The Raven Gorge is formed in dark red Middle Devonian sandstone. The gorge has a maximum height of 11.5 metres and its high, vertical walls are covered with names, year numbers and drawings engraved by visitors. A small triangular cave, 5 metres long, has been formed in the gorge wall. Earlier literature mentions two Raven Caves. Apparently, the adjacent hollow disappeared after the sandstones collapsed.

There is an old story about the Raven Gorge: “In the old days, there used to be a good carter in Sigulda Manor, who was popular among the people. He did not kill the workers, as other waggars did, he met people humanely and even defended them in front of the lords. For this, the masters could not bear to see him and secretly threw him off the cliff into the gorge. The waggoner had disappeared, and the people did not know where he was. They searched for a long time until they noticed a flock of ravens flying over the gorge. They climbed down and found the vagar there. From that time on, the gorge and the cave got the name of Raven.”

Not far away – Peter’s Cave and Satesele Castle Mound, but climbing up the stairs you will reach Paradise Hill.

Pleaseremember that the caves are located in the territory of Gauja National Park and please treat the ancient geological natural monuments with understanding and respect without damaging them.

Photos from Sigulda TIC archive.