The big white building just west of the northern cable-car station is Krimulda Manor, built in 1897, confiscated by the government in 1922 and later turned into a tuberculosis hospital. Today it is a rehabilitation centre. It admittedly looks better from afar as a lot of paint is chipping off the facade. The building was commissioned by Baron von Lieven, a general in the Swedish army who, as it turns out, was a distant descendant of the Liv leader that ruled the area when it was invaded by German crusaders. When you visit, you can ask at the front to be let out onto the terrace for excellent views of the forested valley – this is a popular place in Latvia for newlyweds to take pictures.
Constructed between 1207 and 1209 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, this castle lies mainly in picturesque ruins after being severely damaged during the Great Northern War. Some sections have been restored and you can now walk along the front ramparts and ascend a tower at the rear where there are wonderful views over the forested Gauja Valley. See if you can spy Krimulda Manor and Turaida Castle poking through the trees. In the warmer months you can also take part in archery and other knightly pursuits. At the centre of the complex, a summer stage has been erected.
The largest erosion cave in the Baltic is most famous for its role in the tragic legend of the Rose of Turaida. Most tourists visit to peruse the inordinate amount of graffiti spread along the walls – some of it dates back to the 16th century – apparently eagle eyes have found the coats of arms of long-gone hunters. Some believe that the stream water flowing out of the cave has a magical blend of minerals that remove facial wrinkles (it didn’t work for us).
