History of Sigulda

The oldest archaeological statements about the population in Sigulda Region is dated with the 2ND century B.C. They were left by the inhabitants who lived in the settlement, hunted, fished and breed domestic animals. The burial fields near Matiņa Lake and Sigulda Parish “Līgotņi” house testified that during the period from the beginning of our era to the 6TH, 7TH centuries, Vidzeme or Gauja Zemgals’ were living in Sigulda surroundings.
Livs have been in Sigulda Region and its surroundings since at least 11TH century. The ancient decorations found in the archeological research in Turaida and Satesele Castle moulds give evidence about their settlements on both banks of the River Gauja.
At the beginning of the 13TH century, Livs’ inhabited areas were enslaved by Christianity bearers. The conquered territories were shared between Riga bishop and the Order of the Brethren of the Sword. Church states were established – Riga archbishopric and Livonia Order states. Nowadays Sigulda was situated in the parts of both former states.
Name “Sigulda” first time was mentioned in the printings in “Rime” chronic where the construction of the Order of the Brethren of the Sword Castle was described. Segewold instead of “Sigulda” was used later in the medieval documents.
From 1236 to the end of the 16TH century, Sigulda castle belonged to Livonia Order. A small town was established near the castle, which territory was up to contemporary Lutheran church. The city inhabitants mainly were craftsmen and merchants.
After Livonia war (1558 – 1583), when Vidzeme and Latgale got enslaved by Poland-Lithuania state, Sigulda became the centre of headman (headman – the governor of the region). Several manors that later on became a private property were established in the states of the former Order.
During Polish-Swedish war Sigulda castle was destroyed as well as the town. After the notes of farming inspections in1624, there were only 7 families left in the town.
The North War and the Great Plaque made great havoc to Sigulda at the beginning of the 18TH century. During that time the small town near the medieval castle grind to a halt.
After the North War, Sigulda castle mould was typical to its period with the manor centre near the medieval castle and farmers houses in the periphery. Manor owners changed several times.
Significant prosperity of Sigulda was after the railway line Riga – Valka was opened in 1889. The owners of the castle manor Grand dukes Kropotkini started selling the land around the railway station for the summer cottages building. The city design loomed out. Šveices Street was the first street that was one-piece built. The hotel “Hotel Segewold” was opened near railway station. Sigulda developed as a place for tourists and vacationers more and more.
On February 25, 1928 Sigulda got the town rights.
During the World War II, the interesting and beautiful railway station (built in 1925) building was destroyed as well as the bridge over the Gauja (opened in 1937). After the World War II, from 1949 to 1962, Sigulda was the regional centre.
In 1953, historical centres of Krimulda and Turaida were annexed to Sigulda.
The administrative centre of Gauja National Park (founded in 1973) was established in Sigulda at Baznīcas Street.
In 2003, Sigulda Region was established where Sigulda Town, Sigulda Parish and More parish were involved. The total area is 204,5 km2, population - 14 944 (April 14, 2006).