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From the historical and architectural perspective, this is an interesting monument to urban construction between the 17th and 19th centuries. Old Liepāja is in the area of the old market and Kuršu Square, where merchants sold their wares beginning in the 1560s. Until 1792, Kuršu Square was also where punishments were implemented. The current Pētertirgus pavilion was installed alongside the square in 1910. A map shows that the network of streets has partly preserved the chaos of street planning that was typical in Medieval towns. |
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Work on a new church began in 1574 at the commission of Duke Gotthard Kettler of Courland and Zemgale. The steeple was installed between 1686 and 1688, and in 1862 its height was increased to 80.5 m. The church burned down because of Soviet bombardment on July 27, 1944, and in 1954 the Soviet military blew up its ruins. Reconstruction of the steeple began in 2009, and it now has an outstanding interactive museum that is particularly interesting for children, along with a glassed viewing platform. |
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The Karosta prison cannot be described, it must be experienced and survived. That’s an opportunity for everyone. This is the best example in Latvia as to how the military heritage can be used for tourism purposes. Others can learn from this site. |
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This hill in the Tīreļpurvs swamp is an historical object of national importance – the only area in Latvia that is restricted for cultural and historical purposes. There is unique evidence here of World War I fortifications and the so-called Christmas Battle that was fought here.
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This is a sand dune that is covered with pines and has a monument to soldiers from Company 6 in Rīga, who defended the city in 1919. It was from this place that the soldiers went into battle against the numerically much larger army of Bermont-Avalov to liberate Rīga and its Pārdaugava neighbourhood. Created by the sculptor Kārlis Zāle, the monument features a wall facing Slokas Street that is 12 metres tall and is a depiction of the head of a lion that was once part of the gates to Rīga. The side walls on both sides have bas relief depictions of Ancient Latvians and soldiers from 1919. Atop the dune is an area with an altar, a sacrificial dish, and a memorial plaque to commemorate those who fell in battle. The monument was unveiled in 1937 by President Kārlis Ulmanis. |
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Encircled by apartment buildings, some of which are abandoned, the Tosmare water tower, which was built in 1905 in a pseudo-Gothic style and is made of red bricks, stands tall and proud. It is 37 metres high. Steam pumps were once used to pump underground water into the tower (the pumps have survived to this very day). Water was delivered three times a day to the residents of Karosta. The tower is no longer used for its original purpose, however. The tower can be viewed from the outside at any time. This is a unique aspect of Latvia’s industrial heritage.
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The city of wind, amber and musicians. In the literature sources Liepaja was mentioned for the first time in 1253. The city strived as a trade harbour already at the end of the 16th century. Especially important was the ruling period of Kurzeme Dukes Jacob and Friedrich, when the export and import of Lithuania and Kurzeme goods was provided through Liepaja harbour. Instead of the Līva River that was filled with dune sand a channel was excavated and wharf was formed. The growth of the city continued in the 18th century also after the Northern War and the plague epidemic. When in 1795 Kurzeme was added to the Russian Empire, as one of the most important western harbours of the Empire the harbour of Liepaja developed even more rapidly. From the end of the 18th century until the 19th century Liepaja also became a popular recreation place for the aristocrats of Petersburg. At the end of the 19th century the construction works of War Port and fortress begun. The city became a military strategic place. It suffered hard during World War II. In 1967 the sea trade harbour terminated its operation in Liepaja and Liepaja became a closed city where the War Port was "a city within a city". Today the War Port and its offer is one of the top tourism spots in Latvia. |
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The museum has more than 120,000 objects which focus on the history of Liepāja and Southern Kurzeme from the Stone Age to the 19th century. Another exhibition is focused on the life and work of the wood sculptor Miķelis Pankoks (1894-1983). New art exhibitions are periodically staged at the museum. |
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Lāči brand bread is popular in Latvia and abroad, because the bakery uses ancient mastery and skills. Baking traditions are supervised by 2 master bakers and 4 journeymen. You can take a tour of the bakery, knead and bake your own little loaf of bread, have lunch at a cosy saloon and purchase the bakery’s products. Lāči uses its own ingredients for its dishes, combining them with seasonal products from local farms. The bakery shop offers a wide range of products from bread to confectionery. Latvian cuisine: Cream of mushroom soup, various hot potted dishes, bread soup, baker’s dessert. |
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Skrunda Manor is located on the bank of the River Venta, on the side of the Riga-Liepāja highway. It is a hotel with 12 comfortable rooms, banquet halls, and conference rooms. The manor restaurant uses products grown in Latvia and produced by local farmers, offering its guests to taste original local dishes, such as carp croquettes with homemade rhubarb mayonnaise, pork belly with birch leaf syrup and celery, and a selection of ice cream made in the manor. |
