No 50211
PKW-Fahrten Bustouren Public transport tour
PKW-Fahrten Reisen auf eigene Faust Lettland

Der Mara-Weg

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In der Werkstatt kann man Keramikartikel erstehen, dem Töpfer bei der Arbeit zusehen oder auch bei der Tonbearbeitung teilnehmen. Es gibt die Möglichkeit, eine Brennofen-Eröffnung zu erleben.

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Auf dem Mākoņkalns (Wolkenberg) befand sich die praktisch unbezwingbare Livonische Ordensburg – Burg Wolkenberg, eine der ersten Festungen in Latgale, von der bis heute allerdings nur Fragmente der Burgmauern erhalten sind. Der Legende nach wurden die weitläufigen Besitztümer nach dem Tod des Burgherren und dessen Frau unter deren drei Töchtern Rose, Luzia und Maria, aufgeteilt. Jede der Schwestern habe auf ihrem Erbe wieder eine Burg gebaut, Rose in Rēzekne (deutsch: Rositten), Luzia in Ludza (deutsch:Ludsen) und Maria in Viļaka (deutsch:Marienhausen). Am Fuß des Wolkenbergs befindet sich eine Tafel zum Gedenken an den Besuch des Staatspräsidenten der ersten freien Republik Lettlands im Jahre 1938. 

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Der Töpfer Stanislavs Vilums widmet sich der traditionellen Schwarzkeramik und verwendet dazu Ton aus Lettgallen. Dabei verwendet er keine industriellen Werkzeuge und der Brandofen wird mit Holz geheizt. Die Arbeit mit der Töpferscheibe wird demonstriert und der Brennprozess erläutert. Man kann versuchen, selbst mit Ton zu arbeiten. Die Töpferwaren stehen auch zum Verkauf.

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Das Denkmal wurde errichtet zu Ehren des Jubeljahres der katholischen Kirche, das 1825 in Rom für die ganze Welt verkündet wurde.Auf einem hohen, pyramidenförmigen Postament steht eine Christusfigur, die das Kreuz trägt. Das Postament wurde 1828 unter dem livonischen Kanoniker, Dekan von Rezekne und Schriftsteller  Jāzeps Kirkillo errichtet. 1918 wurde das Denkmal renoviert und die Christusfigur mit dem Kreuz erstellt. Eine weitere Renovierung fand 1990 statt.

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Am westlichen Ufer des Cirma Sees erhebt sich die 1830 von Feldsteinen erbaute Kirche. Ein berühmtes Gemälde der Jungfrau Maria, dem Wunderkräfte zugeschrieben werden, macht das Gotteshaus zu einem beliebten Wallfahrtsziel. 

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Tāšu meistars Jurijs Ivanovs ar lielu centību un degsmi  pēc seniem paraugiem cenšas atjaunot labākās Zilupes novada tāšu apstrādes tradīcijas. Top novadam raksturīgi autentiski tāšu trauki ķiploku, putraimu, saldumu, sāls uzglabāšanai, paliktnīši kafijas krūzei vai pannai. Īsts meistarstiķis ir darbarīku rokturu izgatavošana. Darbnīcā varēsiet izgatavot tāšu glezniņu, tāšu tauri, uzrakstīt īpašu vēstuli kādam ļoti mīļam cilvēkam.

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Der Bau des Hofes begann Anfang des 20.Jh., das Herrenhaus wurde aus Backsteinen und gehauenen Feldsteinen von 1905-1911 im Historismus und Jugendstil gebaut. Der Besitzer des Hofes Lūznava war der Ingenieur und Universitätsprofessor Stanislav Kerbedz aus St. Petersburg. Kerbedz war der erste russische Ingenieur, der architektonische Modelle für den Brückenbau ausarbeitete, die in der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jh. maßgeblich waren. So ist, zum Beispiel, die Nikolajew-Brücke über die Newa in St. Petersburg unter seiner Leitung gebaut.   Seine Frau Jewgenija war eine angesehene Kunstliebhaberin, die aus Italien verschiedene Kunstgegenstände mitbrachte. So wurde Gut Lūznava im Sommer zu einem beliebten Erholungsort für Künstler. Auch der berühmte litauische Maler und Komponist Mikolajus Čiurlionis war hier zu Besuch. Heute umgibt den Gutshof ein 23,7 ha großer Landschaftspark mit einer Teichanlage. Im Park, nicht weit vom Herrenhaus gelegen, steht eine Madonnenfigur eines italienischen Künstlers. Im 2. Weltkrieg wurde diese verstümmelt und in den Teich geworfen, aber 1991 wurde sie restauriert. 2015 wurde die Restaurierung des Hauptgebäudes abgeschlossen, und es entwickelt sich nun  zu einem modernen, internationalen Umweltbildungs- und Kunstzentrum. 

