Event: Latvia - Riga

Turaida Museum Reserve

When:	Daily
Where:	Turaida Museum Reserve
Costs:	Various
Opening Hours:	Grounds open all year round: winter 10am-5pm; summer 10am-9pm. The church is only available in the summer months.

Not far from Lativa's capital Riga is the stunning Turaida Museum Reserve, a specially protected cultural monument that is well worth a visit for its beauty as well as its cultural significance - "Turaida", in the language of this area's ancient inhabitants, means "Garden of God".

Turaida is rich in archaeological monuments, architecture, history and art dating back to the 11th century. The museum itself houses a permanent collection and a variety of rotating exhibitions, as well as arranging various activities for visitors.

There is an enormous amount to see here. The reserve consists of the medieval brick castle (which is visually the most impressive structure) with its circular towers. Then there is Folksong Park, a sculpture garden dedicated to Latvian folklore and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Altogether there are 25 sculptures, some illustrating folk songs, all celebrating the universally recognised values of love, honour and respect for the environment.

Next there is the ancient wooden church, built in 1750 by local craftsmen on the site of a legendary medieval churchyard. Also on show are up to 15 buildings that are part of the Turaida estate and manor house. The house of the estate manager, fish basement, dog keeper's cattle shed, smithy, granary, kiln and other buildings are all available for visitors to look round. They can also explore the 14 ponds that serve as the estate's fish farm - it's even possible to obtain a fishing licence.

To help visitors to make the most of this vast attraction, there are guided tours and excursions looking at the estate and the surrounding reserve. There is also horse riding, skiing in the winter and special activities for kids. If all this is too much for one day, there are hotels close by and camping available.