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Johann Christoph Brotze. The Sigulda castle ruins, 1794. Water-colour painting.
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Building of the Livonian Order’s Castle in Sigulda was started under command of Venno, the Master of Order between
1207 and 1209. In 1224, Sigulda was a bailiwick, later – a commandry, but, in 1432, it was appointed the seat of land marshal.
The castle suffered destruction in the Livonian war, later it came under rule of Poland, then Sweden. In the 18th century the
castle turned into ruins. In the drawing by J.Ch. Brotze, the castle is viewed from the north-east. In the foreground, on the left
there are ruins of the forebridge of defensive tower of the outside forecastle preserved at quite good level. Nowadays there is
only foundation left over. In the centre of the picture – gate tower of inner forecastle in ruins, built around 15th century. On the
left – the remains of comparatively high defensive wall. On the right – the ruins of the walls of convent building. .