Sights in Pāvilosta region
PĀVILOSTA
Pāvilosta Local History Museum
Pāvilosta Local History Museum has found its home in the first stone building, in Pāvilosta from 1897 to November 17,1992. More than 8000 museum objects are kept in the museum. The museum is proud of several unique objects: stone and bone axes found in Saka parish, forged bronze brooches and belts, as well as the instrument of labour which may not be found even at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum – a honey press.
Adress: Dzintaru Street 1, Pāvilosta,
Phone: + 371 63498276, + 371 29226273,
E-mail: pavilosta.muzejs@tvnet.lv.
Open: 15.09.-14.05. Mon. – Fri. 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.,
Sat., Sun. closed
15.05.-14.09. Mon.,Tu. closed,
Wed. – Fri. 11.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.,
Sat., Sun.12.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
Price: LVL 0.15 for students and pensioners,
LVL 0.50 for adults, 50% discount for disabled visitors,
guide service in the museum – LVL 2.00,
tours around Pāvilosta and the neighbourhood LVL 6/h.
Bulwarks
The first bulwarks were built in 1878. The original port gate was made of rows of bollards and stone layers. In 1929, they were extended by concrete blocks. The port is ice-free and located in a geographically favourable place, the length of the channel is 950m, width 45-50m. However, the narrow entrance of the channel of 52m and the paralelly built bulwarks bother busier movement of vessels.
Vītolu Street
Until 1890, about ten houses have been in Pāvilosta. Vītolu Street may be considered as the oldest street in Pāvilosta.
Klusā Street
House numbers in this street are arranged one after another, not in the usual way - even house numbers at one side of the street and odd numbers at the other side.
Pāvilosta (Āķagals) Big Boulder (Sea Boulder)
Pāvilosta Big Boulder (Sea Boulder) is washed by the waves in the sea about 50m from the coast, its height above the bottom is 3.5 m (1.5 m in the water) and its perimeter reaches 15 m. During Soviet times this boulder served as a landmark behind which people were not allowed to go further along the coast. The depth of water around the boulder may change but usually it is 1.3-1.5m. In calm and warm weather it is possible to ford to the boulder but you must be careful when there are big waves because it is considerably deeper at the boulder.
Ship “Dole”
RB type fishing vessels dominated in the fleet of Pāvilosta fishermen collective farm "Dzintarjūra" in 1950-ties and 60-ties which were built in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Dimensions of the ship: length – 18.20 m, width – 5.22 m, height – 2.5 m. The ship was to Pāvilosta Local History Museum, and, owing to support of the State Culture Capital Foundation it was restored in 2005 and serves as a tourism object.
Pāvilosta Evangelical Lutheran Church
In 1930, more than 400 parishioners and 50 Sunday school students lived in Pāvilosta and the closest church was 7km far. On January 6, 1930, a decision was adopted in the meeting of Sakasleja parish council to build a church in Pāvilosta. Brīvības Street 20, Pāvilosta, +371 63498276, +371 29226273 (you are requested to register your visit in advance)
Baptist Church
In 1897, Baron Otto Friedrich von Lilienfeld gave a permission to build a church and allocated a building plot from the land belonging to him. Construction work of the church was started in 1900, but on December 10, 1906, the 1st service was held in the newly-built church. +371 63498351, +371 26792857 (you are requested to register your visit in advance)
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church
After the Second World War in the 50-ties of XX century more than 100 Catholic people were moved from Grīņi and Jūrkalne to Pāvilosta. On May 7, 1998, Catholic parish was established and therefore the possibility to build a Catholic church in Pāvilosta was provided.
The location for the church was selected by support and recommendation of Pāvilosta Council. Owing to the care of Latvian emigrant Bruno Danis living in Australia, organizer’s talent of Dean Vilhelms Lapelis, skills of the company workers and work of several people living in Pāvilosta, the new Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church was built in 1999. It was dedicated on September 23, 2000.
+371 26578580 (Priest), +371 26615398 (Alma). You are requested to register your visit in advance.
E.Šneiders’ Square
The former marketplace. The building at E. Šneiders’ Square 2 is the former Pāvilosta Elementary School which was built as a pharmacy but now is an art school. A monument to Ernests Šneiders (1892-1948), a teacher, social worker, founder of planting of greenery of the village.
Semicentennial Park
It is made in honour of semicentennial of the town of Pāvilosta. The oak planted by the State President Gustavs Zemgals in 1929 grows in the park.
“Church Hill”
An archeological monument of national importance – a Stone Age settlement. The recreation centre of Pāvilosta is located in Church Hill. The building was built in 1909 as Pāvilosta Brothers parish preaching house.