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Das Motto der Wirtschaft ist: „Hier wird echtes lettgallisches Bier gebraut!“ Die Besucher können an dem Prozess des Bierbrauens teilnehmen, einer Erzählung über Traditionen zuhören und fertiges Produkt verkosten. Zum Bier bietet der Wirt ländliche Leckereien in der lettgallischen Art an.

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Der Heimatmuseum liegt am nordöstlichen Ufer des kleinen Ludzaer Sees. Im Freilichtbereich des Museums kann man ein Bauerhaus (ein Rauchzimmer - ein Zimmer mit Holzherd, der ohne Rauchabzug und Schornstein gefeuert wurde), ein weiteres Wohnhaus, eine Windmühle, eine Tenne und die Werkstatt des lettgalischen Keramikers Polikarps Vilcāns kennenlernen. 

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Am rechten Ufer des Flusses Rēzekne befand sich in 9 – 12 Jh. eine alte lettgalische Burg, an deren Stelle hat 1285 der Livländische Orden angefangen, eine zweistöckige Steinburg zu bauen. Nabenan befindet sich das Zentrum der kreativen Dienstleistungen in Ostlettland und das Tourismusinformationszentrum. Entlang der Promenade des Flusses Rēzekne kann man bis zur 500 m weit gelegenen vor kurzem gebauten Konzerthalle GORS (Geist) gehen, die sich durch die moderne Architektur auszeichnet.

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In dem Museum wird der Weg des Brotes von dem Korn bis zum fertigen Brotlaib geschildert, den jeder selber formen kann. Die Besucher können Brot (mit Kräutertees) verkosten und einer theatralischen Vorführung über jede Lebensangelegenheit – Taufe, Hochzeit, Jubiläum u.a. – zuschauen. Bei der Mahlzeit werden auf den Tischen Klöße, Krapavnīks, eine Suppe aus getrockneten Pilzen oder aus Fischen aus dem See gelegt. Mit vorheriger Abmeldung nimmt bei der Veranstaltung auch eine Volkstanzgruppe an.

Lettische Küche: Suppe aus Seefischen, Klöße und Gericht Krapavnīks.

Das besondere Gericht: Suppe aus getrockneten Pilzen.

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The Ludza castle hill offers one of the most interesting views in Latgale – that of the oldest town in Latvia and its historical centre, Great Lake Ludza and Small Lake Ludza, the ruins of the castle of the Livonian Order, Baznīckalns hill, churches, the regional research museum, the craftsmen’s centre, etc.
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Befindet sich im Zentrum der Ortschaft Cibla. Die zentrale Dominante des Landguts sind ein 1680 im Stil des Klassizismus errichtetes Herrenhaus (später umgebaut wurde), ein Dienerhaus, ein Torgebäude und Wirtschaftsgebäude, die im schlechten Zustand sind. Der Park des Landguts ist von einem Steinzaum umschlossen. Seit dem 17. Jahrhundert gehörte das Landgut fast zwei Jahrhunderte einer polnischen Baronengeschlecht von Karnickij. Später gehörte das Landgut verschiedenen Besitzern. Heutzutage befindet sich im Herrenhaus das Internat von Cibla, ist ein Heimatkundemuseum errichtet, das die Exkursionen anbietet. An den Ufern des Flüsschens Ilža entlang erstreckt sich einen kulturhistorischen Pfad von Eversmuiža.

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The Berķenele semi-estate is a historical monument of national importance, known as the place where the distinguished Latvian author and politician Rainis (1865-1929) spent his childhood.  The house was restored in 1995, and since 1996 it has been the Rainis house in Berķenele.  Rainis recorded his childhood impressions in a poetry collection called "Five Sketch Notebooks from Dagda." Today the managers of the house offer tours, creative workshops and exhibitions.  Visitors can don the clothing worn by the lord and his servants.  Around the house is a large orchard, featuring a programme called "Route of Apples."  The house also has a lovely landscape that is interesting to see. 

