Gūtmaņis Cave

Lonely Planet review

Gūtmaņis Cave is covered with graffiti going back to the 16th century - including the coats of arms of long-gone hunters. Legend has it the cave is named after a healer who allegedly cured the sick with water from it. This cave is most famous, however, for its role in the tragic legend of the 'Turaida Rose'.

Sigulda's local beauty, Maija, was taken into Turaida Castle as a little girl when she was found among the wounded after a battle in 1601. She grew into a famous beauty courted by men from far and wide, but she loved Viktors, a gardener at Sigulda Castle. They would meet in a cave halfway between the two castles.

One day a particularly desperate Polish officer among Maija's suitors lured her to the cave by means of a letter forged in Viktors' handwriting.

Maija offered to give the Pole the scarf from around her neck, which she said had magical protective powers, if he let her go. To prove the scarf's powers, she suggested he swing at her with his sword.

Whether this was a bluff or she really believed in the scarf isn't clear. Either way, the Pole duly took his swing, killed her and then fled.