No Name Description
28Kleboniskiai museum

This museum focuses on life in the countryside and was opened in 1991.  It sits on 18 ha of land, with authentic farms from the  Augštaitija region. 


The Jūrkalne People's Centre is the main gathering place for Suiti people and is in a former saloon that was built around 1875.  Major restorations were conducted in 2011.  The centre offers various events, there is an exhibition hall for visitors, and the "Maģie Suiti" ethnographic ensemble and other amateur ensembles are active there.  If you want to meet the Suiti and learn about their traditions, contact the centre in advance. 


This beautiful castle (1797-1802) is seen as the most brilliant example of Classicism in Latvian architecture.  It, like the Eleja Castle, was designed by the architect of the royal court in Russia, Giacomo Antonio Domenico Quarenghi and the architect Johann Georg Adam Berlitz.  The ornate interior was unique for Kurzeme at the time when the castle was built.  Empress Catherine II gifted the castle to Charlotte von Lieven (1742-1828) after Charlotte served as governess for the empress’ grandchildren.  An agricultural school operated in the building from 1921 until 1941, and it was very much damaged and pillaged during World War II.  Restoration began later, when the Mežotne experimental selection station was housed in it.  The lovely building houses a hotel and can be toured.  Around the castle, which is on the banks of the Lielupe River, there is one of the most beautiful English-type gardens in Latvia – perfect for a stroll.


Dundaga baron once was one of the largest landowners of Courland, therefore during the second half of 19th century around the estate formed centre of economic and social life. Dundaga Central Square is dominated by its water tower, behind which starts Dakterleja, where from 1844 to 1854 worked one of the first ethnic Latvian doctors and linguist, J. Bars. Until the sixties of the 20th century from the Dundaga through Mazirbe and fishermen villages to Ventspils ran a Narrow gauge train. Today Dundaga attracts tourists with its spectacular castle, the Lutheran church, crocodile sculpture, Eizenberga pottery workshops and other objects.

Source: Gulbene Tourist Information Centre

The owner of the Stāmeriena Estate was Baron Johann Gottlieb von Wolff, and his wife, Sofia Potyomkina, was a member of the Russian Orthodox faith, so work on the church began in 1902.  It was consecrated two years later.  The crosses on the steeple of the church are known for mountain crystals that were presented by the Wolff dynasty.  Contact the church in advance for a tour of its interior.