Krimulda manor
Mednieku street 3, Sigulda, LV-2150
Call: +371 67972232 / +371 29111619
E-mail: info@krimuldasmuiza.lv
The majestic Krimulda manor house was built in the mid of the 19th century in the style of Neoclassicism. But in 1930 in front of the building a large wooden summer pavilion was erected, which is now turned into a hostel.
The terrace of the manor house and balcony offer a breath-taking view over the primeval valley of the River Gauja, and the cable car linking both banks of the river.
Outbuildings of the manor are made of boulders and proudly demonstrate rich decorative finishing. They make one clearly imagine the former life that was led here – neigh of horses in the stable, sounds of other domestic animals in the feed-lot, and the huge bundle of keys jingling in the hands of the castellan.
In the broad park of the manor there is a boarding house – the “Swiss House” –, along with Krimulda Castle ruins (13th-17th century) – the inception of Krimulda.
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The residential house of Firsts Lievens was built around 1822 in the style of classicism. The manor complex features the manager’s house, coach house, cattle yard, Swiss House, etc. For 95 years already, a rehabilitation institution, which offers accommodation services as well, has been operating at the manor. Tasting events of fruit and floral wines are offered to the guests of the manor by prior arrangement. The medieval castle is situated nearby.
Ancient manuscripts show that, by the 15th century, the area between Krimulda castle and the park ponds had become a town of craftsmen. The population continued to grow, overtaking that of both Sigulda and the opposite bank of Gauja until it became the established center of the region. This changed dramatically after the fire when only four people remained. Later documents mention only one inhabitant.
When the castles of the Livonian Order and the Archbishop of Riga were leased out in 1566, Krimulda manor became a self-sustaining feudal property.
The castle changed hands from one owner to another up until 1817 when it was purchased at auction by Prince Johan George Liven. The Prince, whose family claim they are descended from the Liv leader Kaupo, made the purchase based on his historical ties. He built a manor commensurate to the family status and also developed a romantic park in the area. The castle itself is a relatively small building with a cube-like central part. It is decorated by a massive porch supported by four columns and has symmetrical one-story wings on both sides. Undisputedly, it’s most notable attribute is its placement within the natural setting. Inhabitants and guests alike could enjoy the scenic view from the precipice terrace, the balcony, or the little tower.
For many years people thought the castle was built in the middle of the 19th century until art historian and castle researcher -Dainis Brugis – came to a different conclusion. Following a careful analysis of the facts and biographical information of the owners of Krimulda manor, he concluded that the manor had been built in 1822. This building is one of the most notable examples in Latvia of a classic villa.
Krimulda palace isn’t the only building remaining in the estate complex. The stable, built-in 1893, is an excellent example of traditional asymmetric style construction using broken boulders. Also on the estate, you can view the steward’s house, a barn, an oasthouse, and the former Sveices/Swiss house. The Swiss house is one of the last remaining examples of the boarding-house type buildings which were common here during the 19th century. Before World War I, it was a boarding house for aristocrats and higher government clerks.
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