| Coordinates: | 56° 38'17,0'' N 25° 25'03,0'' E Google Maps |
| No: | 12 (full list of monuments) |
| Category: | Medieval castles, Palaces and manor houses |
| Address: | (Aizkraukle district), Koknese region, Koknese municipality, Koknese park, junction of Perse and Daugava rivers |
| Year of construction: | Shortly after 1209 |
| Condition: | Ruins, partly conserved |
| Values: | Architecture, archaeology |
| Conservation status: | Archaeology monument of state importance No.118 (together with the medieval town), architecture monument of state importance No.6160. |
Ruins of Koknese medieval castle
2008.06.08.
Koknese castle - once one of the most beautiful castles in the area of present-day Latvia - was built shortly after 1209 in 30 metres high, wedge-shaped hill between Perse and Daugava rivers over a hillfort of Latgallians. The enormous building with five towers and forepart was built for Riga Archbishopric, along its defensive wall developed fortified town.
Koknese castle was abandoned in 1701 and nowadays here are impressive ruins. After the creation of Plavinas hydropowerplant lake the water reached the fundament of Koknese castle - thus ruins are endangered now and are fixed with concrete constructions below the water level.
Chronology
- 1209 - bishop Albert orders to build a well fortified castle in Koknese
- First quarter of 15th century - enlargement, there is built massive and high tower - Long Henning
- 1577 - castle captured by troops of Ivan IV the Terrible
- 1621 - castle captured by troops of the King of Sweden Gustav II Adolphus
- 25th July 1701 - western towers of the castle are blown up, castle is abandoned
- End of 19th century - castle ruins turn into popular tourism destination
- 1966 - after the construction of Plavinas hydropowerplant the water level of Daugava reaches fundament of the castle
More information...