The Rose of Turaida – Maija and Viktors

Maija, known as the Rose of Turaida, was an orphan found after a battle and raised in a castle, where she later met her beloved, Viktors. The couple planned their wedding, but Maija’s beauty attracted the attention of another man, who deceitfully lured her into Gutmanis Cave. Realising she could not escape and faced with assault, Maija chose death to preserve her honour and fidelity to Viktors. She convinced her attacker that her scarf was magical and no weapon could pierce it and allowed herself to be killed. Her sacrifice became a part of Latvian legends, symbolizing moral purity and courage.

Locations and attractions

• Turaida Museum
• Gutmanis Cave