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The church was built between 1932 and 1938 to replace an old Neo-Gothic wooden church.  It was designed by J. Cīrulis.  Until 1994, the building housed a venue that rented out films.  Today it houses an exhibition, “From Foundations to the Steeple:  Photographs of Ancient Lettigalian Construction Jobs.”  This documents the construction of the church.  The 37 metre steeple offers a good look at Rēzekne.

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The Rēzekne Old Believer Prayer House of St Nicholas is in the southern part of the city, at Siņicina Street 4. The house of worship was built in 1895 and rebuilt in 1906. Its tower has three silver and brass bells (restored), and one of them is thought to be the largest bell in Latvia (4,832 kg with a tongue that weighs 200 kg in and of itself). Alongside is a museum which features the cultural and religious environment of the Old Believers.

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The farm has a herd of horses and buys horses which confirm to historical demands related to breeds of animals. You can learn to ride a horse in the company of an instructor and in a limited area. During the summer, there are cart rides, while in the winter there are sleigh rides. The horses are also used for weddings and other ceremonies.

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Latgale Farmstead „Mežmalas”. The owners of the farmstead created an interesting collection of the old household items, tools and equipment of the 19th and 20th century. The visitors are offered to try plainting of the scale basket. Sale of baskets and herbal tea. Enjoy walking along the energetic path through the pine forest.
Working hours: on request
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The church was built in the Neoromantic style between 1936 and 1939 on the basis of a design by the architect Pavlov.  It was consecrated before the completion of construction, this happening in 1937.  The church honours the Anguished Mother of God, and the central altar is dedicated to her.  Icons in the building date back to the early 20th century, and a statue of the Fatima Mother of God is in the yard near the entrance.

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Ilmārs Vecelis takes part in the “Potter School” of the Latvian Cultural Fund and, therefore, uses ancient pottery methods that have been tested over the course of many centuries in Latgale. You can tour his workshop, attend the opening of the kiln, try your own hand at the craft, and commission and purchase finished ceramics products.

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True Latgalian Apple Cider from Malnava Manor

Our Story
The cider is produced in the historic distillery of Malnava Manor, dating back to 1827. In manor times, this distillery produced the traditional Latgalian strong drink, šmakovka.

Apples
The apples for the cider are harvested in the manor’s old orchard.

Cider
They produce both dry and semi-sweet cider under the name “Malnovys Uobuļu Sidrs,” as well as apple brandy (calvados), and the traditional šmakovka.

For Visitors
Guided tours are available, where visitors can discover how true, traditional Latgalian šmakovka is crafted, along with cider made from local apples. The tours include tastings with snacks. Malnava Manor is notable for having served as the headquarters for the Wehrmacht’s Army Group North during World War II, visited by Adolf Hitler on 21 July 1941. Two reinforced concrete bunkers in the manor park mark the location of this historic meeting.

Where to Buy
The drinks can be purchased on-site.

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The Preiļi Estate is in the southern part of Preiļi. During the Soviet era, the mansion was home to a variety of institutions. A fire burned much of the upper part of the building in 1978. The mansion was never restored, and it can only be viewed from the outside. Around it, however, is one of Latvia’s most outstanding landscape parks (mid-19th century). Irēna Kjarkuža offers interesting tours of the state, with interesting legends and songs in the Lettigalian language.

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GORS, The Embassy of Latgale is located in the heart of Latgale region – Rezekne city. It is a place where the story of Latgale is both created and told. Cultural heritage and ancient values, traditions and creation, the language and events, the most significant global trends, art, culture, dance and songs converge here. A centre of culture, concert halls, film theatre, a place of residence for artists, an exhibition space for art, a restaurant for the enjoyment of life, a place for experiments with all the senses. 

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In the centre of the Old City, on the corner of Latgales and Baznīcas streets, the church was built in the style of Russian Classicism between 1843 and 1845.  The ceiling and wall paintings were recently restored, and the bell in the steeple weighs 1,667 kg.

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The church was built of fieldstones between 1908 and 1925 in the Tudor Neo-Gothic style (designed by the Liepāja-based architect Stadmann).  It replaced a wooden church that dated back to 1621, and its steeple offers a lovely view of lakes that surround the village of Višķi.

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Located in the southern part of Feimaņi, the church was built between 1756 and 1760. The local estate was owned by the Korff dynasty, and the denomination of the congregation changed when the family converted from Lutheranism to Catholicism.  This church has the largest number of artistic monuments among all churches in the Rēzekne Administrative District, including a confessional bench, pews, an organ prospectus, silver cups and three altar wood engravings from the 18th century.  Above the gate is a bell tower with four bells.  During Holy Week, clappers are used instead of bells.  They are about 2 m long and 1 m high and are reminiscent of ancient laundry rolls.  Feimaņi is also home to one of three flag workshops in Latvia, and it has state-of-the-art equipment.  The flag of Latgale was “born” here in ideological and physical terms.

