# Sigulda

> city and capital of Sigulda Municipality, Latvia

**Wikidata**: [Q465698](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q465698)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigulda)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sigulda

## Summary
Sigulda is a city in Latvia that serves as the capital of Sigulda Municipality, a status established in 2009 and reaffirmed in 2021 following administrative reforms. Founded in 1207, the city is located on the Gauja River and has a population of 14,757 as of early 2025. It is administratively classified as a city under municipality jurisdiction and is distinct from the surrounding municipality itself.

## Key Facts
- **Administrative Role:** Sigulda is the capital of Sigulda Municipality (as of July 1, 2021).
- **Inception:** The city was founded in 1207.
- **Population:** The population is 14,757 as of January 1, 2025, rising from 14,396 in 2021.
- **Area:** The city covers a total area of 22.88 km² (22.15 km² land area) as of January 1, 2025.
- **Location:** It is located at coordinates 57.153888888889° N, 24.854444444444° E, near the Gauja River.
- **Country:** The city has been part of Latvia since 1917; previously part of the Russian Empire.
- **Postal Code:** LV-2150.
- **Timezone:** UTC+02:00.
- **UN/LOCODE:** LVSGD.
- **Official Name:** Sigulda (also known historically as Segewold or Зегевольд).
- **Website:** http://sigulda.lv/public.
- **Classification:** Instance of a "city" and "city under municipality jurisdiction in Latvia."
- **Twin Towns:** The city has 29 twin towns, including Houffalize (Belgium), Altea (Spain), and Bad Kötzting (Germany).

## FAQs
- **When was Sigulda founded?**
Sigulda was established in the year 1207.
- **What is the current population of Sigulda?**
As of January 1, 2025, Sigulda has a population of 14,757 people, according to demographic balance data.
- **What is the geographical size of Sigulda?**
The city has a total area of 22.88 square kilometers, with a land area of 22.15 square kilometers.
- **What administrative region does Sigulda belong to?**
Sigulda is the capital of Sigulda Municipality; it was previously part of Riga District until 2009.
- **What river is Sigulda located on?**
Sigulda is located in or next to the body of water known as the Gauja.
- **What is the postal code for Sigulda?**
The postal code for Sigulda is LV-2150.

## Why It Matters
Sigulda functions as a pivotal administrative center within Latvia, acting as the capital for its namesake municipality. Its historical origins date back to the early 13th century, making it one of the region's long-standing settlements. Geographically, its position along the Gauja River defines its landscape and appeal. The city plays a significant role in international relations through a vast network of 29 sister cities across Europe, fostering cultural and economic exchange. Furthermore, Sigulda demonstrates substantial recent growth, with its population increasing by over 3,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, signaling its dynamic development and importance as a regional hub.

## Notable For
- **Historical Origin:** Established in 1207, providing over 800 years of documented history.
- **Population Growth:** Experienced a rapid population increase from 11,823 in 2020 to 14,757 in 2025.
- **Extensive Twinning Network:** Maintains 29 official twinned administrative bodies across Europe (Douzelage network).
- **Administrative Capital:** Serves as the seat of Sigulda Municipality.
- **Geographic Codes:** Assigned UN/LOCODE LVSGD and ATVK ID 0048200.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Sigulda is situated in Latvia at coordinates 57.153888888889° latitude and 24.854444444444° longitude. The city is located in or adjacent to the Gauja River. The physical area of the city has been recorded with varying specificity over time; as of January 1, 2025, the total area is 22.88 km², with a land area of 22.15 km². Earlier records from 2021 listed a land area of 22.16 km², while historical data references areas of 18.2 km² and 18.396349 km². Sigulda operates in the UTC+02:00 timezone and uses the postal code LV-2150. Its UN/LOCODE is LVSGD.

### Administrative History
The administrative history of Sigulda is marked by several changes in jurisdiction. Founded in 1207, it was part of the Russian Empire until 1917, subsequently becoming part of Latvia. Historically, the city was located within Sigulda parish (until 1866), then Sigulda Parish (1866–1926). It later fell under Riga County (1926–1949) and Riga District (1962–2009). Since July 1, 2009, Sigulda has served as the capital of Sigulda Municipality. This status continued through administrative reforms effective July 1, 2021. The city is administratively classified as a "city" and "city under municipality jurisdiction in Latvia" and is explicitly distinct from the Sigulda Municipality itself.

### Demographics
Sigulda's population has been tracked through census data and demographic balance estimates, showing varied trends over the decades.
- **Mid-20th Century:** The population was 5,043 (1959), 7,350 (1970), 10,034 (1979), and 11,585 (1989).
- **1990s–2000s:** The population hovered around 11,700 in 1991 and fluctuated between approximately 10,600 and 10,800 during the early 2000s (e.g., 10,705 in 2002; 10,668 in 2004).
- **2010s:** A steady increase occurred, rising from 11,123 in 2010 to 11,823 in 2020.
- **2020s:** A sharp demographic increase is evident, with the population reaching 14,396 in 2021, 14,539 in 2022, 14,689 in 2023, 14,717 in 2024, and 14,757 in 2025.