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Te plašos aplokos mīt 38 sugu savvaļas dzīvnieki (kiangi, lāči, lūši, vilki, meža cūkas, aļņi, vāveres, plēsīgie putni) un visdažādāko šķirņu mājdzīvnieki – Latvijas zilās, Hailandes un Galovejas govis, Romanovas aitas, Vjetnamas cūkas, pīles, zosis, tītari u.c. Acīgākie dīķos pamanīs retās Eiropas kokvardes. Kalvenes pagasta „Cīruļi” – tā ir lieliska, nesteidzīga atpūta lauku vidē, iepazīstot dzīvo dabu! Darba laiks no novembra līdz martam: katru dienu no 10:00 – 16:00 |
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Located on the left bank of the Venta River 100 m to the Northwest of the Liepāja (A9) highway bridge across the river. The antique castle hill was the site of a Livonian Order that existed from the 14th to the 18th century before being sacked during the Great Northern War. No part of the castle has survived. A stage was built on the castle hill in 1987, and it is a popular venue for various events. The hill is surrounded by a park with wooden chairs that were designed by the sculptor Ģirts Burvis in honour of the kings of Courland. There is a viewing platform, and there are legends about underground passages and a white lady who appears only once every 100 years. |
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The Northern Forts of Liepāja are on the edge of the Baltic Sea, and some parts of them have been washed away. This is a small, but very impressive part of the Liepāja fortifications which once encircled the entire town. The underground bunkers of the forts are on two levels, and it’s worth visiting them in the company of a knowledgeable guide from Karosta (tours are organised from the Karosta prison). There’s a car park alongside the forts. It’s also worth walking down the beach for a distance of around four kilometres to the Northern breakwater. On the shore and in the sea, you’ll see two coastal defence batteries and some pretty impressive views.
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The boiler house of Karaosta has been used for decades to ensure heat for the city of Liepāja. Although it is part of the heating network, the facility is not guarded and has largely been abandoned.
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The monument is at the location where the P100 road to Ozolnieki and Jelgava splits away from the A8 highway. The monument is dedicated to soldiers from the 6th Rīga Infantry Company who perished or disappeared during battles against the army of Bermont on November 17, 1919, near the former Skuju Elementary School. The monument was designed by Nikolajs Voits, the bas relief was designed by Mārtiņš Šmalcs, and the consultant for the project was the great sculptor Kārlis Zāle. The monument was unveiled on October 24, 1937, and restored in 2009. |
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The monument is on the side of Rīgas Street in the centre of Piņķi. It is dedicated to May 22, 1919, when, after a pause of nearly two months, a brigade commanded by Col Balodis headed for Rīga to rid the capital city of the Bolsheviks. The brigade was supposed to receive support from the German Landeswehr, the German Iron Division, and the units of Prince Lieven from Russia. The first monument was unveiled by Latvian President Kārlis Ulmanis on May 23, 1939. It was destroyed by the Soviet regime in 1951, but a copy was installed in 2003 (sculptor J. Briedis, copy by O. Skarainis). |
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In addition to the Northern Forts, coastal batteries and Karosta district of Liepāja that are all mentioned in this database, there are other impressive elements of the former fortifications system – Lunete (the southern part of Lake Tosmare), the Central Fort (between Grīzupes Street and 14 November Boulevard), the Eastern Fort (to the South of Brīvības Street and the North of Lake Liepāja), the Southern Fort (at the Pērkone canal), and the Old Forts at the Olimpija stadium. All of these locations are freely accessible, but be careful if you go inside the former forts – they were blown up at one time and may remain dangerous.
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This is a collection of cinema and photography items collected by the owner of the Ziķu homestead in the Zirņi Parish, which is in the Saldus Administrative District. The collection includes antique film cameras and objects that demonstrate the process of taking pictures and films. The exhibition is in a log building that the owner built – one that resembles bee cells. Please contact the owner in advance for a tour. |
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This church was built between 1900 and 1903 in the Byzantine style, and was meant for the local military garrison. The church, which was built to honour St Nicholas, patron saint of all seamen, and it was consecrated in the presence of Tsar Nicholas II. The ornate building was sacked by the Germans during World War I. During Latvia’s period of independence, the cathedral was used by the local military garrison. The Soviet military, in turn, turned into a sports hall, a cinema for sailors, and a warehouse. There are stories to say that Soviet soldiers broke off bits of the golden mosaic of the icons in the church. The building has now been returned to an Orthodox congregation. The builders of the cathedral used a unique way of pouring cement, which is why there are no supporting columns in the church. Instead, its weight is bolstered by its walls, with four arched vaults supporting them. It is the tallest Orthodox cathedral in Latvia at this time.
