Unlike yesterday’s three church day, today would be a three castle day, all in the Sigulda area. The usual early breakfast to leave at 8:00 a.m. for the drive into Gauja National Park. Gauja National Park was Latvia’s first park and hosts some of Latvia’s most famous attractions, three of which we would visit today. Cesis, Turaida and Sigulda Castles. Silgulda is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Latvia with a ski resort, canoeing, rafting, horse riding, walking trails and nature. Especially during the first weekend in October when people come from all over the country to see the leaves change color. (I thought the leaves needed another 10-14 days to reach their peak.)

A first stop at, what else, a supermarket to buy lunch makings. And, yes. ex-Marine and I just bought more sweet rolls before continuing to Cesis Medieval Castle where our guided tour began in a great Visitor’s Center with clean and free toilets. (Hey, this stuff becomes important when you travel!) The Center was built on the spot where the Castle Estate’s Gates of Time once stood and the very helpful staff will make overnight reservations for you if needed. It so happened that the Explore local guide assigned to the group is also head of Cesis Medieval Castle restoration, and knew every minute detail about the castle complex..View image.

Cesis Town Map, Latvia
Cesis Medieval Castle dates from the 13th century but didn’t gain its current appearance until the 16th century when two towers were built to improve the fortifications. A perfect “Camelot” looking castle that would be ideal to use for a movie shoot..View image…with a moat…View image, central courtyard… View image, and towers…View image. We were each handed lanterns…View image… to use while walking up the steep, narrow steps into the Western Tower that had no electrification. The original network of the indoor premises and stairs have been preserved. …one if by land, two if by sea…

preparing to Explore Cesis Medieval Castle in Latvia 

crossing the moat into scenic Cesis Castle, Latvia 

looking down into the ruins of Cesis Castle’s moat, Latvia
The steps wound three levels up into the Western Tower that was originally constructed for defensive purposes and rebuilt into the Master’s Living Quarters in the 16th century. We took it slowly. Holding on to the walls and very grateful for the meager light given off by the lantern. Cesis Castle has been expanded and rebuilt many times with restoration ongoing. On one level, they have found remants of a painting depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with a small difference. Instead of a snake at the bottom, there is a squirrel.

We couldn’t go down into the South Tower’s dungeon because it has been raining every day (including this morning) and was too wet. Cesis Castle was interesting but there really isn’t much to see since restoration is still in progress. What can you expect when battles have been fought over the ages with Russian, Polish and Swedish forces. Visit for the ambiance because Cesis Medieval Castle looks like a castle should.

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