Latvia

The Woodland Masks

Discover the mystery of abandoned gas masks in a forest in Latvia, a place steeped in history and secrets linked to the world wars and the fall of the Soviet Union. The Forgotten Gas Masks of the Latvian Forest: A Haunting Remnant of War In the heart of the Latvian forest, a few steps away […]

August 15, 2024
Ruins of faith

The Holy Trinity Church represents an important historical and religious testimony of Latvia, linked to the spread of Orthodoxy in the 19th century and the tragic events of World War II. History The Holy Trinity Church (Bērzaunes pareizticīgo baznīca), once a place of Latvian Orthodox worship, stood in the parish of Bērzaune, in the district […]

August 15, 2024
The White Palace of Gulbene

Bearing witness to bygone eras and changing fortunes, Vecgulbene Castle, built in 1840 during the possession of Rudolf Gottlieb Magnus von Wolff, embodies a rich historical and architectural heritage, with its two majestic manors, the White Palace and the Red Palace. Where is it located? The White Palace in Gulbene is a neo-Renaissance palace of […]

May 9, 2024
Galgauska St.John’s Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church in Galgauska: from its noble construction in the 19th century to the struggle for its preservation, an investigation into the history and symbolic significance of this abandoned building in the heart of Galgauska County. History of the Galgauska Orthodox Church The popular name of the ‘Galgauska Orthodox Church’ comes from the place […]

May 5, 2024
The Orthodox Church of Tolka

Discover the remnants of the Orthodox church built between 1876 and 1878 by architect Robert August Pflug. Though partially destroyed during World War II, the church’s red brick walls still stand, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Tolka Tolka is a village located in the municipality of Vestiena, in the Madona district. Founded around […]

April 26, 2024
The Lutheran Church of Vestiena

The Vestiena Lutheran Church, witness to centuries and historical changes, carries with it a troubled history and a future of rebirth thanks to the efforts of its custodians. History of the Vestiena Lutheran Church During the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Tysenhausen (1590 – 1598) built the first wooden Lutheran church […]

April 25, 2024
Līdēres Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ in Līdēre is a symbol of faith and spirituality, witnessing a history full of challenges and rebirths. Where is it located? The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ of Līdēre is a church of the Latvian Orthodox Church in Līdēre, parish of Arona, municipality of Madona. […]

April 20, 2024
The Kārzdaba Orthodox Church

The Kārzdaba Orthodox Church is a Latvian Orthodox church built in 1875, located in Kārzdaba, Cesvaine parish, Madona municipality. Historical Significance of Kārzdaba: A Hub of Orthodoxy Kārzdaba is a crown manor, an important centre of Orthodoxy in the region with a church, a parish school and two primary schools. The parish was founded in […]

March 27, 2024
The Fortress of Daugavgrīva

The fortress of Daugavgrīva (German: Dünamünder Schanze, Festung Dünamünde, Polish: twierdza Dynemunt, Russian: крепость Дюнамюнде, Усть-Двинск, Swedish: Neumünde) stands as a testament to Swedish engineering in Livonia during the 17th century. Situated in Daugavgriva, near the mouth of the Buļļupe River flowing into the Daugava, this fortress holds a significant place in Latvian history. The […]

March 27, 2024
Odziena Castle: A Neo-Gothic Heritage Site

Odziena Castle (Odziena Pils in Latvian) is one of the most important neo-Gothic structures in Latvia, whose roots go back to the Iron Age (7th century). Ancient Roots and Latvian Nobility Ancient artefacts found on the manor estate prove that Odziena has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age (5th – 7th century). In […]

March 22, 2024