Construction of the castle was started in 1214 upon directions given by Albert, Archbishop of Riga to his Livonian Brothers of the Sword (soon to merge with the Teutonic Order) at the place where the wooden castle of Livonians had previously stood. A castellum type fortress was built and named Fredeland, which translates as 'Land of Peace,' but became better known locally by the Livonian name of 'Turaida,' which has survived until the present day.
In 1214, construction began at Albert's command, following the Archbishop of Riga’s instructions to the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (who would later unite with the Teutonic Order) on the site where a wooden fortress had previously stood. A modest fortification was built and called Fredeland, which translates as 'Land of Peace,' though it was more commonly known as Turaida by the locals.