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(Redirected from Segewold) Town in Latvia Town in Sigulda Municipality, Latvia
Sigulda
Town
Castle at SiguldaCastle at Sigulda
Flag of SiguldaFlagCoat of arms of SiguldaCoat of arms
Sigulda is located in LatviaSiguldaSiguldaLocation in Latvia
Coordinates: 57°09′N 24°52′E / 57.150°N 24.867°E / 57.150; 24.867
Country Latvia
DistrictSigulda Municipality
Town rights1928
Government
 • MayorUģis Mitrevics
Area
 • Total22.88 km (8.83 sq mi)
 • Land22.15 km (8.55 sq mi)
 • Water0.73 km (0.28 sq mi)
Population
 • Total14,632
 • Density640/km (1,700/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal codeLV-2150
Calling code+371 67
Number of city council members15
Websitehttp://sigulda.lv/public/eng/

Sigulda (pronunciation; 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".

Gutmanis Cave

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

Twin towns — sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Latvia

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

References

  1. "Reģionu, novadu, pilsētu un pagastu kopējā un sauszemes platība gada sākumā". Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  2. "Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā)". Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  3. "Sigulda aizrauj!". Tourism.sigulda.lv. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  4. "Sigulda". Latvia.travel. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  5. "Member towns". douzelage.eu. Douzelage. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
  6. "Sadraudzības partneri". sigulda.lv (in Latvian). Sigulda. Retrieved 2019-08-31.

External links

Sigulda Municipality Coat of Arms of Sigulda Municipality
Towns
Parishes
Towns with town rights in Latvia
European Union: Members of the town twinning "Douzelage"
Current members Flag of European Union
Former members
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