Sigulda 
Sigulda is one of Latvia’s most beautiful cities. There are not many places in the world where the beauty of nature becomes an integral part of the city. Our city does not have great industries, but it has hills for skiing in the winter and winding roads along which one can ride a bicycle in the summer. Our slogan - Breathe Freely! - confirms our mental and physical activeness.
Winter sports in Latvia are associated with Sigulda. The Opera Festival once again reminds of Sigulda. Bungee jumping, the vertical wind tunnel Aerodium, and our rope course MežakaÄ·is – this is the kind of emotion one can experience only in Sigulda. Our traditional Bird Festival in Mores region, the autumn colors in Turaida, Gutmana Cave and Maija’s Love Story, Dainu Hill — all characterize Sigulda, as does the concert hall White Grand Piano and the Kremerata Baltica Festival. And that is not all…
Although the population of Sigulda is growing, it is not likely that in the near future we will see traditional elements of growth, such as tram system, factories, or expensive mansions. We continue to develop our city as a city of love, parks, history, and beautiful tales — that is our plan for Sigulda.
Sigulda region is a place where people can feel at ease and enjoy life with daycare facilities and schools for children, and for adults, work places not far from home. One can relax and enjoy world–class culture and both summer and winter sports in Sigulda.
A city is not created in a short period of time but over hundreds of years, likewise development of the local traditions and culture. Therefore local inhabitants of Sigulda are active participants in the local celebrations, both summer and winter, including the 800th anniversary of the founding of the city.
History of Sigulda town
Sigulda became a city in 1928, although its history is much, much older. The Finno - Ugric tribe of the Livs arrived in the Gauja valley in the 11th century. Legends and documents tell us about a number of fortified wooden castles, including the Satesele, Turaida and Kubesele castles. The Livs used these to fight back against German Crusaders .We know of seven Liv castle mounds and a number of burial grounds in and around Sigulda.
Once the Crusaders had completed their attack, the local land, in 1207, was divided up between the Order of the Brethren of the Sword and the Riga bishop Albert. The order built a brick fortress called SIEGEWALD ("Victory Forest" in German) on the left bank of Gauja, and its functions was to protect the border between the order`s territory and the lands of the Riga bishopric across the river. A tradesmen`s village sprang up around the fortress, and a brick church was built. A papal ambassador called Wilhelm in 1266 established the Christian congregation.
During the Livonian War (1558 - 1583), Sigulda was sacked twice by the Russians. The last master of the Livonian Order, Gotthard Kettler, swore featly to the Polish - Lithuanian Empire in 1561, thus seeking protection from Ivan the Terrible. Vidzeme became a part of Poland, and Sigulda became a provincial capital. The town was sacked once again during The Polish - Swedish War (1600 - 1629). The castle lost its importance as a military fortress and instead became the central building of a baronial estate. A variety of ancillary buildings were built near the main castle, and a residential building know as the New Castle was put up in 1881.
Sigulda began to flourish in the late 19th century when the Riga - Pliskau road and the Riga - Valka railroad were installed. The dynasty of the Kropotkins developed Sigulda into a recreational area that was popular throughout the Russians Empire. Convenient links to Riga led to herds of tourists. People could hike the so called "Alpine trails" inspect castle ruins and caves, take rides in horse - drawn wagons, and ride down the Kristin family`s bobsled track.
During World Wars I and II, Sigulda suffered major damage.
Sigulda became the administrative, economic and cultural center for a small region between 1950 and 1961.
In the early 1950s, the historical centers of Krimulda and Turaida were administratively attached to Sigulda. Three sanatoriums and a tourism facility at Turaida were opened. In 1969, an air cable car was installed across the river valley to improve links to Krimulda.
The Gauja National Park at Sigulda turned into a very popular facility, visited by some 1.5 million tourists each year. Between the 1960s and 1980s construction in Sigulda was typical of small town building in Soviet Union. Private homes sat alongside blocks and blocks of communal housing structures.
After the constructions of a luge and bobsled track in 1986, Sigulda became an internationally important center for those sports.
The coat of arms of Sigulda
From the left split with silver and green. Tree green leaves go in the type of dragon - fly, so go a three silver flowers bird - cherry tree.Sigulda town councilAddress: Pils iela 16, Sigulda
Phone: + 371 67970844
Fax: +371 67971371
E-mail:
dome@sigulda.lvWebsite:
www.sigulda.lv 
PHOTO GALLERY SIGULDA
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