<p>An hour's drive from Riga, Turaida Castle is a striking red brick beauty rising above a bend in the Gauja River within the scenic Gauja National Park, often called "Latvian Switzerland." Built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a military order of crusaders, this medieval fortress was constructed to fight paganism on the east coast of the Baltic. Despite being named Fredeland ("Land of Peace"), it became better known as Turaida, which translates to "Thor's Garden" in Livonian language. The castle features distinctive round red brick towers and offers stunning views of the surrounding river valley. Turaida is also beloved for the tragic legend of Maija, the "Rose of Turaida," a tale of love and sacrifice that has become Latvia's version of Romeo and Juliet. Modernized over centuries before being abandoned after a 1776 fire, the castle has since been partially renovated and now serves as a museum complex where visitors can explore Latvia's medieval history.</p>