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The memorial to Latvian President Gustavs Zemgals (1871-1939) was first installed in 1990 at the Brātiņi homestead, where he grew up. In 2016 it was moved to the Džukste memorial park. |
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Ložmetējkalns Hill is one of the highest locations at the Long Dune. There is a monument to heroic Latvian riflemen who suffered great losses here during the Christmas battles of late 1916. There is a great view of forests all the way to Jūrmala, as well as of the Maztīrelis swamp, where the embankment of the former narrow-gauge railroad is very evident. This is part of a memorial park to commemorate the Christmas battles. You can visit the Mangaļi museum, the restored “German Rampart,” monuments and other objects.
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From the 6th century until the 8th century instead of the current Grobina the largest known Scandinavian trade and warrior colony in the Baltic States was located. Settlers from the inlands of Gotland and Sweden established their settlement at the hillock that was then located at the bank of the navigable Alande River. It is believed that the Cours Castle – Seeburg mentioned in the chronicles of the 9th century was located exactly here. After the loss of the order castle in the 13th century Grobina became the centre of the region. The most ancient construction of the city was formed around Lielā Street, as well as around Saules and Parka Streets. |
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The first Dnyestr-M radar station was opened here in 1969 to calculate the trajectories of ballistic missiles. The trajectories of satellites were also calculated here. The range of the radar station was 5,000 km. In 1972, construction began on a second, more modern radar, the Dnyepr-M. In 1977, it was ready for use, and the first radar was modernised at the same time. The two radars were located in buildings that were 250 m long and 17 m high. During a 24/hour period, they could identify the height, speed and flight trajectory of up to 750 space objects. In 1985, work began on a third, even more modern radar – the Daryal-YM. This was a radar that could “peek” across the horizon. The antenna building was 117 m high (19 stories), 80 m long and 80 m wide. It had a planned range of 6,000 km, but it was not completed. After the withdrawal of the Russian army in 1995, the building was blown up. That cost LVL 6,172,311 and used up 360 kg of explosives. The territory of the radar stations took up 1,072 hectares, with barracks, a hotel, 551 apartments, a medical facility, a water tower, a war hospital, a bomb shelter, etc. The aim of the facility was to monitor space above Western Europe and North America, as well as to “intercept” any ballistic missiles that were fired at the USSR. The territory is closed to visitors, but it is an important part of Latvia’s military heritage. The abandoned territory can be viewed from the outside. The nearby bus stop is called “Kombināts.” This was the only facility of its kind in the Baltic States. !!! Since March 2018 the Skrunda army base is closed for visitors. |
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Kronvalds (1837-1875) was a distinguished Latvian writer, pedagogue and linguist, and this is the Lejas Miķi homestead where he was born. The homestead is in Krote in the Priekule Administrative District, and none of its buildings has survived. There is a commemorative plaque reading “The place where one was born and raised is holy for oneself” (A. Kronvalds). |
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Found in the centre of Džūkste, the monument that was set up in 1990 was blown up in 1990, and the current one was made from the ruins of the destroyed one. The monument commemorates troops from the 19th Division of the Latvian Legion who fell during the so-called Christmas battles in 1944. |
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Ancient Scandinavian gravesites are found near Grobiņa at the Liepu alley (as are the ancient Priediena graves). The skeleton, fire and hillock graves date back to the 4th to the 10th century. A dig in 1987 led to the discovery of a unique and richly ornamented gravestone from the 8th or 9th century which was produced in honour of a fallen Scandinavian soldiers. It is now housed at the Liepāja Museum of History and Art and is the only discovery of its kind in the south-eastern reaches of the Baltic Sea. |
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The wagon commemorates the 2,916 innocent people from Skrunda and the surrounding area who were deported to Siberia in cattle wagons. It is found at Stacijas Street 1 near the Skrunda railroad station. |
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The word zivis means fish, and the name of the street is derived from a fish market that once existed at the end of the street near Kurši Square. There are old log warehouses in the yard of Zivju Street 4/6 and the yard of Peldu Street 2. One of the most popular destinations for tourists is the Latvian alley of fame for musicians (since 2006), with bronze replications of the palms of hands of 35 Latvian musicians. There are ten plaques dedicated to popular bands in Latvia, with five others focusing on musicians who have passed away. The largest guitar in Latvia is right nearby. |
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The so-called Christmas battles between the Russian and the German military took place in 1916, during World War I. Latvian riflemen demonstrated such courage and heroism during these battles that they became known far beyond Latvia’s borders. Machine Gun Hill now has a memorial to the Latvian riflemen. The viewing tower on the hill has been restored. The Maztīrelis swamp and the place where the German narrow-gauge railroad used to run can be seen well from the hill. The rail tracks crossed the swamp from the North to the South, and the rows of trees in the swamp show where they were.
