Unveiling the History and Struggle for Preservation: Journey through the Galgauska Orthodox Church, from its Noble Origins to Present Ruins and Symbolic Significance. History of the Galgauska Orthodox Church The popular name of the ‘Galgauska Orthodox Church’ comes from the place where it is located, Galgauska County. In the 16th-17th century, in the area where the church would later be built, there was an estate named after its first owner, a Pole by the name of Golgovski (the name Galgauska was later derived from his surname). In 1631, the Golgovski estate became the property of the Budberg ..read more

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 the former core of the Tolka Manor (Tolkenhof), the village housed an Orthodox church and a school. Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross The church is located next to Lake Kala. From its entrance one can also admire Lake Sudārdiņa. History The Tolka ..read more

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 on the shores of Lake Kāla in 1590. In 1620, the congregation passed to the general superintendent of Riga, Master Swiedrarn Hermanis Samsons. Under his care, a new stone church was built in the 17th century on the site of the old wooden church. While the c ..read more

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. History The conversion of the Vidzeme peasants to Orthodoxy led to the inauguration of the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ on 26 July 1847, by order of the Holy Synod with decree number 6829. Before its foundation, sermons and mass were held in a small flat in Gulber ..read more

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 1846 and still had about 2,000 members in 1932. The architect of the church is Robert Pflug, author of the Riga Nativity Cathedral. During the years of occupation, the parish was slowly abandoned. Neglect and Decay: The Fate of Kārzdaba Church Today Today ..read more

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 Legacy of Johann Ernst Glück and the Formation of Latvian Troops Between 1680 and 1683, the walls of Daugavgrīva housed Johann Ernst Glück, a German translator and Lutheran theologian. It was during World ..read more

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 ancient Latgalian culture, Odziena (then known as Odense or Odse) is mentioned in historical sources dating back to 1455. It was in that year that Bertram Tīzenhauzen inherited the manor and parish from his father Engelbrecht and sold them back to his brother Johann in 1449. T ..read more

Vogelsang, once a thriving Soviet garrison and home to nuclear weapons, now lies in ruins and abandoned. © Matti from toursofberlinVogelsang Vogelsang is located at 16792 Zehdenick, Brandenburg, Germany. To reach Vogelsang one must take the S1 S-Bahn to Oranienburg and then the regional train RB12 to Templin. The abandoned site is located northwest of the railway station. It should be noted that the demolition of the buildings is still in progress. © Matti from toursofberlinExpansion of the garrison Vogelsang is a district of 70 residents in the town of Zehdenick in the Oberhavel region, locat ..read more

Built between 1890 and 1892, Kalkūne Manor Castle, also known as Kalkuņi Manor House in German, is an imposing structure in the heart of Kalkūnis, in the parish of Kalkūnes, Upper Daugava County. The design of this castle is attributed to the renowned architect V. Neimans, who, in the period between 1878 and 1895, served as chief municipal architect of Daugavpils. Architecture and Details The castle originally belonged to August von Ettingen and was decorated with the figure of Walter von Plettenberg, Master of the Order. The architecture of the castle mainly reflects the language of the build ..read more

Since 2009, an imposing school building complex has lay empty, a silent witness to a tumultuous past. Once home to a colony for juvenile delinquents, this school has a complex history spanning more than two decades of educational and social activity. A History of Opportunities and Transformations The institute opened its doors back in 1991 to welcome troubled students, offering them not only a basic education but also the opportunity to learn a trade. It was the first educational institution in Latvia to accept students after 7th and 8th grade, thus providing young people with the opportunity ..read more