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Between 1883 and 1891, the estate that was once owned by the Šadurskis family was rented by the father of the great poet Rainis, Krišjānis Pliekšāns.  Rainis spent his youth at the estate, as reflected in the poet’s The Land of My Youth Days.  Rainis translated Pushkin’s Boris Godunov while at the state.  In honour of the poet and his contributions in the world of literature, an exhibition, “Rainis’ High School and University Years,” was opened at the estate in 1964.  The restored cattle shed today offers a look at the work of potters in Latgale.

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The first Catholic church in Ludza was built in 1687 and burned down.  A new wooden Baroque church was built in 1738, and because of its colourful interior it became known as the loveliest wooden house of worship in Latvia.  The church burned down during a great conflagration in 1938.  Work on the church that is there began in 1939, but it was only completed in the early 1990s.

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This is the highest point in the Latgale highlands (289 metres above sea level), opening up a narrow but lovely view of Lake Rāzna and the massive forests of the highlands. You really should visit this hill when the sun is setting beautifully!
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Located in the centre of Atbrīvošanas Alley, this statue is a monument to the liberation of Latgale and the unity of Latvia and is officially called “Unified for Latvia.”  The bronze monument was unveiled in 1939 (sculptor K. Jansons, designer L. Tomačisks).  In 1940, the Soviet regime tried to destroy the monument, but it was restored in August 1943.  A second attempt to destroy the monument occurred in June 1950, and this time the process was successful.  After the restoration of Latvia’s independence, “Māra of Latgale” was installed for a third time on August 3, 1992, sculpted by the son of K. Jansons, A. Jansons, on the basis of old designs.  “Māra of Latgale” is one of the best examples of monumental sculpture in Latvia.  Latvian mythology personifies the goddess Māra as a provider of fertility for earth and a protection of life.  The cross that is part of the ensemble is a symbol of the Christian faith.

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"The heart of Latgale", where during the 9th – 12th century stood a fortified Latgalian castle. In 1285 Livonian Order began the construction of stone castle instead of Latgalian castle. After the collapse of Livonia (Rezekne in the composition of Poland) the city languished. Economic life in Rezekne restored in the second half of the 18th century. After the construction of St. Petersburg – Warsaw highway (1836) and railway (1861), Rezekne became a holiday destination for holidaymakers from St. Petersburg. During the World War II, buildings of the city significantly suffered. Today the town is an important economic and cultural centre of Latgale region.

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The Dzīļu bakery in Malnava is a symbol of Krāslava and it is located next to the Malnava manor park. The lady of the house prepare hearty Lettigalian dishes and other country goodies. In the bakery the owner bakes different types of bread, for example, rye-bread, sweet-and sour bread, as well as makes cakes on pre-order. She also offers to groups and families to bake bread, pies, cakes or pizzas together. The tasting and Latgalian dishes in nowadays’style. A walk around the park of Malnava manor and stories about the white gate. Local bread is famous in Kārsava. The bakery offers brunch on weekends, as well as markets of local crafts and other products.
Latvian cuisine: Lettigalian bacon, pearl barley porridge with side dishes, potatoes stuffed with bacon and onions, sautéed vegetables with meat, berry bread, tea with honey.
Special foods: Local Dzīļi bread with bran, raisins, cranberry jam and linen seed.

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The attractive potter is a member of the “Potter School,” and he uses knowledge from his ancestors. The “Malny Wylky” workshop offers a look at traditional pottery work, including a foot-powered potter’s wheel and a firing pit that uses firewood and the smoke technique. You can examine and purchase the finished products. Vēsma, in turn, is an oil painter and will demonstrate her artworks.

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The owners of the farm inherited it. There is a wood house with decorative trim and window shutters. The owners use milk from their own cows to produce cheeses on the basis of old and modern recipes. You can taste the cheese, milk, clotted milk, buttermilk and other dairy products, watch how they are made, and take part in the process yourself. There are also animals to view.

