Lielvārde Knights’ Castle
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Lielvārde Knights’ Castle

Lielvārde Knights’ Castle

The ruins that are visible above ground today are the remains of the second story walls of the former castle. The castle, built during the Livonian period (13th century), followed the example of the castle at Ikšķile, a small two story tower construction. Over time it was expanded, the tower and defense wall were added. It was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible’s armies during the Livonian War in 1579. Today, the ruins have been partially studied and laid up. Precise information about the history of the castle is unavailable because its archives, stored at Koknese Castle, were destroyed by fire during the North War.
www.lielvarde.lv


The gothic style stone castle and rampart was built at the beginning of the 13th century according to German crusaders’ plans on the site of the ancient Liv wooden castle. Riga Bishop Albert was the first owner.

The castle suffered many wars and was restored numerous times, but since 1613 only ruins remain, which were preserved in 1987 based on architect G. Erdmanis’ projekt. Based on available informational materials, the castle consisted of three floors. The first floor is covered with a thick geological stratum and slightly above the present ground level several pieces of the second floor walls remain. The castle is considered an architectural monument of local significance.
www.resttour.com