Centennial Park
It is made in honour of the centennial of Pāvilosta with the great stone in the center of the park. The monument for the victims of retaliation of 1941 and 1949 is placed in the park. A lime-tree planted by the State President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga in 2007 grows in the park. In the town festival each Honorary person planted a tree in the park in honour of the 130th anniversary of Pāvilosta.
Storm Pine-tree
It has spited the severe gales for years. It is still alive even not being in the lee side. Every morning the pine sees off fishermen to the sea, but in the evenings it meets them at home.
Love Pine-tree
A bifurcate tree. The shape of its crown resembles the shape of Latvia. For years the pine-tree has been a shelter for the couples wishing to enjoy each other’s company and symbolizes the power of love.
Upesmuiža Park
Upesmuiža Park the area of which is 7.5 ha is arranged around the former castle ensemble. The ancient, original stone stairs have remained in the park, as well as the former forestry building of the estate which was built around 1836. A stone bench has remained in the park since bygone days, perimeter of which is 5.55m. A story has been recorded about it (A.Grīnbergs, March 25, 2002): a falling tree killed the estate manager’s daughter in this place and afterwards the estate manager liked to stay in this place, therefore a bench was put in this place. The Great stone of Upesmuiža Park is located there which is a potential cult stone. It is 3.3m long, 2.9m wide and 1.5m high. Its perimeter is 11m and volume m3.
Grey Dune
Grey dunes of Pāvilosta are one are one of the most varied grey dunes in Latvia – they are included in the list of EU protected biotopes. They spread to the north from the Saka mouth within the length of 1.5km and their width reaches 200, and even 740m in some places. The area of the Nature Reserve "Pāvilosta Grey Dune" is 42,5 ha. The Nature Reserve was established on October 30, 2007 so that to provide the largest grey dune in Latvia, a speciially protected biotope – a grey dune covered by caulescent plants, grey dunes with shrubbery stands, woody seaside dunes, dry heath of sand plains of the coastal lowland and protection of the specially protected species living there.
SAKA PARISH
Akmensrags lighthouse
If you are not afraid of the sandy dune road, go to Akmensrags the main pride of which is a stone lighthouse 35 m high. The first lighthouse was built in 1884 which was destroyed during the First World War. We recommend to get to it by going from the side of Ziemupe (~11km). Since 1921, the lighthouse rises above the wood again. Having climbed the lighthouse you may see a fantastic view of the sea and the surrounding wood. Entrance fee: LVL 1.00 for adults, LVL 0.40 for children, pensioners and students. +371 2 8350899, +371 6 34 53650. Lighthouse Manager has made the “Local Museum” in the open air as she calls it. Entrance fee is LVL 0.20. The amber and fossils found near Akmensrags lighthouse may be seen there.
Saka
Artefact storehouse “IEVLEJAS”
A storehouse of the cultural heritage of Saka region. Various ancient tools may be seen, as well as other household articles. +371 29124128.
Oak path “Sēku ozoli”
The path leads along the right bank of the Durbe river from the house “Sēkas” to Elku Hill. The length ~4km. You will have an opportunity to view interesting nature objects (great oaks of about 7m, as well as original trees) and see beautiful natural landscapes. Two protected oaks grown together – a bridge of branches are located there. The place is suitable for fishing. The path may be viewed under the guidance of a guide. +371 26844112.The Sēku landmark is located there – an ancient landmark (a historical stone). It is angular by shape but having a conical surface with one end split off flatwise. One side of the landmark has 4 borings for screws. It is now placed obliquely and slanted towards Liepāja.
Saka – Leja Evangelic Lutheran Church
It was built around 1560 in the place where Saka port was located earlier. The church is decorated by a ship model which is more than 170 years old. People believed that it protects mariners from a shipwreck. There are only a few churches in Latvia where a ship model is raised to an honourable position.You are requested to register your visit in advance by calling +371 29124128.
Ulmale
Maznodupju Stone Load – Mara’s Sanctuary
Mara’s Sanctuary is made of a round stone load about 0.5m high and its diameter is about 50 m. In 2001, as a result of archaeological studies the scientists have come to a conclusion that this place is possibly connected with farming rituals in the 6th and 7th centuries. In wet autumns and springs it could be difficult to get to this object.
