Sigulda is a city in central Latvia , which is famous for its sights all over the world. Tourists from the most remote corners of the globe travel here all year round to see this Latvian "pearl", which for an incredibly picturesque area was called "Vidzeme Switzerland". Annually Sigulda receives about 1 million guests.
Museums of Sigulda
The Turaida Museum , represented as a whole 42 hectare park, is one of the most visited tourist attractions not only of Sigulda, but of all Latvia. There are thousands of architectural, archaeological, historical and artistic memorials that tell about the events that took place on the Sigulda lands since the 11th century.
The museum is located on Turaidas Street, it works all year round. Adult ticket costs from € 3 to € 5 (depending on the season, summer is more expensive), for children - from € 0,7 to € 1,15. Parking near the museum is paid.
Lovers of technology can visit the private museum, which was created right in his apartment by a resident of Sigulda. Michael (known on the Internet as MaiklsBlack ) collected a collection of 200 computers from the last century and other old technology. Almost all the devices the owner of the museum was able to bring back to life and gladly shows them to tourists. Excursions Michael conducts by arrangement. You can send your application by e-mail maikls_bms@pochta.ru.
Also near Sigulda (18 km) there is a military museum dedicated to World War II. In winter, you can only get here by appointment, in the summer the museum is open from 9:00 to 20:00 (daily except Tuesdays). The cost of an adult admission ticket is € 2.5, the cost of a child is € 1.5.
Churches and temples
Sigulda's Sacred Sights:
- Sigulda Lutheran Church - the oldest shrine of the city, the parish was founded in 1225 (Baznicas street 2);
- The Roman Catholic Church (Raunas street 8);
- Turaida wooden Lutheran Church (on the territory of the Turaida Museum).
In the village of Krimulda, near Sigulda, there is a very beautiful church . Historians believe that the legendary leader of the Livs of Kaulo, who, with the blessing of erecting this temple, went to the Pope himself, is involved in its construction.
Gardens and parks
In Sigulda many attractions of the new time, which appeared already in the XXI century. One of them can be called a whole complex of original city parks.
In 2007, the residents of Sigulda celebrated the 800th anniversary of the city. Not without memorable gifts. This year there were already three beautiful compositions:
- a park of canes at the intersection of Poruka and Tsesu streets (this attribute became a real symbol of the city after in the 19th century such canes were sold almost to every corner - traders offered tourists to buy beautiful carved sticks to safely travel along the steep slopes and ravines of the river valley) ;
- square of keys at the intersection of ul. Raina and st. Pils (in the summer there are picturesque compositions made of flowers, there is a forged bridge, arches and the main exposition - three metal keys symbolizing the inviolable connection of Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda);
- sculpture "Wind Bell" on Pils Street (8 bell rings are hung inside the large bell, each of which represents one of 8 centuries of the city's history).
And in 2010 in Sigulda there was one more unusual sight - the sculptural installation "The Knights' Parade" . It can be seen near the gate of the New Castle.
Architectural monuments
The most famous castle of Sigulda, which can be seen even from a bird's eye view, is Turaida . It is located on the territory of the museum-reserve. After numerous damages and fires, the castle, built in 1214 by the order of the Bishop of Riga, was practically restored. Rising on a 30-meter tower, you will see an unusually beautiful panorama of the city, drowning in the emerald hills.
In addition to the Turaida castle, in Sigulda there are:
- White Castle on the street. Baznicas 7 (in it lived the family of Prince Kropotkin, thanks to which Sigulda and turned from a quiet inconspicuous town to a famous resort);
- Krimulda Palace - a building in the style of classicism, built in 1848 (located on Mednieku street 3, now there is a rehabilitation center and the hotel is open);
- New castle on the street. Pils 16 (inspection only from the outside, since 2003 there is the Duma of the Sigulda region);
- Castle Segevold (next to the New Castle).
To the architectural sights of Sigulda you can also refer the concert hall "White Piano" on the street Šveits 19 (in form resembles the original instrument), as well as the "Green" villa - one of the boarding houses built by Prince Kropotkin to attract foreign tourists.
What is better to see in summer and winter?
In the warm season, Sigulda is filled with crowds of tourists who are eager to see the picturesque surroundings of the city, enjoy the beauty of the local places and make bright and rich photos of the natural sights of Sigulda. If you arrived in summer or a warm spring, be sure to visit:
- Gauja National Park (a protected area of more than 90 hectares, containing 900 plant species, 48 mammal animal species and 149 species of birds, as well as more than 500 historical and cultural monuments);
- Cave Gutman (the largest grotto in the Baltics, is located on Turaidas Street);
- Paradise hill (the steep 80-meter-long shore of Gauja , where local painters like to paint landscapes);
- Voronovo Gorge (deep ravine in a beautiful red sandstone);
- The cave of Peter , which leads the ancient staircase.
In winter, Sigulda attracts other sights. Fans of alpine skiing can run the tracks, which are not few here:
- main Sigulda highway (Peldu street);
- highway Kakishkalns (Senchu street);
- Fischer ski center (Puku street);
- the Cordes route (on the outskirts).
There are also ski slopes in the surrounding area: the Rhine and Ramkalni .
Fans of more thrills can visit the bobsleigh-sleigh complex (13, Shvejts street). To go down along the highway in length of 1420 meters tourists are offered on special devices: "Bobah", Vučko or "Frog". Get vibrant emotions from exploring the amazing sights of Sigulda you can both in winter and in summer. This city is always beautiful!
* all indicated prices and schedules are valid for March 2017.