 regular archeological escavations were carried out which were followed by restauration and conservation works as a result castle regained a part of its initial shape. Exhibitions about history of brick castle and Gauja Livs are available in restaured buildings. From the view place of the main tower you can see the unique landscape of picturesque Gauja valley and territory of Turaida Museum Reserve.
After the visit of Turaida castle we will heading back to Riga.
Next stop is at the Turaida Medieval Castle. The most visited museum in Latvia, which tell the story of events that have occurred during the last 1000 years. Building of the castle was started in 1214 according to directions given by Albert, archibishop of Riga in the place where in former times was located wooden castle of Liv leader Kaupo. “Castellum” type fortress was built and named Fredeland in translation it means “Land of Peace”. This name was not popular and but the local name Turaida survived till nowadays. Perfection of defensive system of the castle continued also in the next centuries – in 14th century was built towershaped southern section, in the beginning of 15th century when fire arms were invented was built semi rounded western tower. Along with formation of fortifications household buildings and living houses were erected in the inner yard of the castle. Small reconstruction work was carried out in 17th century though castle started to loose its strategical meaning. After fire in 1776 it was not reconstructed and in the course of time it was ruined. Since 1976 regular archeological escavations were carried out which were followed by restauration and conservation works as a result castle regained a part of its initial shape. Exhibitions about history of brick castle and Gauja Livs are available in restaured buildings. From the view place of the main tower you can see the unique landscape of picturesque Gauja valley and territory of Turaida Museum Reserve.
After the visit of Turaida castle we will heading back to Riga.
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