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Latvia’s newest national park (2007) is in the “land of the blue lakes” – the region of Latgale. One of the goals of establishing a national park was to preserve the natural treasures of the region. Lake Rāzna, which is the second largest in Latvia, is there, as is Lake Ežezers, which has more island than any other lake in Latvia. There are other bodies of water, as well as typical landscapes of hillocks and a unique cultural environment. One of the most popular destinations in the park is Mākoņkalns Hill, which offers a lovely view of Lake Rāzna. Administrators of the newly established park are working on the tourist infrastructure – trails, routes, etc. Perhaps visitors would be advised to postpone their trip to the Rāzna National Park for awhile.

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Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church of Stoļerova. The construction works of the church were finished in 1999 by the support of dean Butāns. The building is slightly larger than the previous one; the newest (restored) church in Rēzekne district. The church has a specific icon of Our Lady that was transferred from the chapel of Rozenmuiža.
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Here you will find a vast collection of antique instruments.  You’ll learn about their history and about how they were manufactured.  You can play music or commission or purchase homemade instruments.  If you contact the venue in advance, the Igaunis family will organise a concert performance for you.

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This museum is devoted to the career of the ceramist Polikarps Čerņavskis. His work featured light, yellowish and very bright glazing. Guided tours of the museum are available. There are demonstrations of the use of the potter’s wheel. Ceramics can be purchased, and visitors can attend the opening of the kiln. Special works can be commissioned.
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The flat surface of this large hillock (247 m above sea level, ~60 m above the surrounding area) offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Latgale, complete with Lake Rāzna. During the 13th century, the Livonian Order built the Volkenberga Castle on the hillock, and it was thought to be practically impenetrable. Fragments of the castle’s walls remain visible today.

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The stone is in the small village of Vasiļova, which is along the Daugavpils-Rēzekne (A13) road.  The Vasiļova Semi-Estate used to be leased by the father of the great Latvian playwright Rainis, Krišjānis Pliekšāns.

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Here you can examine and purchase crafts by more than 40 Lettigalian craftspeople. A guide dressed in an Ancient Lettigalian folk costume will tell you about the lives of ancient Baltic tribes, the emergence of craftsmanship in the region, ancient laws related to ethics and work, and traditions. There are demonstrations of the crafts and lessons about the ancient skills. Groups can enjoy a luncheon of Lettigalian dishes, and learn how to bake bread and prepare beverages in an old-fashioned Lettigalian kitchen.

The local craftsmen's salon and home producer's store Cymuss and Latgaļu kukņa, a member of the Latgale culinary heritage network. For groups, Latgaļu kukņa offers lunches and a special skills school for learning to prepare Latgalian food, bread and drinks.

Latvian cuisine: Grey peas, dumplings in cream sauce, Lettigalian pastries and moonshine alcohol.
Special foods: Lamb testicles and cabbage soup with mutton.

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Ēvalds Vasilevskis is founder and director of the “Potter School,” which is part of the Latvian Cultural Fund. He and fellow participants in the school use ancient ceramics methods and techniques, firing dishware in a pit-type kiln and with the smoke technique. You can examine the kiln, work with clay, purchase finished products, and take part in the opening of the kiln.

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Here you will find everything needed for horseback riding, including reins, belts, leather sacks, etc. You can tour the exhibition hall, learn about types of leather, try your hand at the process, and purchase products. The craftswoman will be delighted to talk about the Lettigalian lifestyle.

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This is the centre for Catholicism in Latvia and a destination for pilgrims from all around the world.  Its origins date back to 1699, when the Dominican Order established a cloister.  One year later, it built the first wooden church.  The brick Church of St Dominic and the buildings of the cloister were erected between 1768 and 1800.  The Baroque church is distinguished by two towers that are 60 metres high.  The pulpit, organ prospectus, organ, prayer bench and pews come from the 18th century, while the side altars date back to the early 19th century.  The central altar includes the painting “The Miraculous Mother of God of Aglona,” which is thought to have healing properties.  For that reason, it is unveiled only during important events.  In advance of a visit to Latvia by Pope John Paul II in 1993, the complex underwent major rebuilding and restoration.  On August 15 each year, hundreds and thousands of pilgrims arrive in Aglona to celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary.  The holy stream of Aglona is 100 metres to the East of the basilica.

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This is a unique example of industrial heritage – the only open munition factory in the Baltic States.  It includes Europe’s oldest pellet pouring tower, and it is still used for that purpose today.  Tours are available for those who contact the factory in advance, and a guide will lead groups through the factory, the tower and the museum.  Today the factory manufactures nine types of bullets for smooth-barrel weapons, as well as bullets for pneumatic weapons.  The products are exported to Germany and other countries.

