Foto | Nosaukums | Apraksts |
---|---|---|
Darbnīcā var iegādāties keramikas izstrādājumus, vērot podnieku darbībā, kā arī piedalīties māla apstrādes procesā. Aicina uz cepļa atvēršanu. |
||
Mākoņkalnā atradusies 13. gs. celtā praktiski neieņemamā Livonijas ordeņa Volkenbergas pils - viens no pirmajiem Latgales nocietinājumiem, no kuras līdz mūsdienām saglabājušies tikai pils mūra fragmenti. Arhitekts Pēteris Blūms uzskata, ka šajā vietā bijis īpašs mūra tips t.s. vairogmūris. Teikas vēstī, ka pēc Volkenbergas pilskunga un viņa sievas nāves plašie pilsnovada īpašumi esot sadalīti viņu trim meitām - Rozei, Lūcijai un Marijai. Katra no māsām uz mantotās zemes uzcēlusi jaunu pili: Roze - Rēzekni, Lūcija - Ludzu, bet Marija - Viļaku. Mākoņkalna pakājē atklāta piemiņas plāksne, kas vēsta par Latvijas pirmās brīvvalsts prezidenta Kārļa Ulmaņa Latgales apmeklējumu 1938. gadā. |
||
Māla darbus apdedzina melnā (svēpētajā) tehnikā un strādā ar Latgalē rakto mālu. Darbu tapšanas procesā neizmanto industriālās iekārtas, cepli kurina ar malku. Demonstrē trauku tapšanu uz kājminamās podnieka ripas un stāsta par apdedzināšanas procesu. Apmeklētāji var darboties ar mālu un iegādāties darbus. |
||
Piemineklis „Krusta nesējs” celts sakarā ar baznīcas Jubilejas gadu, kas 1825. gadā tika izsludināts Romā un gadu vēlāk visā pasaulē – Svētais Gads. Uz augsta, piramīdai līdzīga, postamenta novietots Kristus tēls, kas nes krustu. Postamentu 1828. gadā uzcēla Livonijas kanoniķis, Rēzeknes dekāns un rakstnieks Jāzeps Kirkillo. 1918. gadā piemineklis atjaunots un uzstādīta statuja ar krustu. Vēlreiz atjaunots 1990. gadā. |
||
Cirma ezera rietumu krastā slejas 1830. g. no laukakmeņiem būvētā baznīca. Tā ir slavena ar Jaunavas Marijas gleznu, kam piedēvē brīnumdarītājas spējas. Šī iemesla dēļ dievnams ir populārs svētceļnieku galamērķis. |
||
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. |
||
Lūznavas muižas apbūve sākusies 1905. – 1911.g. romantiskajā jūgendstilā. Lūznavas muižas īpašnieks bija Krievijas inženieru korpusa ģenerālis, profesors, Pēterburgas Zinātņu akadēmijas goda loceklis, pēc tautības polis, Staņislavs Kerbedzs (1810.-1899.), kurš pēc profesijas bija dzelzceļu inženieris. S.Kerbedzs bija pirmais Krievijas inženieris, kurš izstrādāja tiltu arhitektoniskā risinājuma principus, pēc kuriem vadījās 19. gs. otrajā pusē. Viņa vadībā cēla Blagoveščenskas tiltu pāri Ņevai Sanktpēterburgā. S.Kerbedza meita Jevgenija bija pazīstama kā mākslas mīļotāja, kura no Itālijas vedusi dažādus mākslas priekšmetus. Tādejādi Lūznavas muiža vasarās kļuva par iecienītu mākslinieku atpūtas vietu. Te viesojies slavenais lietuviešu gleznotājs un komponists M.K.Čurļonis. Mūsdienās Lūznavas muižu ieskauj 23,7 ha liels ainavu parks ar 7 dīķu sistēmu. Netālu no muižas – parkā atrodas Madonnas skulptūra. Īstais skulptūras autors īsti nav zināms, viena no versijām, ka skulptūra ir gatava atvesta no Itālijas un uzstādīta, otra versija, ka skulptūras autore varēja būt poļu tēlniece Jūlija Stabrovska, kura vasarās ir ciemojusies Lūznavas muižā. 20.gs. 50.gados skulptūra tika nogāzta no pjedestāla un iegrūsta dīķī. 1991.gadā tika uzstādīta un iesvētīta jaunā skulptūra. Muiža un parks ir apskatāma gan individuāli, gan gida pavadībā. |
||
