TURAIDAS MUZEJREZERVATS |
| Address: |
Turaidas iela 10 , Turaida, Sigulda |
| Phone: |
371 67971402, 371 67972376 |
| Fax: |
371 67973628 |
| Home page: |
www.turaida-muzejs.lv |
| E-mail address: |
turaida.muzejs@apollo.lv |
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| Open:
10.00 a.m. - 5 p.m. (November-April)
10.00 a.m. – 6 p.m. (May-October)
Open-air expositions, the Main Tower and Southern Block in summer season from 9.00 a.m. – 8. p.m.
Excursions in Latvian, English, Russian and German should be booked in advance by phone: +371-7971402
+371-9269921
Specially protected cultural monument Turaida Museum Reserve was established in 1988. It comprises the Historical Center of Turaida as well as preserves, investigates and popularizes heritage of cultural history , which has been formed in this place in the course of one thousand years, starting with 11th century. Turaida Museum Reserve covers an area of 41 ha and there are situated 37 historic buildings and constructions.
The particular beauty of this place has been already distinguished by its ancient inhabitants – the Gauja Livs, who named the place Turaida – in translation from ancient Liv language it means the Garden of God. The great variety of cultural and historical monuments, the picturesque landscapes of the Gauja valley, nature trails, extensive lawn areas, tidy environment and expositions in Turaida Museum Reserve attracts thousands of visitors each year. Turaida Museum Reserve has become the most visited museum in Latvia.
In 1996 Turaida Museum Reserve participated in European Museum Forum, which took place in Barcelona and was awarded a special Diploma for achievement and European Museum Year Winner’s Badge, that was presented to 10 the best European Museums.
Preservation of cultural heritage, maintenance of national memory and historical evidence is work, which can be accomplished only by the goodwill and support of many people. A visit to Turaida Museum Reserve is an acknowledgement of your support.
Expositions in Folk-song Park, on Church Hill, in the Medieval Castle and economic center of Turaida Estate informs about history of Latvia in the course of one thousand years in the context of historical events which took place in Europe.
Folk-song Park
Dainu Hill and Folk-song Garden with 26 sculptures made by Indulis Ranka is a story about Latvian wisdom of life, folksongs and Krišjānis Barons who collected and systematized them. Last summer of his life in 1922 Kr.Barons spent in Turaida. Dainu Hill was open in 1985 anticipating 150th anniversary of Father of Songs. Along with Folk-song Garden, which was developed in further years, it forms the Folk-song Park where in the course of years hundreds of ethnographical and folk groups have performed. In 1996 Folk-song Park was included in the register of World Sculpture Gardens in Washington.
Church Hill and Memorial Tomb to the Rose of Turaida
Ancient church building place and churchyard where from the 13th-18th century baptized Livs and local inhabitants were buried. Turaida the Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1750 and it is one of the most ancient wooden churches in Vidzeme Region.
On the Church Hill there is a Memorial Tomb to the virgin Maija – the Rose of Turaida. The legend about Maija’s love and faithfulness to her beloved has survived till nowadays. This story is based on true event, which took place in the 17th century. Each year hundreds of newly married couples on their wedding-day visit the Memorial Tomb to the Rose of Turaida.
Medieval Castle
The Towers of Turaida Castle are noticable from afar and they have been captivating visitors already since the 19th century.
The building of the Castle was started in 1214 on the site where initially was situated wooden castle of Livs. The Castle was expanded until the middle of the 16th century and it was a significant fortification of Riga Archbishopric. In the further centuries the swords for the Castle were crossed by Polish, Swedish and Russian troops. Castle as a fortress existed until destructive fire in 1776. The restoration was started in the 50-ies of the last century. Turaida Castle is one of the archeologically most investigated medieval monuments in the Baltic States. New expositions have been installed in all Castle Buildings and their development is still in process. A wide narrative is being prepared about Middle Ages in Latvia where the central focus is Castle as the main source of information and bearer of medieval atmosphere.
Economic Centre of Turaida Estate
Turaida Estate started to form in the 16th century. The main buildings were located in the Catle Yard. In nowadays more than 10 economic buildings and two living houses of estate managers have been preserved and restored in estate area as well as 14 bigger and smaller ponds renovated in their original site. Economic life of estate is revealed by expositions in Cart-house, Bath-house (Sauna), Fish basement and Smithy, where smith’s craft is demonstrated. In the estate area and exposition rooms there are organized activities for pupils and celebrated national feasts. You can enjoy this estate area also riding a horse or driving in a coach.
Nature Trails
In the territory of Turaida Museum Reserve there are arranged nature trails with the length above 100 m and up to 1 km. Different is also ascent of the hill thus each visitor can choose the most suitable route. Several nature trails are winding along slopes of the hill and walking along them the visitor can learn about rare plants, investigate the way of springs, observe the outcrops of cliffs, the defensive walls of the Castle and Towers from new and unusual places. More information you can get having tour under guidance of museum specialist.
How to get to Turaida
Turaida Museum Reserve is located about 50 minutes drive by car from Riga and
8 minutes drive from the centre of Sigulda.
Traffic by railway from Riga to Sigulda takes 70 minutes.
Also from Riga central bus station to Sigulda buses and minibuses make regular runs.
If you choose driving along Riga-Valmiera motor road then in Ragana turn to the right in the direction of Turaida. |
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