Visiting the object: You can hike the area with or without a guide. The Christmas battle museum at the Mangaļi homestead offers thematic and educational events, as well as mock battles. You can look at monuments, graves, trenches, fortifications, dugouts, etc.
The Mangaļi homestead is home to Latvia’s largest mock-up of a battle site. There are unique elements of fortifications from World War I here – ones that are related to the Christmas battles. One part of the fortifications has been reconstructed in its original location – the dugout and a part of the so-called “German rampart” that was part of the front line of the German fortifications.
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The Karaosta canal and its naval and submarine base date back to the tsarist era in advance of World War I. The former submarine base is now closed to visitors and is used for business purposes. The canal can be viewed from Pulvera Street and the restored Kalpaks bridge.
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An impressive set of military structures between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja and Lake Tosmare. Construction of the fortress began in the late 19th century on the basis of a decree by Russian Tsar Alexander III, and it cost 45 million gold roubles. The fortress includes accommodations and elements of fortifications – sites for cannons, trenches, gunpowder cellars, systems of canals, a narrow-gauge rail line, etc. In 1908, the fortress was shut down because of a change in Russia’s defence concept, and the construction of it was declared to have been a strategic mistake. There were attempts to blow up the underground structures and cellars during World War I, but that did not really succeed. Some elements of the fortress were of great importance in Latvia’s liberation battles. Surviving today are the Northern forts, the Central fort, the Eastern fort, the Southern fort, the shoreline defensive batteries (No. 23, 3), Redāns, Lunete, and others. Most are not improved, so visits may be dangerous. The northern part of the fortress includes the Military Port, which has experienced seven different armies and regimes. During the Soviet years, it was closed to civilians. There are many outstanding monuments to military history. Tourists love the Karosta prison, which offers educational programmes. |
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This is one of Latvia’s first and largest goat farms in Latvia. The owner will offer you an attractive tour, with information about breeding goats and producing dairy products (milk, cheese kefir) – products which you can taste and purchase. |
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2003.gada decembrī folkloras kopa „Atštaukas” izveidoja folkloras centru „Namīns”, kurā svin svētkus, organizē Jāņu ielīgošanu, Lieldienu iešūpošanu, Miķeļdienas tirgu, Annas dienas Saimnieču svētkus, tautiskos Ziemassvētkus. „Atštaukas” palīdz saglabāt un popularizēt dažādus latviešu tautas godību rituālus, gan kāzu, gan arī bēru tradīcijas. Folkloras centrā „Namīns” darbojas arī skola, kurā bērniem tiek mācīta folklora un tautas tradīcijas. |
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Opposite the tower of the Church of the Holy Trinity, the monument was designed by Arta Dumpe and commemorates Latvia’s first president, Jānis Čakste (1859-1927). It was consecrated on November 14, 2003, precisely 81 years after the statesman was elected to the important position. |
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The church was built between 1742 and 1578 after a design by J.K. Dorn and for the needs of the local German congregation. The 55 metre steeple was completed only in 1866. The façade and interior of the church are in the style of late Baroque and Classicism (with elegant Rococo elements inside the church). The church is known for the organ that was built by H.A. Koncius between 1773 and 1780. Since a reconstruction in 1885, the instrument has more than 7,000 pipes, 131 registers and four manuals. It is suggested that it is the largest mechanical organ in the world, and its sound is just wonderful. Visitors can visit the church, examine the organ and climb the steeple. |
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Saldus is mentioned in the historical documents already in 1253. Until the 13th century an ancient Cours castle Salden was located here, which is also represented in the coat of arms of the town. Around the 1341 Livonian Order built a castle near the Cours hill fort, where settlement formed. Its peak of development, like the other settlements of Courland, was during the reign of Duke Jacob 1642 – 1682. 1856 is mentioned as the year of the foundation of Saldus, when restoration of town perished during the Northern War begun. At the end of the World War II a big fights took place at the town, but town remained in German-occupied part of Latvian until the May 8, 1945. Modern Saldus attracts with its activities - town days, the music festival "Saldus Saule", as well as a variety of sightseeing objects, among which A/S 'Druvas Partika" can be mentioned, where you can watch how the ice cream is made and Saldus Food Factory, where you can taste the delicious candy "Gotina" and watch the production process. |
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This building was erected in 1903 and 1904 to be used for military training, exercises and ceremonial events. An addition to the South of the building held a small church, but it is gone. The building was used for gymnastics performances and competitions for horseback riders. Official meals for the garrison’s sailors were held there, too – the hall could hold up to 3,000 people. Only the outer walls survive today, sad to say. You can view the exterior and interior of the hall at any time. This is the only building of its size and type in Latvia. The roof once had bands of glass tiles.
