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Vidzeme (2)

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Vidzeme (pronounced ; Lithuanian: Vidžemė; Livonian: Vidūmō, Russian: Видземе, Polish: Liwonia) is one of the Historical Latvian Lands. The capital of Latvia, Riga, is situated in the southwestern part of the region. Literally meaning "the Middle Land", it is situated in north-central Latvia north of the Daugava River. Sometimes in German, it is also known as Livland, the German form from Latin Livonia, though it comprises only a small part of Medieval Livonia and about half (the Latvian part) of Swedish Livonia. Most of the region's inhabitants are Latvians (85%), thus Vidzeme is the most ethnically Latvian region in the country.

Vidzeme - Wikipedia

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Data Points with Word "Vidzeme"

The Krimulda Castle, also known as Burg Kremon in German, sits just beyond Sigulda in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, drawing tourists to its historic grounds. Originating from the 14th century, the castle suffered destruction during a conflict in 1601. Within the estate, Prince Liven's residence reflects classic architectural style, complemented by ancillary buildings like the steward's house, coach house, and Swiss cottage.During the 13th century, the Gauja River's left bank was governed by the Order of the Brethren of the Sword, later known as the Order of Livonia, while the right bank fell under the Archbishop of Riga. Krimulda castle was a part of the Riga High Council, advising the archbishop. Perched on the high bank of the Gauja's right side near Vikmeste castle mound and the village of Livs, Krimulda castle was strategically positioned, nearly impregnable. Protected by the steep Gauja river valley wall on one side and the equally steep banks of the Vikmeste river on two sides, the fourth was guarded by a man-made ravine with a drawbridge into the forecastle. The Vikmeste River's deep valley acted as a natural boundary between Krimulda and Turaida lands. Built with large boulders, the castle's ground-level outer wall was approximately 2 meters/6–7 feet thick. The castle saw battles between the Livonian Order, the Archbishop of Riga, and subsequent Livonian conflicts. Seized by the Swedish army in 1601 during the Swedish-Polish war, it was later burned by advancing Polish troops that same year to prevent enemy capture, remaining unrepaired thereafter. In the mid-19th century, under Prince Lieven's ownership, the castle found a new role as a romantic addition to a park, losing its military significance.

Construction was begun in 1781 by Otto Hermann von Vietinghoff in accordance with a design by the notable Riga architect Christoph Haberland. Legend has it that the church was built in gratitude for a miraculous escape from a huge snake while the Baron was travelling to India. The church was consecrated in 1788. At that time, it was the biggest house of worship in Vidzeme. The church was built in a marshy location, as a result of which about 2,000 oak piles were driven into the ground to serve as its foundations. Its construction was completed with local boulders. The church has one of the most ornate pulpits in Vidzeme, while the stairs to the tower were built unusually wide - its picturesque surroundings have long made it a favoured destination for sightseers.

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