Ata Kronvalda piemineklis, Sigulda Travel Guide

The Ata Kronvalda Monument in Sigulda is dedicated to Atis Kronvalds (1837-1875), an important Latvian writer, linguist, and teacher who was a central figure in the Young Latvian movement. The monument, created by sculptor Teodors Zaļkalns, was unveiled in 1938. Originally, the monument was located near the White Castle, which housed the Sigulda Gymnasium at the time. It was later moved to its current location in front of the New Sigulda Castle.Kronvalds was instrumental in the development of the Latvian literary language and promoted the importance of Latvian language and culture. He famously said, "I have no language holier than the Latvian language; I have no people dearer than the Latvian people". In 1869, during a conference of Latvian teachers in Turaida, Kronvalds delivered a speech on language rights in Latvian for the first time, marking a significant moment in the fight against Germanization in the education system.The monument serves as a reminder of Kronvalds' dedication to the Latvian language and his role in the Latvian national awakening.