No 39413
Industrial heritage
Industrial heritage Latvia, Vidzeme, Smiltenes novads

The Smiltene Cheese hut

The Cheese hut dates back to 1768 and was once part of the Kalnamuiža (Smiltene) Estate.  It is the only object of industrial heritage that is still found in Latvia.  On the first floor there was the storage of milk and a set of cheese pots.  Stairs to the second floor have been lost.  The second floor was used to dry cheese, and the process was facilitated by holes in the walls of the hut so that the wind could help in the process.  Although the holes have been filled up, their placement can still be easily seen.  The Cheese hut is alongside the ruins of the Medieval castle in Smiltene.  Sadly, it is in terrible shape and can only be viewed from the outside.