The beautiful Preiļi park originates from the mid-19th century and is preserved nowadays. It is one of the most remarkable Latvian parks and is the largest park in the city area.

The park is 42 ha large, from which around 13 ha consists of ponds and canals. There are 25 species of trees and shrubs in the park, some of them are already considered venerable trees (“Dižkoks” – remarkably old and large tree). The complex of Preiļi manor is a state-level architectural heritage. Every element itself – the castle, chapel, stables, gate, guardhouse, and park are considered state-level architectural heritage.

The park used to be surrounded by decorative walls (castella). There is a four-row linden alley where Preiļupīte – a tiny river that once was flooded to create a pond and channel system with many islands. Amazing arbors were installed between linden and foreign trees and shrubs. In the park, there are beautiful and well-maintained shrub compositions. During Soviet times, many harsh mistakes were made in maintaining the park. Because of the high water level in Preiļupīte, the main ponds are overgrown. As time passed, almost all park buildings, that could be considered as “small architecture” were lost, together with a wood-carved sculpture “Adam and Eve in Paradise”. None of the park’s mounds have their original pavilions.

Almost all of the white-colored wooden bridges are lost. In the park, several buildings are connected to the Preiļi manor complex – Preiļi castle, chapel, guardhouse, stables, and three gates. All of them are state-level architectural heritage.

The estate of the Borch family – Preili Castle – was completely rebuilt by its owners after it was destroyed during the Livonian War. After the fire in the 18th century, a manor house was built in its place, but from 1860-1865, a brand new castle was built again. Since 1930, the castle has been a place for an agricultural school, a high school, a sewing workshop, and a pioneer house, until it was destroyed by fire again in 1979. Several farm buildings have survived from the 19th century, incl. neo-gothic style stables, a gatekeeper’s house, a chapel, and manor park gates with arches, which are an ancient symbol of Preili.

Now, a 5D video demonstration about craftsmen in the Preili district and Latgale is available in the west tower of Preili castle. The cinema hall can host 20 visitors and the spectators can enjoy 12 stories about the local craft skills from history until today. Sounds, wind, warm air, smoke, and lights will be your companions in the small video journey.

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Preiļi park and counts manor complex

Preiļi park and counts manor complex

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