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hundreds of finds covered with dark, almost black glaze were found (Caune, Tilko 1988, 56). This means
that the matt red tile roof covering of the first roof of the cathedral was enlivened by separate shiny
glazed “monks”, or even they had been arranged observing a definite regularity, creating a geometrical
pattern. In Bauska Castle, in the 15th century, Monk and Nun tiles were the only type of roofing, but in
reconstruction works these were used still in the 17th century (Caune 1982, 68). During the archaeological
rescue works in Kuldīga/Goldingen Castle site 85% of all found roof tiles were Monk and Nun tiles
(Asaris, Lūsēns 2013, 168). Supposedly, in Kuldīga Castle, too, Monk and Nun roofing was used not only
in the Middle Ages but still in the 17th century. Another possibility is that a dump for Monk and Nun
tiles was uncovered, which had originated in the 17th century after replacement of some roof. Of Latvian
medieval castles only in the territory of Kuldīga Castle site roof tiles covered with dark green glaze were
found (Asaris, Lūsēns 2013, 168).
The nuns found in Bauska Castle have approx. 15–20 cm wide upper end and 12–14 cm wide bottom
end, they are 42–43 cm long and 1.5–3 cm thick (Caune 1982, 68). Monks can be divided into three groups
according to the shape of their upper end: first, those with a closed, rounded upper end and a smooth
surface; second, those with an open upper end, a small rectangular support peg on the lower side and
a slanting 3–4 m long peg on the upper side; third, with a rounded, closed upper end and a peg on the
upper side. Monks are 42–44 cm long, 13–17 cm wide in the bottom end and only 9–13 cm in the upper
end (Caune 1982, 68). They are 2–3 cm thick. In excavations near the Dom in Riga 13th-century hollow
tiles similar to “monks” were found, with a 1–1.5 cm hole made in their upper end (Caune, Tilko 1988,
53). Possibly, these were used as ridge tiles.
Monk and Nun tiles of Turaida castle (Figs. 20, 21) are similar to Bauska finds. According to
measurements made by archaeologist J. Graudonis, there are two groups of monks (Graudonis 1996, 89).
The first group comprises the largest ones which are 42.5–44 cm long, 8–9 cm wide in the upper end and
14–14.5 cm wide in the bottom end, and their narrowest upper end is rounded and closed. The monks of
the other group are a bit smaller – 36–39 cm long, with an open 10–11 cmwide upper end and 14 cmwide
bottom end, and they have pegs on their inner side and outer side. Nuns are 43 cm long, 15.5–16.5 cm
wide in the upper end and 10–11 cm wide in the bottom end, with triangular pegs over the bend. Monks
of the first group are 2–3 cm thick and those of the second group – 1.2–2.5 cm thick, but nuns are 1.5–
3 cm thick. According to calculations made by archaeologist J. Graudonis, one square metre of a roof
could be covered by 18 monks and 18 nuns, which together weighed 96 to 120 kg (Graudonis 1996,
90). The restored roofs of Turaida Castle are now covered with imitation copies of Monk and Nun tiles
(Figs. 22, 23). Since no ridge tiles were found in Turaida, the ridges have been covered with “nuns” turned
upside down.
Probably Monk and Nun tiles in Turaida Castle were used throughout the Middle Ages – starting
with the first buildings in the 13th century until the end of existence of Archbishopric in mid-16th century.
It is unknown whether they were made also later. Various time periods of roof tiles is suggested by their
diverse shapes and sizes, but regrettably, during the excavations no evidences were registered that would
allow more precise dating of the discovered samples.