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The farm specialises in dairy farming. Students and others can go on an educational tour, “The Route of Milk,” during which they will be able to churn butter and learn about how dairy products are produced. |
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The Livonian Order built a castle made of bricks and fieldstones in this location in 1253. The building measured 72 x 40 metres and had a three-story residential area and a gate tower at its centre. An entrance for soldiers was installed at the height of the second floor of the fortified wall during the 14th century, with barriers and four bastions installed during the 16th and 17th century. Legend has it that the daughter of a knight was bricked into the wall and that there was once a secret underground passage to the Lutheran church that is 200 metres away. The park includes the “Ancient Seashore” promenade, featuring plaques with quotes from Zenta Mauriņa and Jānis Rainis. |
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This facility is in the historical village of Pape in Southern Kurzeme. Accommodations are available in an historical granary with a roof made of reeds. It is appropriate for inhabitation during the late spring, the summer and the early fall. There are three bedrooms, a small front room and a kitchen, with two floors in all. The building will fit eight people. This is an ideal location for creative camps, plenary sessions, master workshops and other activities. There are tenting areas for as many as 80 people. The Mikjāņi farm observes local traditions and offers traditional foods such as “herring on coals,” white butter with boiled potatoes, fish soup, etc., for visitors who apply for a meal in advance. This offer is only available to groups which register in advance. |
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This is a unique opportunity to watch the work of various craftspeople (amber workers, jewellers, weavers, seamstresses, etc.) and purchase their masterful work. You will see the world’s longest amber necklace (123 m, 19 kg!!), which was made with bits of amber that were contributed by local residents. Creative workshops are organised for children. |
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The graveyard that is alongside the Lestene Lutheran Church is the final resting place for more than 900 soldiers who fell during World War II, particularly during battles at the so-called Fortress of Kurzeme, as well as in Zemgale and Vidzeme. The sculptress Arta Dumpe designed the commemorative monument “Mother Motherland – Latvia.” The cemetery of the brethren is the second largest resting place for soldiers from World War II after the Cemetery of the Brethren in Rīga. The names of some 11,000 soldiers are engraved on the gravestones. |
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This is a unique opportunity to watch the work of various craftspeople (amber workers, jewellers, weavers, seamstresses, etc.) and purchase their masterful work. You will see the world’s longest amber necklace (123 m, 19 kg!!), which was made with bits of amber that were contributed by local residents. Creative workshops are organised for children. |
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Along the A9 road and 500 metres from the turn in the direction of Rīga in Lestene is a memorial by Ojārs Feldbergs which was set up in 1991 in the former Rumbas homestead to commemorate defenders of the Kurzeme fortress. Despite the fact that the Soviet forces were ten times larger, the Latvian troops allowed some 300,000 Latvian war refugees to escape the horrors of the Soviet Union. |
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Dobele name in historical sources for the first time is mentioned in1254. Dobele was one of the most fortified Semigallian places; therefore from 1279 until 1289 it survived six attacks by German crusaders. In 1289 Semigallians was forced to retreat. In 1335 conquerors instead of Semigallian castle began construction of new - stone castle. On the opposite shore of Berze - on the left bank merchants and craftsmen village began to form. Town suffered greatly during the Northern War and during the subsequent plague. A significant event in the economic life was the 1927, when Liepaja-Gludas railway line was built. After World War II in Dobele and its vicinity came to the Soviet militaries, who built one of the largest Soviet tanks range "Dobele-2". Now Dobele travellers are offered a range of interesting sites to be visited. |