### International Relations
Sigulda maintains a robust network of international partnerships through 29 twinned administrative bodies. These relationships connect the city with various European municipalities, including:
- **Belgium:** Houffalize
- **Spain:** Altea
- **Germany:** Bad Kötzting
- **Italy:** Bellagio
- **Ireland:** Bundoran
- **France:** Granville
- **Denmark:** Holstebro
- **Netherlands:** Meerssen
- **Luxembourg:** Niederanven
- **Greece:** Preveza
- **Portugal:** Sesimbra
- **United Kingdom:** Sherborne
- **Finland:** Karkkila
- **Austria:** Judenburg
- **Poland:** Chojna
- **Hungary:** Kőszeg
- **Czech Republic:** Sušice
- **Estonia:** Türi Rural Municipality, Keila
- **Slovakia:** Zvolen
- **Lithuania:** Prienai, Birštonas
- **Malta:** Marsaskala
- **Romania:** Siret
- **Cyprus:** Agros
- **Slovenia:** Škofja Loka
- **Bulgaria:** Tryavna
- **Georgia:** Chiatura

### Identification and Classification
Sigulda is recognized by numerous identifiers across different systems:
- **Official IDs:** ATVK ID (0048200), Geonames ID (455718), OpenStreetMap relation ID (1792254).
- **Archival IDs:** National Library of Latvia ID (000041236), Library of Congress authority ID (n83062457), VIAF ID (143104219).
- **Database IDs:** Yale Lux ID (place/31202c77-0d60-47c7-bcb9-d201477fd323), FactGrid item ID (Woodstock), Freebase ID (/m/05dt7y).
- **Other Codes:** Latvian National Address Register ID (100003591), Latvian Toponymic Names Database ID (38409), GNS Unique Feature ID (-3212679).
- **Encyclopedia References:** Enzyklopädie des europäischen Ostens (fa90), Online PWN Encyclopedia (3975138).

### Symbols and Media
The city utilizes various symbols and media for representation:
- **Visual Symbols:** The flag of Sigulda, the coat of arms of Sigulda, and a locator map image ("Latvia city Sigulda.png").
- **Imagery:** A prominent image is "The new Sigulda castle (2).JPG," and a page banner titled "Sigulda-banner4.jpg."
- **Audio:** The native label pronunciation is available via an audio file ("Lv-Sigulda.ogg").
- **Categorization:** The main topic category is "Category:Sigulda," with sub-categories for people born there and associated people. The city also has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.pasts.lv/lv/uzzinas/Indeksu_gramata/novadi/Novadi_aprilis_2011.xls)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/statistika/dokuments/2011/ISPV_Pasvaldibas_iedzivotaju_skaits_pagasti.pdf)
5. [Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs](http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/assets/documents/statistika/IRD2016/ISPV_Pasvaldibas_iedzivotaju_skaits_pagasti.pdf)
6. [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](http://data.csb.gov.lv/pxweb/en/Sociala/Sociala__ikgad__iedz__iedzskaits)
7. [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](http://data.csb.gov.lv/pxweb/en/iedz/iedz__iedzskaits__ikgad/ISG020.px/table/tableViewLayout1/)
8. [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRS/IRS030/)
9. [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRS/IRD060/)
10. [Pilsētu (blīvi apdzīvotu) un lauku (reti apdzīvotu) teritoriju iedzīvotāju skaits reģionos, pilsētās, novados un pagastos (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā) – Teritoriālā vienība, Laika periods un Rādītāji. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRS/IRS051/)
11. [Source](http://pop-stat.mashke.org/latvia-cities.htm)
12. [Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā) 2021 - 2022. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRE/IRE071/)
13. [Iedzīvotāju skaits pēc tautības reģionos, pilsētās, novados, pagastos, apkaimēs un blīvi apdzīvotās teritorijās gada sākumā (pēc administratīvi teritoriālās reformas 2021. gadā). Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__POP__IR__IRE/IRE071/)
14. [The Latvian Open data portal](https://data.gov.lv/dati/lv/dataset/atvk/resource/6d8624c4-e75a-4080-88eb-c755b5de230a)
15. GeoNames
16. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/lv.htm)
17. [Administratīvo teritoriju un teritoriālā iedalījuma vienību platības. State Land Service](https://data.gov.lv/dati/lv/dataset/administrativo-teritoriju-un-teritoriala-iedalijuma-vienibu-platibas/resource/c47d6626-fded-4213-8cc5-3b180868682f)
18. [Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__ENV__DR__DRT/DRT010/)
19. [Reģionu, novadu, pilsētu un pagastu kopējā un sauszemes platība gada sākumā. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia](https://data.stat.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/OSP_PUB/START__ENV__DR__DRT/DRT011/)
20. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
21. Quora
22. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)