• Source: Sigulda

Sigulda (; German: Segewold; Polish Zygwold) is a town in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, 53 kilometres (33 miles) from the capital city Riga.




Overview


Sigulda is on a picturesque stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley. Because of the reddish Devonian sandstone which forms steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme".

After the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, an emphasis was placed on conserving Sigulda's public monuments and parks as well as improving the town's tourist sector. Supported by the town council, a traditional Opera Festival takes place in an open-air music hall in the castle ruins each summer. A Town Festival is celebrated in May when cherry trees blossom, while Sigulda is known for the colors of its trees in autumn. Sports such as skiing, bobsledding, and the luge are popular in wintertime and bungee jumping is practiced during the rest of the year.
The Gutmanis Cave lies halfway between Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle and has a small stream flowing from it. It is the largest cave in the Baltics, measuring 19 m (62.34 ft) deep, 12 m (39.37 ft) wide and 10 m (32.81 ft) high. The cave still bears inscriptions from as early as the 17th century; drinking the water is supposed to be healthy and is said to increase one's lifespan. From the cave it is possible to climb into the hills and take the cable car over the river valley.
The town's population has been growing every year since 2000. 86% of the population is Latvian, 9% Russian, 3% Belarusian and 2% others. Sigulda celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007.




Points of interest


Aerodium Latvia
Gauja National Park
Gutmanis Cave
Krimulda Castle
Sigulda bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track
Sigulda Castle
Sigulda Medieval Castle
Turaida Castle




Twin towns — sister cities



Sigulda is a member of the Douzelage, a town twinning association of towns across the European Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals. As of 2019, its members are:

Other twinnings




Notable people


Milda Lauberte (1918-2009), chess player
Alvis Vītoliņš (1946-1997), chess player
Sandis Ozoliņš (born 1972), ice hockey player
Anda Čakša (born 1974), politician, paediatrician
Juris Šics (born 1983), luger
Mihails Arhipovs (born 1984), bobsledder, skeleton coach
Andris Šics (born 1985), luger
Jānis Strenga (born 1986), bobsledder
Elīza Tīruma (born 1990), luger
Toms Skujiņš (born 1991), cyclist
Lelde Priedulēna (born 1993), skeleton racer
Kendija Aparjode (born 1996), luger
Kristers Aparjods (born 1998), luger
Mārtiņš Bots (born 1999), luger
Elīna Ieva Vītola (born 2000), luger




References






External links



Official website
Tourist information office of Sigulda

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Munisipalitas Sigulda
• Taman Nasional Gauja
• Chiatura
• Kadipaten Livonia
• Cakupan Google Street View
• Munisipalitas di Latvia
• Meerssen
• Daftar kota kembar di Yunani
• Daftar kota kembar di Skotlandia
• Daftar kota di Latvia
• Sigulda
• Sigulda bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track
• Sigulda Municipality
• Aerodium Sigulda
• Sigulda Castle
• Sigulda Parish
• Siguldas Elpa
• 2023–24 Luge World Cup
• Riga District
• IBSF European Championships 2024