Saimniecības devīze ir: „Šeit top īsts Latgales alus!” Apmeklētāji var piedalīties alus darināšanas procesā, klausīties stāstījumu par tradīcijām un degustēt jau gatavu produktu. Uzkodās saimnieks piedāvā lauku labumus latgaļu gaumē. |
||
Meklējams Mazā Ludzas ezera ziemeļaustrumu krastā. Muzeja brīvdabas nodaļā iepazīstama zemnieka dzīvojamā māja (dūmistaba), dzīvojamā ēka, vējdzirnavas, rija un Latgales keramiķa Polikarpa Vilcāna darbnīca. Tā teritorijā tiek organizēti ar amatniecību un dažādiem kultūras notikumiem saistīti pasākumi. Vieta, kas Latgales kultūras izziņas nolūkā, ir noteikti jāapmeklē. Blakus muzejam atrodas plosta piestātne izbraucieniem pa Mazo Ludzas ezeru (pēc iepriekšēja pieteikuma) un atpūtas vieta. |
||
Izceļas kā iespaidīga reljefa forma (15 m) Rēzeknes upes labajā krastā. 9. - 12. gs. šeit atradās seno latgaļu pils, kuras vietā 1285. g. Livonijas ordenis uzsāka divstāvu mūra pils celtniecību. Līdz mūsdienām pilskalnā saglabājušās nelielas pils drupas. Pie pilskalna atrodas Austrumlatvijas radošo pakalpojumu centrs - „Zeimuļs” un TIC. |
||
''Aglonas maizes muzejs'' ir vieta, kur interesenti var iepazīties ar maizes tapšanas procesu no grauda līdz gatavam kukulītim. Apmeklētājiem tiek piedāvātas meistarklases ar iespēju pašiem piedalīties maizes cepšanā. Tāpat iespējamas maizes un zāļu tējas degustācijas ar teatralizētu uzvedumu kāzām, kristībām, jubilejām u.c. dzīves svētkiem. Muzeja veikalā var iegādāties svaigi ceptu maizi un vietējo amatnieku darbus. Maizes muzejs piedāvā arī nakšņošanu viesu mājā līdz 15 personām. |
||
No Ludzas pilskalna paveras viens no interesantākajiem Latgales skatiem uz vecāko Latvijas pilsētu un tās vēsturisko centru, Lielo un Mazo Ludzas ezeru, Livonijas ordeņa pilsdrupām, Baznīckalnu, dievnamiem. Novadpētniecības muzeju, Amatnieku centru u.c. objektiem.
|
||
Atrodas Ciblas centrā. Eversmuižas centrālā dominante ir 1680. klasicisma stilā celtā kungu māja (vēlākos laikos – pārbūvēta), kalpu māja, vārtu ēka un saimniecības ēkas, kas ir sliktā stāvoklī. Muižas parku ieskauj mūra žogs. Kopš 17. gadsimta muiža gandrīz divu gadsimtu garumā piederēja poļu muižnieku fon Karņicku dzimtai. Vēlāk muiža nonāk dažādu īpašnieku rokās. Mūsdienās kungu mājā izvietots Ciblas internāts, iekārtots Ciblas novadpētniecības muzejs, kur piedāvā ekskursijas. Ilžas upītes krastos izveidota Eversmuižas kultūrvēsturiskā taka. |
||
Berķeneles pusmuiža ir Valsts nozīmes vēstures piemineklis un pazīstama kā ievērojamā latviešu literāta un sabiedriskā darbinieka Raiņa (1865 – 1929) bērnības zeme. 1995. gadā māja restaurēta un kopš 1996.gada tā darbojas kā Raiņa māja Berķenelē. Bērnības iespaidi attēloti dzejoļu krājumā „Dagdas piecas skiču burtnīcas”. Mūsdienās Raiņa mājā piedāvā ekskursijas, radošās darbnīcas, izstādes, apmeklētāji var pārģērbties tā laika saimnieku un kalpu tērpos u.c. Ap māju ir liels augļu dārzs, un programma "Ābolu ceļš". Īpaši gaidīti ir bērni un jaunieši. No mājas paveras brīnišķīgs skats uz Sēlijas ainavu. |
||
Atrodas pilsētas centrā, Raiņa ielā 4. Dievnams celts (1932. – 1938. g.) vecās koka baznīcas vietā neogotikas stilā (J. Cīruļa projekts). Jāpiemin, ka līdz pat 1994. g. ēkā bija izvietojies kinofilmu iznomāšanas punkts. Tagad baznīcā apskatāma izstāde „No pamatiem līdz torņa smailei, senie Latgales būvamati fotoattēlos”, kur 108 fotoattēlos ir dokumentēts baznīcas celtniecības process. Interesenti var uzkāpt zvanu tornī un apskatīt Rēzekni no 37 m augstuma. |
