Turaida Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Sigulda in Latvia, about 50 kilometers northeast of the capital city Riga. The castle was built in the early 13th century by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a military order of German crusaders who conquered and Christianized the Baltic region.
Turaida Castle served as the residence of the local bishop until the 16th century when it was destroyed by invading forces. The castle was later rebuilt and renovated by various owners throughout the centuries, and today it is a popular tourist attraction and cultural monument.
Visitors to Turaida Castle can explore the restored castle complex, including the main castle tower, the bishop's castle, and the castle church. The castle's walls are adorned with medieval frescoes and decorations, and visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the castle itself, the Turaida Museum Reserve also includes the Turaida Museum, a 16th-century windmill, and a sculpture park featuring the work of local artists. The park is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the surrounding forests are ablaze with colorful foliage.