The late Baroque and early Classicism building was commissioned by Duke Peter Byron of Courland and Zemgale, and it was built between 1773 and 1776 on the basis of a design by a Danish architect.  It was the castle of Duchess Anna.  The first university in Latvia, Academia Petrina was established here in 1775 and named after Duke Peter.  The first observatory was installed at the academy in 1772, and a high school was in the building during the age of the Russian Empire.  Among graduates are distinguished Latvians such as Krišjānis Barons, Jānis Alunāns and Jānis Čakste, as well as the Lithuanian Antanas Smetona.  The Jelgava Museum of History and Art took over the building in 1952, and in 1975 it was named after the Old Master Ģederts Eliass (1887-1975).  The exhibition speaks to the history of the city and surrounding area during and after the period of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale.  Outside the impressive building are four cannons from the period of the duchy, as well as monument to Eliass that was designed in 1987 by the sculptor Jānis Zariņš.  Another monument, “Lāčplēsis and the Black Knight,” was designed by the sculptor Kārlis Jansons and commemorates the liberators of Jelgava.

The distinguished Latvian author an painter Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš (1877-1962) spent six years of his childhood at Riekstiņi in Nereta.  He was born into a servant family and moved to Riekstiņi together with his mother after his father passed away.  The household inspired him for his "White Book."  In honour of Jaunsudrabiņš, a museum was opened at Riekstiņi in 1967, and it is in an authentic Selonian farm with its spirit and aromas.  You can tour the residential building and the homestead's granary and wheelhouse, also houshold building from 1820.  The apple orchard has trees that are 100 years old and older.  Nearby is the Ķišķi cemetery (on the side of the Vecumnieki-Ilūkste road), where members of the Jaunsudrabiņš family were interred and Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš was reburied in 1997.  The Nereta Administrative District still has many single family farms and place names which Jaunsudrabiņš mentioned in his books. 

This is one of comparatively few castle hills along the banks of the Daugava River that is not overgrown with trees and bushes, which means that it has a classical castle hill form that is part of the local landscape.  The Dignāja castle hill was settled during several periods, particularly between the 5th and the 9th century AD, when it was an important centre.  Archaeologists have found that Lettigalian tribes lived here.  After the Holy Crusade invasion, the Livonian Order built a castle on the hill that has not survived.  It is said that there was once an underground passageway under the hill.  The hill itself offers a lovely view of the Daugava River valley.  World War I trenches have been preserved the area.  There was once a settlement at the foot of the hill.

The bar-bistro near Plavini traffic circle. Latvian and European cuisine.

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. 

Путь пролегает по красивейшему ландшафту Балтии – через Национальные парки Гауя, Лахемаа и Матсалу, Видземскую возвышенность, а также возвышенности Отепя и Пандивере. Также в маршрут включены Мунамегис, Чудское озеро и селения по его берегам, каменистое морское побережье в Северной Эстонии, самые живописные водопады Эстонии, рыбацкие поселки. Вы увидите природные тропы, смотровые вышки и самые великолепные поместья и дворцы. Возможно дополнительно организовать сплав на лодке по рекам Ахья и Выханду.

The café is alongside the Top store in the centre of the village.

Latvian cuisine: Potato pancakes with ham, grey peas with bacon, carrot buns.

Special foods: The special “Apsīte” potted dish.

Located in Obinitsa Village, open daily in the summer, please book in advance in winter. White bread and rye bread baking masterclass with natural yeast preparation. The café bakes brown country bread, bread with seeds, various white breads.

The Strauti farm is on the eastern edge of hillocks in Embūte.  The southern edge of the farm neighbours large forests with many wild animals.  Alongside is a former fowl farm.  The farm breeds rabbits, sheep, fowl, two horses and a pony.  It has a herd of cows, including Latvian Blue cows.  The farm offers tours for schoolchildren and others.  Contact the farm in advance to purchase rabbit meat, wool and vegetables.  The farm is biological.