The medieval castle of Ergli is an archaeological monument of national importance. It is adjacent to the Ergļi Castle Manor complex, which is a site of cultural and historical importance in the surrounding area.
In 1341, Engelbert von Thysenhausen began construction of the castle, which was completed in 1397. The castle was partially destroyed during the Livonian War in 1577, repaired in 1589 and completely destroyed during the Polish-Swedish War in the early 17th century, leaving only the tower, which has not survived to this day.
The castlewas rectangular in shape. Inside the castle there was a church-chapel. In the gate tower, in a round vaulted room, there was an ammunition store. The castle was accessed via a drawbridge. The castle had 4 towers: round, square, long and gate towers. In front of the castle there were baths and brick barns, outbuildings. Half a century ago, a square tower with small, elongated windows was still visible, now only ruins are visible.
The sculpture “Eagle Watchdogs” (artist Ivars Mailītis) – guardians of the treasures of the former owners of the medieval castle of Eagle, the Tīzenhausen family. Legend has it that the treasures are still underground in the castle, guarded by two iron-forged dogs. The territory of the medieval castle has historically been the centre of Ērgļi. The wealthy Tiesenhausen family farmed the castle for almost two centuries.
Gazebo – overlooking the meanders of the Ogre River. The painted ceiling reflects historical drawings, while the roof choir is decorated with a wind indicator in the shape of an eagle.
The area features a memorial plaque and a bust of Rudolfs Blaumanis (1863-1908) by sculptor Jānis Zariņš, which was unveiled in July 2017 next to the Ērgļi Hospital. The parents of the writer R. Blaumanis – Karlīne and Matīss Blaumanis – were servants in Ērgļi manor and lived in the manager’s house. On 1 January 1863, their first-born, Rudolfs Blaumanis, was born, and he spent five years at Ērgļi Manor, getting to know the daily life of the servants, the beauty of the surroundings and learning German well. A memorial plaque is now attached to the outer wall. In the spring of 1868, the Blaumanis moved to “Braki”.
It is most convenient to leave your car in the parking lot of Ērgļi Hospital, Parka iela 7. To the right of the hospital are the castle ruins, gazebo, sculptures “Ērgļi Watchdogs” and the rope bridge over the Ogre River, and to the right is a children’s playground, outdoor exercise equipment and a parking bench.
Photo from the Madona TIC archives.