Sigulda Castle Ruins

The ruins of the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle stand on the left bank of the Gauja valley at Pils iela 18, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. The castle was founded in 1207, and today its towers, walls and open air stage are among the most loved sights in Sigulda.

History of the castle

Construction of Sigulda Castle began in 1207, led by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. At first it was a castellum type fortress meant to watch over the Gauja waterway and keep an eye on the bishop’s castle at Turaida across the river. In the 1260s the Livonian Order rebuilt it as a convent type building around a square inner courtyard.

Over the centuries the castle suffered in the Livonian War and the Polish Swedish War, and in the early 18th century, during the Great Northern War, it lost its military role for good. In the 19th century the ruins were admired as a romantic relic of the past, and between 1878 and 1881 the Sigulda New Castle was built right next to them.

Systematic research and restoration began in 1962. The biggest change came in 2011 and 2012, when an EU co-funded project reconstructed the ruins and opened the towers to visitors for the first time.

What to see

Climb the South and North towers for wide views over the Gauja valley, Turaida Castle and Krimulda. Walkways along the castle walls let you circle the grounds and look down into the valley, which is especially beautiful in golden autumn.

The best preserved part is the southwest wing of the convent building. Its southeast part once held a chapel with an unusual, angled Gothic window behind the altar. You can also see the four cornered gate tower, where the first restoration work took place.

The castle courtyard is home to an open air stage that hosts concerts and festivals every year, including the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival. The castle ruins also appear on Siguldas Rudens Bumba, on the right side of its base.

Visitor information

Address
Pils iela 18, Sigulda
Opening hours
1 May to 31 October daily 9:00 to 18:00, 1 November to 30 April daily 9:00 to 17:00. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before closing time.
Tickets
Adults 2.50 €, pupils, students and pensioners 2.00 €, family ticket (2 adults and 2 or more children under 15) 5.00 €. Combined ticket with Sigulda New Castle 4.50 € (pupils, students, pensioners 3.50 €). Children under 7 free.
Contacts
+371 67970263, siguldas.pils@sigulda.lv

Information updated in November 2026. Please check opening hours and prices with the venue before your visit.

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