Description of the attraction
The Big Devil's Cave is located in the southern part of the Sigulda-Krimulda-Turaida tourist route, on the slope of a 15-meter cliff. It is located about three kilometers from the Sigulda Bridge, on the bank of the Gauja River on the right, in the territory of the famous Gauja National Park. The Great Devil's Cave is a historical and natural monument of Latvia and is subject to state protection.
The length of the Big Devil's Cave is 35 meters, the width is over 7 meters, and the height is up to 5 meters. The entrance to the cave lies at a height of 8 meters. It is strictly forbidden to go down to the cave and climb into it. But next to it there is a suspended footbridge, from which it is perfectly visible. And on the opposite bank of the Gauja, an observation deck has been built, from which you can also see the famous cave.
You can get to the cave along walking paths, both on the right and on the left banks of the Gauja River. In the 90s of the XX century, archaeological excavations were organized inside and around the cave, and the accumulated leaves, branches and debris were taken out of it.
There is a local legend that one night a devil sneaked from the town of Yudazhi to the town of Pabazi. For some circumstances and reasons, the devil was delayed along the way. When dawn came, and the first rooster announced the beginning of a new day, the devil was very frightened. He rushed to the nearest cave and hid in it so that the sun's rays would not destroy him. All day he frightened and teased people passing by, and the stinking breath of the devil smoked the cave walls, which turned black like soot.
They say that, supposedly, Adam Jakubowski, who is the killer of the Turaida Rose, and his friend Peteris Skudritis deserted from the Polish army and hid in the Great Devil's Cave. This legend, like many other legends of Latvia, was captured and told to the whole world by Herman Berkovich.
It is interesting that there are at least three caves with this name in Latvia: the Sigulda cave on the banks of the Gauja (which we are talking about), in the valley of the Abava river (near the Plosti complex) and on the Salaca river near Mazsalaca.
And this is very simply explained. In ancient times, people were sure that the evil spirits lived underground, and they got out just through the caves and grottoes. There is also another belief. Caves have always been used for pagan rituals. Do not forget about the romantic dates that also took place in these places. However, the dates were not always joyful. It is worth remembering the sad story of the Turaida Rose.