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In 1685, a military leader from Krakow, Belinsky, paid for the construction of a wooden church in the current location.  It was restored in 1749 and lasted until 1887, when it burned down during a storm.  A church with two steeples was designed in the Gothic style, and construction of it began one year later.  The church was consecrated in 1904 and is one of the most impressive churches in Latvia.  Attention should be paid to stained glass windows that feature images of St Meinhard and Albert.  Alongside the church is the centre of the Rēzekne-Aglona diocese, which is the seat of the local bishop.

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The wooden buildings with few floors emerged in the 19th century.  Tourists can look at typical closed yards, verandas, wooden elements and decorations.  The city suffered from fires in 1866 and 1938.  The Market Square is the historical centre of Ludza, while the Ludza castle hill dominates the region.  The streets of the city were established around the hill, which had an ancient Lettigalian wooden castle late in the 14th century.  The Livonian Order replaced with the mightiest brick castle in Latgale.  It was sacked in 1654 by the forces of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.  The castle hill offers a lovely view of Latgale and the oldest city in Latvia and its historical centre.

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Latgalisko tradīciju un prasmju māja “Ambeļu skreine” ir latgalisko vērtību glabātāja un popularizētāja. Interesentiem tiek piedāvātas interaktīvas aktivitātes latgaliešu kultūras garā, dažādas meistarklases.  “Ambeļu skreinē”  tiek svinēti gadskārtu svētki un  izkoptas dažādas amatu prasmes.  Te notiek danču vakari, dziedāšana, zīlēšana, tiek cepta maizīte, siets siers un tiek  veidotas tautas lietišķās mākslas izstādes.  No mājas paveras brīnišķīgs skats uz Višķu ezeru un Latgales krāšņajām dabas ainavām. 

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This potter upholds pottery traditions from the village of Silajāņi. He produces glazed and unglazed products such as dishware, candelabras, etc. You will hear attractive stories about pottery, be allowed to knead some clay and work on the potter’s wheel, and be able to tour an exhibition hall with samples of the master’s work, as produced over the course of the years. You can also commission and purchase products.

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This is the highest point in the southern part of Daugavpils.  A radius of approximately 300 m around 18. Novembra Street once housed the first Old Believer prayer house (1908-1928), the St Boris and Gleb Orthodox Cathedral (1905), the Daugavpils Mother of God Catholic Church (1905), and the Daugavpils Martin Luther Lutheran Church (1893).

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The current exhibition is in a building that used to house the Latgale Central Museum, and it speaks to the 700 years of the history of Rēzekne.  It features typical ceramics and other artworks from Latgale.  A separate exposition, “A Miracle Created by the Transformation of Clay and Fire,” speaks to the history of ceramics, and the museum also features pottery workshops where people can watch experts using ancient traditions to create new forms of pottery.  Outside of the museum is a monument to the distinguished Lettigalian poet Antons Kūkojs (1940-2007).

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Found in the western part of Daugavpils and on the banks of the Daugava River, this is almost the only fortress in Northern Europe that has been preserved since the first half of the 19th century.  Work on the fortress began in 1810, though it suffered much damage during the war of 1812 and because of flooding in 1829.  The fortress was of strategic importance in terms of its location, not least in terms of the battle against Napoleon’s forces.  It was consecrated in 1833, though construction work ended nearly half a century later, in 1878.  The fort is divided up into squares, with the Parade Field in the centre of the whole fortress.  After it lost its strategic importance in 1897, a warehouse was installed there.  Prior to World War I, General Jānis Balodis, Colonel Frīdrihs Briedis and others served at the local garrison.  In 1912, in honour of the centenary of the aforementioned war, a monument was unveiled in the park of the fortress.  During the Soviet occupation, Red Army units took over the fortress, and a technical aviation school was established there.  Even today, the fortress is a “city in a city.”  It has a residential area, though the buildings are quite shabby.  Both inside and outside the fortress are many elements that relate to military issues.  Right now fundamental work is being done to reconstruct the buildings, water pipelines and streets of the fortress.  The fortifications of the fortress are home to one of the largest colonies of bats in all of Latvia, and it is strictly forbidden to disturb them when they are asleep.  Major restoration of the fortress has included the establishment of the Mark Rothko Art Centre.  The distinguished artist was born in Daugavpils in 1903, when Latvia was still part of the Russian Empire.