The private historical collection “Abrene Rooms” is housed in a building with the most interesting and varied history in Viļaka. In the past, it was the market square of the old Marienhausen. This building also housed flats and offices, various shops, and, during World War II, the headquarters of the Latvian Self-Defence, the Gestapo, and the Cheka.

You can learn more about these twists and turns of history by visiting the “Abrene Rooms”. There is an exhibition in the building covering the period from 1920 to 1960 when Viļaka was a part of Latgale in Abrene district and later the center of Viļaka county and Abrene district.

Abrene in Russia is “Pitalova” (Пыталово). From 1920-1940 Abrene was a part of the Republica of Latvia, and from 1940-1940 – part of Latvia USSR. After gaining independence in 1991, Abrene de facto was included in the territories of Russia, in 2007, after the ratification of the border agreement between Latvia and Russia, Latvia de iure gave up claims to Abrene.

Entrance fee:
EUR 5.00 per person. Please book your visit in advance!
Weekday evenings: 18.30-20.00
Saturday, Sunday: 10.00-18.00.

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Private collection about region of Abrene

Private collection about region of Abrene

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