Daugavgriva castle is located in Riga, at the mouth of the Western Dvina (Daugava). The history of the fortress has more than 4 centuries. During the Swedish-Polish War (early 17th c.) Swedes built the first fortifications. Built in 1608 fortification of its configuration resembles a star. Throughout the 17th century the Swedes strengthened and rebuilt the fortifications.

In 1710, strengthening consisted of six fortification with water ditches, stone escarpment and covered passages. The fortress housed the barracks and powder magazines. After the end of the Great Northern War (1700-1721 gg.) Fort was repeatedly extended and rebuilt. Near the fortress was established Daugavgriva settlement. At the time, the fortress was used as a prison in the Russian Empire. So. For example, there has been concluded the deposed Emperor Ivan the 4th and his parents.

During the reign of Empress Catherine II it built a powerful fortress, adapted for military equipment of the time. At that time Daugavgriva fortress was one of the most powerful Russian fortresses. Since 1860 the fortress was named Dyunamyunde, and in 1893 it was renamed in Ust-Dvinsk. In the mid-19th century fortress it has been communicated to the telegraph line, which is the first not only in Russia but also in the entire north-eastern Europe.

Between the castle and arranged the big winter sea port at the time, it "wintered" tens and even hundreds of sailing ships. Toward the end of the 18th century it was built breakwater. In 1863, the cast iron lighthouse was built, the height of which was just over 30 meters. During the First World War, the lighthouse was blown up, the new built in 1921, its height was 33, 5 meters. In 1873, the fortress was built railway connecting Riga station and a winter port.

In 1904, the castle was rebuilt again, in the period from 1914 to 1916. We realized a significant increase in the fortress, and, mainly, the fortifications aimed at sea. At the beginning of September 1917 Russian troops left the fortress, which is then passed from hand to hand. During the period of Latvia's independence, the fortress was located in Daugavgriva army camp during the Soviet era there was a secret military facility. In the post-Soviet period, despite the fact that the castle belonged to the Latvian Army, here hosted commercial firms.