Sigulda

Sigulda
Sigulda
	— Town —
	Castle at Sigulda
; Flag	; Coat of arms
	Sigulda Location in Latvia
	Coordinates: 57°09′N 24°52′E / 57.15°N 24.867°ECoordinates: 57°09′N 24°52′E / 57.15°N 24.867°E
Country	Latvia
District	Sigulda municipality
Town rights	1928
	Government
• Mayor	Uģis Mitrevics
	Area
• Total	18.2 km2 (7 sq mi)
	Population
• Total	16,679 (86% Latvians)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	LV-2150
Calling code	+371 67
Number of city council members	15

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Sigulda ( pronunciation (help·info); German: Segewold) is a town in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, 53 km from the capital city Riga.

[edit] Overview

Sigulda is situated 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".

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.

City population has been growing every year since 2000. 86% of population is Latvians 9% Russians, 3% Belorussians, 2% others. In 2007 Sigulda celebrated 800th years anniversary.

[edit] Points of interest

[edit] International relations

[edit] Twin towns - Sister cities

Sigulda is a member of the Douzelage, a unique town twinning association of 24 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.^[1]^[2] Discussions regarding membership are also in hand with three further towns (Agros in Cyprus, Škofja Loka in Slovenia, and Tryavna in Bulgaria).