Latvia
Recent Articles
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Go Back to the Middle Ages on a Walk around Cēsis in Latvia
Cēsis in Vidzeme, a region of Latvia grew up around its medieval castle and medieval church of St John. Its Old Castle is now the centre of a complex of historic buildings that have been given new functions including a Nordic Museum of Natural Medicine, the Cēsis Exhibition Hall and the fascinating…
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Behind the Walls of Valmiera in Latvia
The history of Valmiera in the Vidzeme region of Latvia includes periods of prosperity as a member of the Hanseatic League and destruction during several wars and its story is told through the many interesting buildings that remain or have been reconstructed. These include Elephant Street on Lake…
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Explore the Manorial Heritage of Alūksne in Latvia
For more than one hundred years the von Vietinghoff family, members of the Baltic German aristocracy owned Alūksne Manor. During this time, they built the New Palace and created the Manor Park that extends from the town to the shores of Lake Alūksne. Visitors to Alūksne in Vidzeme, a region of…
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A Journey of Discovery through Gulbene in Latvia
So many opportunities to enjoy Gulbene in the Latvian region of Vidzeme, the Middle Earth of Latvia. Here you can stay in a manor house, Vecgulbene Manor, explore castle ruins in the surrounding Castle Park and take a ride on the narrow gauge railway after visiting the impressive Gulbene railway…
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Discovering Spilve and the Aviation Heritage of Riga
Contrary to rumours that Spilve Aerodrome outside Riga was abandoned I was delighted to discover that is thriving and features one of the few Stalinist-era buildings in Riga, a magnificent terminal building. Nearby is the unique Latvia Soviet Aviation Museum currently based next to Riga…
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Latgale and a Journey of Discoveries - Day 2
During a second day visiting the unusual Latgale region of Latvia I learnt about two traditions – bread and pottery. I visited Aglona Basilica, the only basilica in Latvia and tasted bread at Aglona Bread Museum. After lunch at Arendole Manor, I enjoyed some quaint and curious attractions in…
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Latgale and a Journey of Discoveries - Day 1
Latvia is a land of surprises and none more so than the eastern area known as Latgale. This small region is famous for its many lakes, hence the name. I spent two days exploring Latgale discovering unusual attractions including Vasergelišķu viewing tower overlooking Daugavas loki nature park. I…
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Daugavpils in Latvia – a River, a Fortress, a Lily
Latvia is a fascinating and unusual destination. The northern region of Latgale is rich in history, culture and traditions unique to the area. In Daugavpils, I tried the local spirit, Šmakovka, celebrated in a museum. I visited Daugavpils Fortress, home of the famous Mark Rothkit Art Gallery,…
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Tracing the Story of Art Nouveau in Riga
It is difficult to find an all-embracing definition of Art Nouveau architecture. Buildings in this style represent a breakaway from traditional, more rigid styles. In general, it introduced a fluidity of lines in the structure of buildings and decorations embracing the theme back to nature. …
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Three Quirky Excursions in the Kurzeme Region of Latvia
Kabile Manor, Ēdole Castle and Ventspils Radio Station based in an old Soviet Radio Station are unique attractions found in the natural landscapes of the Kurzeme region in Latvia. Be enchanted by the songs of the Suiti singers, a UNESCO protected culture.