||
Atrodas pilsētas dienviddaļā, Siņicina ielā 4. Dievnams celts 1895. g., bet pārbūvēts 1906. g. Tā tornī atrodas trīs no sudraba un vara lieti zvani (restaurēti), no kuriem viens ir nominēts par Baltijas valstīs lielāko (4832 kg smags, zvana mēle sver 200 kg). Blakus atrodas muzejs, kas iepazīstina ar vecticībnieku kultūrvidi un baznīcas dzīvi. |
||
"Untumos" uztur un atjauno zirgu ganāmpulku, kā arī iegādājas zirgus, kuri atbilst vēsturiski veidotās Latvijas zirgu šķirnes prasībām. Te var iegūt jāšanas iemaņas instruktora pavadībā ierobežotās platībās un apvidū. Vasarās piedāvā vizināšanos ratos, ziemā – pajūgā. Zirgus izmanto kāzās u.c. svinīgos pasākumos. |
||
Latgales lauku sētas „Mežmalas” saimnieki izveidojuši interesantu
19. un 20. gs. sadzīves lietu, darbarīku un iekārtu kolekciju,
piedāvā tūristiem pašiem izmēģināt roku skalu grozu pīšanā. Skalu
grozu, zāļu tēju iegāde. Enerģētiska meža taka pa priežu mežu.
Darba laiks: pēc pieteikuma |
||
Atrodas pilsētas centrā, Atbrīvošanas alejā 89. Dievnama celtniecība (neoromantisma stils) noritēja laikā no 1936. – 1939. g. (arhitekta Pavlova mets), bet to iesvētīja pirms celtniecības beigām 1937. g. Tā godina Sāpju Dievmāti, kurai veltīts centrālais altāris. Ēkā izvietotas 20. gs. sākumā veidotas svētbildes, bet dārzā pie ieejas - Fatimas Dievmātes statuja. Dievnams apskatāms arī no iekšpuses. |
||
Viens no Latvijas Kultūras fonda kopas ‘’Pūdnīku skūla’’ dalībniekiem, kas pielieto senās un gadsimtos pārbaudītās Latgales podniecības metodes. Piedāvā darbnīcas apskati, dalību cepļa atvēršanā, iespēju darboties pašiem un keramikas darbu pasūtīšanu un iegādi. |
||
Īsts Latgles ābolu sidrs no Malnavas muižas. Vēsture Āboli Sidrs Apmeklētājiem Kur iegādāties |
||
Atrodas Preiļu dienviddaļā. Padomju laikā pilī izvietoja dažāda tipa iestādes, līdz 1978. g. izcēlās ugunsgrēks, kā rezultātā cieta ēkas augšējā daļa. Līdz pat šodienai pils nav atjaunota un apskatāma no ārpuses. To ieskauj viens no izcilākajiem Latvijas ainavu parkiem (19. gs. vidus). Muižas kompleksu ir vērts izstaigāt Irēnas Kjarkužas pavadībā, kas ekskursijas laikā stāsta interesantas teikas un dzied latgaļu valodā! |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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 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. |
||
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!
|
||
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. |
||
"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 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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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.
|
||
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. |
||
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.
|
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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 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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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. |
||
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). |
||
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). |
||
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. |