Ulmale (Piņņi) Hollow Stone – Sacrificial Stone
Our ancestors have met at this stone already at the end of the 13th century. One of the brightest hollow stone samples. The diameter of the hollow is about 60cm and its depth ~15cm. People treated themselves with the water collected in the hollow and sacrificed to gratitude for the treatment. They say that the water in the hollow does not freeze even in the frost of 20 degrees! 1.27m long, 1.15m wide and 0.70m high – perimeter 4.08m. The most widely-known Latvian cylindrical hollow stone, an archaeological monument. The information may be found in the literature that it has also been called a God’s stone. The hollow stone was overturned but in 1981, a group of J.Sudmalis nature friends “Dižakmens” placed it vertically.
Dzeņi Hollow Stone – Sacrificial Stone
An archaeological monument - 1.47m long,1.43m wide, 0.8m high, perimeter 4.73m. In the beginning of the 20th century, the hollow stone has been split due to unkown reasons. While splitting, a 39cm deep boring has been made in the middle of the hollow in the diameter of 1.7cm. The stone has only been split and left in the original place. There is not a reference mark at this object and it may not be found without a knowledgeable guide. It may be reached by going along wet forest trails therefore suitable footware is necessary. +371 29226273
Strante – Ulmale Steep Coast
It spreads within the length of several tens of kilometers and its height reaches even 16m in some places. The steep coast consists of sand and clay, therefore it is dangerous to walk on its laps, as well as be under them because landslides may form. During a storm the waves rush across the beach and gnaw in the steep coast, therefore, the sea annually regains a piece of land.
VĒRGALE PARISH
Ziemupe
Ziemupe is a small populated area at the coast of the Baltic Sea. The first records of Ziemupe date back to 1422. Until 1954 it has existed as Ziemupe parish, then joined to Vērgale parish and just now to Pāvilosta region. Our treasure - the silent, virgin, severe Ziemupe seashore rich in rare plants. The power of Ziemupe is rustle of the sea and heathbells, sincere and hospitable people. Visit us and make sure yourself! You will get to Ziemupe if you go along the road Liepāja – Ventspils and turn to th sea in 27.km.
Aužuļi lime-tree
The fourth greatest lime-tree in Latvia (7,65 m) has obtained its name in honour of Aužuļi home where it has grown. This home does not exist already for a long time. The lime-tree could be about 380 years old. It has been severely destroyed in the storm of 2005. A new lime-tree was planted near the great lime-tree on May 9, 2007.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus waits you every year in December in Christmas village at Ziemupe parking lot at the very coast of the sea. There is a fire on the nostalgic and windy steep coast in the middle of the small pine-trees, steam of the herbal tea made on the fire popples in the air, as well as the smell of just made pancakes of the attractive Pancake Dwarf which sweetly mix with the integral component of Christmas – hot gingerbread aroma... Games, karaoke songs on a real stage, own made wax candles and greetings for relatives. Four-legged friends of Santa Claus look forward to meet you! You are requested to register your visit in advance by calling +371 29122204
Exposition “Story of Swordfish” in Ziemupe Village Hall
A swordfish was washed ashore in Ziemupe seashore on August 12, 2007. The fish of this species are typical ocean fish and rarely encountered in the Baltic Sea. A swordfish was 2.08m tall and weighed 37kg, its upper jaw extension or “sword” was about 70cm long. Specialists have found out that the swordship is about 10 years old. The main exhibit of the exposition is its mullage made by the artists K.Panteļejevs and I.Lapiņa of the creative group “Three Nutmegs”. +37129437166
Juniper Forest
One of the most distinguished, greatest, varied and healthy juniper forests in Latvia, where 536 junipers occupy about 2ha. A matgrass and sand sedge meadow is also important. Ziemupe juniper forest is a real freak of nature – it is an original pure forest with junipers of various kinds, shapes and sizes. Juniper clumps form different labyrinths and rooms. The children visiting this place are willing to imagine that the junipers are real bewitched fairytale characters. And once some newly-married couple has made their wedding bed in one of the juniper rooms. There is a special atmosphere – the fresh seaside air along with the light juniper smell has particularly healthy effect. This original place has a particular microreserve status therefore it may be visited only in the company of the local guides +371 29437166.
Nature Reserve “Ziemupe”
It was established in 1999 and now its area is 2469ha. The Nature Reserve contains woods with a lot of Myrica stands and seashore from Ziemupe to Rudupe. You will find a lot of interesting plants in the dunes – a common moonwort, Dutchman’s pipe and salsify. If you succeed, you will also meet an insect – an antlion. You will have a possibility to enjoy natural moss patterns. The nature Reserve may be visited together with the local guide +371 29437166
Soviet Army unit
During Soviet times seven USSR Army units were located on the seashore from Liepāja to Akmeņrags. The border of the great country was defended against from the air, sea and land. The army unit No. 90450 P was located near Ziemupe church.