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This is the largest cemetery of the brethren from the World War I period, and it is the final resting place for some 1,800 Latvian Riflemen, as well as some 2,000 soldiers who served in various Russian army units and were reinterred during the 1930s. There is a monument at the centre of the graveyard. |
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The most significant period for the town is the time from 1561 to 1795, when the Jelgava district is a part of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale. When Jelgava obtains the status of residence of the Duke of (1567t) and becomes the capital of the Duchy (1616) a rapid urban development begins, which is highest of during the reign of Duke Jacob. During the reign of last two Dukes of Courland - Ernst Johann Biron and his son Peter (1775) St. Peter's Academy (Academia Petrina) - the first Latvian Institute is founded, in 1816 is founded Courland Society of Literature and Art, in 1822 the first newspaper in Latvian "The Latvian newspaper" is published, in 1802 the first Latvian theatre building is built, but in 1898- the first building intended for museum. In 1937 Latvian agriculture camera is located in the Jelgava palace, but after two years Jelgava Agriculture Academy is opened. Nearly all the town's historic buildings and art treasures perished in the summer of 1944. After the World War II, Jelgava was rebuilt. Recently the Trinity Church tower has been restored, in which now is located one of the best Latvian interactive museums (very friendly for families with children). |
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The first church in Piņķi was made of wood. The idea of building a new church emerged in the 1850s, and the cornerstone for a design by the architect J.D. Felsco was laid on May 25, 1872. The church that is there today was completed in 1874. The nine-register organ was built by the distinguished organ builder Wilhelm Sauer in 1890. On July 17, 1916, the 5th Latvian Riflemen’s Battalion was on its way to the front lines at Smārde and stopped at the Piņķi Estate. Col Jukums Vācietis delivered a sermon at the church on that date (though not all historians agree that he did so), and that has gone down in history as one of the most important events of the day. The historical even inspired Aleksandrs Čaks to write the poem “Sermon at the Piņķi Church.” The church is a cultural monument and can be toured. It is lit up at night. Alongside the stone is a rock that was installed in commemoration of the Latvian riflemen. |
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On the right bank of the Bērze River and in the western part of Dobele, the castle hill and its fortified forecastle were occupied between the 10th and 13th centuries, with an ancient town at its foot (currently the square between Tērvetes Street and the Liepāja highway). As was common, the Livonian Order used this ancient Semigallian castle hill to build a brick castle between 1335 and 1347. The castle was sacked during the 18th century, and its fairly impressive and beautiful ruins have been conserved. A viewing platform is part of the charm. |
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This ancient Courlandian castle hill has remnants of an ancient city. Historical sources indicate that in 1263, the Courlandians handed the castle over to the Livonian Order without a battle and that the castle was then burned down. The name of the place, Skābaržkalns, has to do with the name of the city, because hornbeam trees in the area were once known as grobi. |
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Im Landtourismushof „Puteņi“ kann man für das lettische Dorf typischen Haustiere und Geflügel besichtigen. Der Hausherr lädt die Gäste zur Teilnahme an der von ihm organisierten Tour „Pa barona fon Bēra taku“ (Auf den Spuren des Freiherrn von Baehr) ein, während die Dame des Hauses eine Einführung in traditionelle Riten und Bräuche gibt und mit Details der lettischen Küche aufwartet, wie man Kümmelkäse oder andere traditionelle Lebensmittel herstellt. |
