Gutmanis Cave

The Gutmana ( Latvian: Gutmana ala ) is a cave in the territory of the Latvian town of Sigulda founded in 1974, on the edge of the Gauja National Park.

Description

The Gutmana located near the castle Turaida on the banks of the Gauja River.

The valley of the Gauja was the end of the last ice age. The river formed in the hilly, characterized by reddish-yellow sandstone terrain unique in the Baltic erosion valley with small caves, caverns and overhanging rock outcrops. With up to 85 meters high rock walls and sparse forests is the area of ​​Gutmana and immediately south following Victor cave of impressive natural beauty.

The one with about 10 meters high " mouth hole" in the ground always conspicuous cave has for centuries attracted visitors, it served as emergency shelter and hunting camp, now it is being touted as a tourist attraction in the park.

Legends

• The Rose of Turaida, a legend from the 17th century, helped the Gutmana in Latvia to nationwide fame. In this cave Maija chose - the tragic main character of this saga - the death as the only way to save their honor. Already more than two hundred years began lovers to this place " pilgrimage " to and left in the sandstone walls of the cave countless Wish signs and initials.

• In the cave is a spring of healing will be awarded: one drinks of the water, so that the love and faithfulness in marriage lasts forever, so that young girls face wash to stay forever young and beautiful.