Dimas Sequeira's photos with the keyword: Turaida

Behind this tomb there is a sad story: In 1601, during the war between Poland and Sweden, there was a battle at Turaida, causing many deaths both in soldiers and in civilians. In the aftermath, the doctor of Turaida Castle made a search among the bodies of the victims, trying to find someone injuried. He found a new-born female baby, in the arms of her dead mother. He took the baby and adopted her, calling her Maija. As she grew up she became a pretty maiden, and people knew her as Turaida Rose. She fell in love with Viktor, the castle's gardener, and they used to meet in the Gutman Cave. In 1620 they were decided to get married. Maija received a note signed by Viktor, asking her to meet in the cave. When she arrived, instead of Viktor there was Adam, a Polish soldier that was obsessed in taking her by force, having forged the note as sent by Viktor, knowing they used to meet in the cave. Refusing to be abused, Maija told him she had a magic scarf that protected its user against any life threat. She would give him her scarf if he let her go. Moreover, she told him to hit her with his sword, to make sure the scarf was really magic. So he did, and Maija died trespassed by the sword, preserving her honour. It caused much grief among Turaida people, and roses were placed on her tomb ever since.

Overview from the keep of Turaida Castle in a rainy day.

This is a view from the keep, in a rainy day. Turaida is an interesting town in Gauja National Park.

At Turaida, amidst the woods.