Icas apmetnes ciems

The Iča settlement village is an ancient settlement on the banks of the Iča River which was discovered in 1937.  People from the Neolithic Era (4,500-1,500 BC) and Bronze Age (1,500-500 BC) settled here -- craftsmen, fishermen and hunters. 

Biruta Bogdane initiated the thematic village at the Iča settlement.  She is an active and creative resident of the Bērzpils Parish, and her idea of establishing a thematic village to popularise the cultural and historical heritage of the parish excited and brought together several local residents.  Guests are given a tour of the settlement village by Anna Kriviša, who otherwise is responsible for various cultural events in the parish. 

Guests are welcome to learn about the thematic village and its past and present, visit the most important cultural and historical sites in Bērzpils, as well natural locations.  Visitors can learn ancient skills such as cheesemaking, weaving grass mats, taking a master class in playing folk instruments that is organised by local experts, and then enjoying meals of hearty fish soup and home-baked rye bread.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arriving at the Bērzpils Parish and meeting the guide at Dārzu Street 25A;
• A tour of the most important locations in Bērzpils along with a guide -- the thematic landscape park with a view of the beautiful locations in the parish, the Bērzi cemetery chapel, which is an architectural monument of national importance (built in 1791, restored in 2017), the Bērzi St Anne Roman Catholic Church (built in 1851), and the Bonifacova Estate;

The Iča settlement:

• Fish soup for lunch
• Master classes in playing folk instruments, singing, dancing or cheesemaking.