Der Mara-Weg

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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 13^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).