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Gebaut im Jahre 1835 als Eigentum der Barone von Fircks nach Bestellung der Baronesse Tea von Fircks. Nach einem Umbau in 1883 erhielt das Gebäude ein herrschaftlicher Dekor im Stil der Renaissance und im manieristischen Stil und größerer Umfang des Baues. Am 15. Dezember 1905 wurde das Gebäude des Landguts von Revolutionären in Flammen gesetzt. Drei Jahre später fingen die Wiederherstellungsarbeiten unter der Leitung vom Architekt L. Reinīrs an. Im Gutsschloss sind eine Festhalle mit zwei Kaminen aus Marmor, in den Einzelräumen – ein am Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts gelegtes Parkett und Außentürflügel mit Metallprägung zu besichtigen. 1938 wurde das Schloss umgebaut. In der Zeit des Zweiten Weltkriegs befand sich im Gebäude ein Kriegslazarett der deutschen Armee, aber nach dem Krieg – eine Schule für die Waldarbeiter. Seit 1962 befindet sich im Schloss die Schule von Rudbārži, die den Namen von Oskars Kalpaks trägt. An der Wand des Gebäudes befindet sich eine Gedenkplatte zu Ehren des Kalpaks-Bataillons. Am 22. Januar 1919 haben die Bolschewiken während des Lettischen Unabhängigkeitskriegs die Stadt Skrunda eingenommen. Sieben Tage später wurde das Kalpaks-Bataillon vom Landgut Rudbārži aus Richtung Skrunda angetreten. Nach einer dreistündigen Schlacht hat das Bataillon den Sieg behalten und eine strategische Position in der Nähe des Ufers des Flusses Venta eingenommen. Es war ein erster Sieg des Bataillons nach den mehrmaligen Rückzügen und es regte zu den weiteren Kämpfen an. |
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Der nördliche Teil der Festung von Liepāja schließt den Kriegshafen ein, den nach der Unabhängigkeit Lettlands zu einem offenen Territorium wurde. Nördliche Forte, Küstenschutzbatterien, die Orthodoxe Meereskathedrale St.Nikolai, Wasserturm, Manege, Gefängnis von Karosta, Nordmole und Oskara Kalpaka-Schiebebrücke. |
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Das Schloss wurde in 1738 – 1740 un 1762 – 1772 gebaut. Der Autor des Entwurfes im Barockstil war der italienische Architekt F.B. Rastrelli. Heute befindet sich im Schloss die Lettische Landwirtschaftliche Universität. Im Untergeschoß des südostlichen Teils des Schlosses sind die Grabstätten der Herzoge von Kurland und Semgallen, des Adelsgeschlechtes Kettler und des Adelgeschlechtes Biron (1569 – 1791. mit 18 restauerierten Sarkophagen zu besichtigen. |
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Befindet sich in einer Parkanlage neben dem Kulturhaus von Skrunda. Wurde 2005 zu Ehren des Sieges des Obersten Oskars Kalpaks und seines Bataillons über Bolschewiken im Kampf bei Skrunda aufgestellt. Während des Lettischen Unabhängigkeitskriegs haben die Bolschewiken am 22. Januar 1919 die Stadt Skrunda eingenommen. Am 29. Januar wurde das Kalpaks-Bataillon vom Landgut Rudbārži aus Richtung Skrunda angetreten. Nach einer dreistündigen Schlacht hat das Bataillon den Sieg behalten und eine strategische Position in der Nähe des Ufers des Flusses Venta eingenommen. Es war ein erster Sieg des Bataillons nach den mehrmaligen Rückzügen und es regte zu den weiteren Kämpfen an. |
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Er befindet sich unweit von der Landstrasse A 8, westlich des Hauses „Batari“, wo am 22.März 1919 ein Kampf der Brigade des Generals Balodis gegen die Bolschewiken stattgefunden hatte. Errichtet 1936. |
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Das heute zu sehende Gebäude im späten Barokstil und frühem Klassizismus, enstand auf die Initiative von Herzog Peter Biron von Kurland und Semgallen nach Plänen des dänischen Architekten Severin Jensen an der Stelle, an der sich das Schloss der Herzogin Anna befunden hatte. 1775 wurde hier die erste lettische Hochschule gegründet, die Academia Petrina, und 1782 wurde das erste Observatorium errichtet. Zur Zeit des russischen Imperiums befand sich hier ein Gymnasium. Zu dessen Absolventen gehören Krišjānis Barons (der berühmte lettische Volksliedersammler), Juris Alunāns (der Begründer der lettischen Sprachwissenschaft), Jānis Čakste (der erste Präsident des neugegründeten lettischen Staates), Antanas Smetona (litauischer Staatspresident) und andere mehr. 1952 wurde in diesem Haus das Museum für Geschichte und Kunst Jelgava eingerichtet, 1975 erhielt es den Namen des Malers Ģederts Eliass (1887-1975). Die Sammlung des Museums zeigt die Geschichte der Stadt und ihrer Umgebung zur Zeit des Herzogtums Kurland und Semgallen und danach. Neben dem eindrucksvollen Gebäude sind vier Kanonen aus der Zeit des Herzogtums Kurland aufgestellt, ein Denkmal, das Ģederts Eliass gewidmet ist, (1987. Künstler: Jānis Zariņš), sowie eine Skulptur des Bildhauers Kārlis Jansons (restauriert durch dessen Sohn Andrejs Jansons), das den Befreiern der Stadt Jelgava gewidmet ist. Es stellt ein Fragment aus einem lettischen Heldenepos dar und trägt den Namen “Lāčplēsis und der schwarze Ritter”. |
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Zur Zeit befindet sich die Grundschule 3 im Platz, wo früher die Autoschule der Seestreitkräfte von Karaosta in Liepāja war.