Stone load
Earlier when the seashore was not afforested the attack of the sea sand to agricultural lands did great harm to the population. In order to block up the sand, people living in Ziemupe made a long stone load. It is one of the versions how the stone load longer than a kilometre was made.
Ziemupe Church
Ziemupe Evangelical Lutheran Church is special among Kurzeme churches due to its small dimensions (25x11m) and architectonic simplicity because it even does not have a bell-tower. Originally, it was a wooden church, its altar was made in 1684 which is one of the earliest decorative sculpture samples having developed baroque characteristic marks. Therefore its wood-engravings and paintings play an important role regarding Kurzeme decorative art. The stone church was built in 1748. There is a musical instrument in the church – a harmonium made in the 20-ties by the company of J.Bokums who is the most well-known harmonium producers in Latvia. +371 26274155, entrance with donations.
Zaļmeži Great Boulder
The great boulder of local importance is 3.1m long, 2.8m wide and 1.45m high. Its perimeter is 9.5m and volume 6m2. It is not so easy to find the boulder without a knowledgeable guide. Suitable footwear is required because you have to go along wet forest paths to get to the boulder.
Vīnkalni Great Boulder
It is 5.2m long, 3.6m wide and 1.7m high. Its perimeter reaches 14.8m and volume 10m3. The boulder has been destroyed by trying to split it with the help of borings. It is not so easy to find the boulder without a knowledgeable guide. Suitable footwear is required because you have to go along wet forest paths to get to the boulder.
Steep Coast at Ziemupe
Its height ranges from 5 to 12m. During the last years the sea has taken a more than 10m wide area from the land. There is a really original flora in the dunes which you can view together with a guide +371 29437166
Saraiķi
Saraiķi Evangelical Lutheran Church
It was built at the end of the16th century which is testified by its two bells made in 1594 and 1602. The church was destroyed during the Great Nordic War. It was restored and dedicated on October 17, 1798 upon the wish of Saraiķi serf-owner, baron Peter Jurgis Zigmund Offenberg – “In honour of God and for the benefit of Zaraiķi people.” You are requested to register your visit in advance by calling +371 63453492, +371 28208347, entrance with donations.
Māsku Oak
Its perimeter is 5,49 and height 22 m.
Vērgale
Vērgale Church, Cemetery, Monument to the Lovers, wood Knot and Vērgale Evangelical Lutheran Church
The church was founded in 1597. The first stone building might be built at the end of the
17th century. Under the church there was a crypt which was filled up in 1841 when Vērgale church was reconstructed. In 1985, the church was torn down. It was built anew in 1992. There is a cemetery around the church. The words "We could not otherwise...".are inscribed on some memorial tablet. Any person living in Vērgale will be able to tell you the tragic story of the lovers – the son of baron Stempelis and the maid Anna Lazdiņa. By entering the cemetery from the side of the church pub you may find a birch with a big wood knot some 50m on the left.
Vērgale Local History Museum
It is located in one of the buildings of Vērgale manor house complex, the former distillery. After reconstruction the museum was opened in March, 1992. More than 3000 museum objects are stored in the collection. The most valuable exhibits are the ancient tools – stone axes, archaeological materials from the local excavations – ancient bronze jewelry. One of the biggest mantel chimneys in Kurzeme has remained in the building – an open-fire hearth for cooking where the smoke is discharged from the room through the open chimney passage. “Dīķenieki”, Vērgale +371 29338335, +371 63490826 Working hours: Mon,Tu, Sat closed, Wed, Thu, Fri – 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m., Sun.9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.
Vērgale Manor House Complex
The manor house was built as a hunting castle of Ugāle baron von Behr in 1797. The second floor was built in 1837. It is constructed as a two-floor long structure with a high socle floor, four-slope roof and two four-column porticoes in the frontons of which the coat of arms of the Behr family and decorative rosettes were placed. The manor house is the most significant Empire style object in the former Liepāja district. At present, Vērgale Primary School is located in the building. A remarkable place is Vērgale Manor House Park within the area of 4 ha where the planted rows of trees form a regular pattern. The park is historically significant – in 1905, several insurgents of Vērgale were tied to the park trees who were shot by the punitive expedition under the guidance of count Keizerling. A library is situated in the servant house and a recreation centre in the former barn. A parish board is located in the superintendent’s flat. +371 29338335
Dahlia collection of Inese Vītola
The fire of dahlia blossoms at Vērgale parish “Rīdziņi” will not leave you indifferent. There are about 400 kinds of dahlias. It is also possible to buy dahlia tubers for your garden. “Rīdziņi”, Vērgale parish, You are requested to register your visit in advance by calling +371 29165645
