Touring in North Latvia - Tour No. 3

Sigulda - Cesis - Valmiera

Fifty - three kilometres north-east of Riga, on the banks of the Gauja primeval hollow, is Sigulda, the administrative centre of the Gauja National Park, established to preserve the natural landscape, historic buildings and flora and fauna of the region while maximising its tourism and recreational facilities. The best way to see the park is by cable car, travelling 40 m. in the air from one side of the valley to the other.

Apart from the park, Sigulda itself has much of interest. The Castle mound, on Turaida Street, is now preserved as a museum. The church hill, with a cemetery dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, and the Turaida estate, with its fascinating buildings and artificial pond system, can all be seen. Most interesting of all, is the renovated Turaida Castle, outside the town dating from 1215, which has in its 27m. main tower a sightseeing area and exhibitions in some of the other buildings, charting the history of the Gauja Livs and the castle itself.

Another town which should be on any visitors itinerary is Cesis, in the very centre of Vidzeme and also part of the Gauja National Park. It is especially noteworthy for the fact that its Old Town has remained virtually intact throughout the Soviet era. Make sure you visit St John's church, originally built in 1853. In the south - west corner of the church is a sundial, constructed in 1744.

Not far from the church, in Pils Park, you can see the ruins of the Cesis Castle, Riekstu Hill and the Orthodox church, built in 1845. There is also a New Castle, built in 1777 but incorporating the Ladermacher Tower constructed in the latter half of the 15th century. The stable buildings now house a museum.

At the beginning of Riga Street you can see the restored fragment of the city wall which once held the Rauna gate. Nearby, at 7 Riga Street, is the old Town hall, built in 1767; you can still see the coat of arms of Cesis between the first - floor windows.

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