- Address: Gauja National Park, Krimuldas iela 2, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, LV-2150, Latvia;
- Built: in the XIII century;
- Open: round the clock.
On the elevation of the right bank of the Gauja River , near the city of Sigulda , are the ruins of the Krimulda Castle. They are located in the village of Krimulda, revealing a beautiful view of the river valley and the right tributary - the river Vikmeste. The castle is one of the most memorable sights of Latvia .
Krimulda Castle - history
This monument of medieval architecture has a rich history. The Krimulda Castle was erected in the XIII century, but the first documentary evidence is recorded from the beginning of the XIV century. This Livonian castle was created by the order of the Riga ambassador for diplomatic purposes and therefore did not have the proper fortification that the fortresses possessed. At the beginning of its history the castle passed from hand to hand: from the diocese to the knights of the order, then back. Later in it sat the Polish head of the poviat, and at the end of the 16th century the castle became the property of Holdshner.
At the very beginning of the XVII century the castle was captured by soldiers of the Swedish army and almost completely destroyed by the order of Count Johann von Nassau. All the wooden buildings were dedicated to the fire. One of the towers, built of stone boulders, survived. There were no windows in it, but there was a stove and a cellar, so you could live in a castle. There is also a castle kitchen and some outbuildings.
Castle, Krimulda and Sigulda, according to the decision of the King of Sweden Gustav II Adolf, went to his faithful adviser in the property. Through the century the descendant of Gabriel Oxenstern laid these lands to Captain Karlis von Helmersen. In the beginning of the XIX century the owner of this area became the Livens family. A few decades later, Count Leaven initiated archaeological research on the territory of the Krimulda Castle, which stretched for almost 30 years. In the course of the work, the foundations of the surviving buildings were thoroughly investigated.
In the 60s of the XIX century, the outer walls of the castle were erected on the original foundation. On the side, which is not protected by rivers, was dug a deep deep ditch. The castle became a fortress, folded by their huge boulders. Under it was a spacious basement, divided into three parts. The first floor was given to the kitchen and dining room. The second floor was divided into residential apartments, and on the third floor there were small auxiliary rooms.
Krimulda Castle today
The Krimulda Castle consists of two connected fortified fortresses, a watchtower at the entrance and a viewing tower in the north of the architectural complex. One of the buildings of the Krimulda castle is the church.
To date, the castle has little left. The main structures of the architectural ensemble of the Krimulda Castle are the buildings of the XIX century. But those ruins that have been preserved, clearly show how powerful and majestic fortress towered once over the river Gauja.
How to get to Krimulda Castle?
The best way to get to the Krimulda castle is by cable car , the funicular that departs from Sigulda to Krimulda runs every half hour.