Livonian Order Castle Ruins

In 1342, the Livonian Order completed the construction of the stone castle on the biggest island of Lake Alūksne – Castle Island. The castle was consecrated on the Annunciation day, and the place acquired a new name – Marienburg. The inhabitants of Alūksne still recall the girl, Maria, who is said to be walled in the castle, therefore the island is also called Maria Island. In the flow of the centuries, the castle was ruled by Russians, Poles and Swedes.
The Southern Tower of the Livonian Order Castle’s Southernmost tower – the only one of the eight towers of an ancient medieval castle that has been preserved to a significant extent today – has been restored.