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Das Geburtshaus des einstigen lettischen Premierministers und späteren Staatspräsidenten Karlis Ulmanis (1877–1942), in dem seit 1993 ein Museum eingerichtet ist. Karlis Ulmanis war besonders unter den Landwirten sehr beliebt, denn dank seiner erreichte Lettland ein hohes wirtschaftliches Niveau. Auf dem Hof sind das Wohnhaus, ein Wirtschaftsgebäude mit Stallungen und Scheune sowie ein Speicher erhalten. In den Gebäuden gibt es eine Gedenkausstellung für K. Ulmanis, zusätzlich eine große Sammlung landwirtschaftlicher Geräte. |
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In dem am Ende des 19. Jhs. gebauten hölzernen Haus, das zu einem Museum umgewandelt ist, kann man das Leben der Menschen kennenlernen, die vor mehr als 100 Jahren gewohnt haben. Hier kann man Haushaltsgegenstände, die dem Kreis Rucava charakteristische Tracht, Socken und Muster von Handschuhen besichtigen. Hier werden Abendversammlungen und Veranstaltungen organisiert, auf denen die Teilnehmer singen, spielen, tanzen und nützliche Dinge weben, sowie Bildungsprogramme Abendversammlung und Ehrenmahlzeit von Rucava mit niederkurländischen Gerichten angeboten. Lettische Küche: Brotlaibe, Sauergrütze, selbstgebackenes Brot, Honig, Kräutertee. |
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Das Museum „Airītes” befindet sich dort, wo der erste Oberste Befehlshaber der Streitkräfte der Republik Lettland Oskars Kalpaks und andere lettische Krieger (u.a. – drei Offiziere) am 6. März 1919 neben der Ortschaft Airītes auf dem Schlachtfeld fielen. Im Jahre 1920 hat man in Airītes durch gesammelte Spenden angefangen, ein Denkmal zu errichten, das am 3. September 1922 eröffnet wurde. 1935 hat man auf Initiative der Gemeinschaft “Das Oberst-Kalpaks-Bataillon” angefangen, ein Gebäude zu bauen, in dem ein Museum zu Ehren der Kämpfe des Kalpaks-Bataillons untergebracht sein müsste. Das Museum wurde ein Jahr später eröffnet. In der Sowjetzeit wurde die Gedenkstätte vernichtet, aber im Gebäude Post und Wohnungen eingerichtet. In der Zeit des Volkserwachens (1988 – 1989) wurde die Gedenkstätte erneuert, aber am 11. November 1990 das Oskars-Kalpaks-Museum neu eröffnet. 2007 verbrannte im Laufe der Renovierungsarbeiten der erste Stock des Gebäudes. Das Museum und die Exposition wurden 2013 erneuert. Die Ausstellungsgegenstände zeigen den Lebensweg von Oskars Kalpaks und die Teilnahme von O. Kalpaks am Lettischen Unabhängigkeitskrieg und Ersten Weltkrieg. Die Museumsarbeiter organisieren regelmäßig Gedenkveranstaltungen und Veranstaltungen zum Lāčplēsis-Tag. |
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Durbe ist der Einwohnerzahl nach die kleinste Stadt (etwa 500 Einwohner) in Lettland hat jedoch eine ruhmreiche Vergangenheit. Durbe wurde schon 1230 im Vertrag der Kuren mit dem päpstlichen Gesandten Balduin d'Aulne erwähnt. In der Umgebung von Durbe fand 1260 die berühmte Schlacht an der Durbe zwischen Deutschem Orden und Litauern statt, wobei die in den Dienst gepressten Kuren während der Schlacht auf litauische Seite überliefen. In Durbe lebte und arbeitete einer der ersten lettischen Spezialisten im Obstbau, Sīmanis Klevers (1834–1922). Dank seiner Tätigkeit kann man in den Gärten der Umgebung zahlreiche alte Apfelsorten finden. Im Wappen von Durbe, wie es 1925 genehmigt wurde, befindet sich ein silberner Apfel. Hier gibt es mehrere Höfe und viele aktive Gärtner, die Obst anbauen. Jährlich im September findet das Apfelfest statt. |
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In dieser Austellung befinden sich Exponate, die von der Geschichte der Gemeinden Džūkste und Lestene zeugen, von Geschehen im Zweiten Weltkrieg und deren Folgen. Der Eintritt ist frei, Spenden erwünscht. |
