Although the Latgale region is not the richest in castles and manors, we do have our gems, which are definitely worth seeing in person! Each place has its own special story, atmosphere, and opportunities. Prepare a thermos of warm tea and go for a trip to Latgale!
Bebrene Manor complex
One of the few in the Selia region, where all the 19th-century buildings – the manor house, outbuildings, and park with a gate, and a fence have been preserved. The first floor of the manor building housed representation rooms, while the second floor – had living rooms. From the refreshment room to the cellar, and further along the underground passage to the distant kitchen. One part of the underground passage has been preserved and is open to visitors. Rumors say that the underground passage had also connected the manor building with the church, and chapel, however, this has not been proved.
Bebrenes pagasts, Augšdaugavas novads; +371 26109353, 25155458
Dviete Manor
The Dviete Manor was built in the times of the Counts Plater-Sieberg, In nowadays manor invites visitors to learn about what the society “Dvietes vīnogas” (“Dviete’s grapes”) has achieved in the small parish. The manor offers tasting refreshing tea from the leaves of the grapes, wine tasting as well as an introduction to the magical and healing properties of grapes.
Dvietes pagasts, Augšdaugavas novads, LV-5441; +371 26369215
Lielborne Manor and park
Lielborne Manor is the only manor complex that has been preserved on the territory of the Nature Park “Daugavas loki” (the Bends of the Daugava River). At the moment, you can see the old manor, presumably built in the 18th century and preserved to this day. This is a place that families with children will definitely love, as a wide variety of outdoor activities will be available for children: swings, children’s playground, climbing wall, outdoor exercise equipment, etc., and for parents – delicious morning coffee and other tasty Latgalian culinary heritage dishes.
Lielborne, Salienas pagasts, Augšdaugavas novads; +371 29284480
Arendole manor
Located in the picturesque place of the Dubna river and surrounded by hundred years old park. The manor is an architecturally interesting object, as, without any rebuilding, it has remained in the same look till the present day.
Arendole, Rožkalnu pagasts, Preiļu novads; +371 29421413, +371 29229713; arendolemanor@gmail.com
Castle complex of Kraslava
Castle complex of Counts Plāters – an architectural monument of the 18th century. Construction of the complex of the central building began around 1765 after the project of architect Parako. Paintings of the interior of the castle walls are the most outstanding monument of Latgale’s secular architecture of the 18th century. In addition to the castle, farm buildings were built: palace housekeeper and gardener houses, stable, and orangery. Around the castle was created approximately 22 ha large park. Its dendrological composition nowadays is very wide – around 70 different species of trees and shrubs. From the observation deck, you will have wonderful views of the Daugava and the city. Visits upon request.
Pils iela 6, Krāslava; +371 656 23586
Vecsaliena (Chervonka) castle
Vecsaliena (Chervonka) castle was built in 1870 in the Neo-Gothic style and is located in a bend of the park, which was created in the 19th century. This picturesque building with a dynamic and complex composition is a real fairy-tale castle. The building is covered with a steep span roof. The stained-glass window in the baron’s cabinet and the luxurious ceiling in a big hall remained unchanged. The open-planed park of 3 ha with 14 species of exotic trees is located near the castle and the building of the estate.
Červonka, Vecsalienas pagasts, Augšdaugavas novads; +371 65475870; parvalde@vecsaliena.lv
Luznava Manor and park
Lūznava Manor is an art nouveau gem of Latgale. A manor was built in the early 20th century as a place for art and music. Over the decades it experienced historic change, becoming a school, military headquarters, then school again, parish administration, and library. At last in 2015 – reborn anew to inspire and become a true home for MUSE. Different exhibitions are made in collaboration with art centers, Rāzna National Park, and others. You can see exhibitions, go on tours and rent rooms with a historical aura, get tourism information and enjoy the local restaurant. More information about events in the manor, you can find on their Facebook page here.
Pils iela 8, Lūznava, Lūznavas pagasts, Rēzeknes novads; +371 28686863, +371 29390701; muiza@luznava.lv
Preiļi park and counts manor complex
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 territory is 42 ha, from which around 13 ha consists of ponds and canals. There are 25 species of trees and shrubs in the park, and some of them are already considered venerable. 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 as well.
Raiņa bulvāris 30, Preiļi; +371 29100689
Balvi manor building, park, and garden
The manor was built at the end of the 18th century; it was renovated several times conforming it to school needs. A manor can be proud that it has one of the best acoustics in Latvia. The Bear garden – a former manor fruit garden is enclosed by hazel avenue. There is a pond with an island in the middle of a garden. Now there is an original stone garden with 23 compositions and including 49 stones in it. In 2017 in a manor garden was created a new environmental object – “Gaiss” (“Air”), which is the largest wind bell ensemble in the world. In Balvu Manor there is a canteen, which is open during working days.
Brīvības iela 47, Balvi; +371 64521430; +371 28352770; muzejs@balvi.lv