Jelgava, Latvia: where, sights

What city you can meet a herd of wild horses? A ride on this Vikings ship? Where you can participate in the festivals sand and ice figures? Of course, such places in the world. Today the topic of our article was to Jelgava, Latvia. Here everyone can find something for everyone, because Jelgava is famous for the monuments of culture and architecture, a unique nature reserve and, of course, its history.

Location

Jelgava bears the proud title of "pearl of Zemgale" (one of the five historical regions of Latvia). This is not surprising – because the city is located in the heart of this region. From Riga, Jelgava are only 40 km from Jurmala – 46 km away. This allows you to go on day trips in the Latvian town and long journeys.

History of the capital of Courland

Hard to imagine, but about seven thousand years ago the location of Jelgava today, was hidden under the water. Zemgale plain was formed in the late glacial period. From the South to the area came Zemgale. It happened about four thousand years ago. The name of a tribe became the name of this land. The main occupations of the Semigallians was cattle and agriculture. And after the construction of the fortifications began the development of trade and various crafts. By the way, is mentioned in the Chronicles and port located near Jelgava.

Scientists and researchers argue – namely to the XII century can be attributed to the appearance of the town, now known as Jelgava. Latvia (or rather, the tribes who inhabited these lands) was then subjected to the Crusades. Fighting with the crusaders Zemgale began in 1219. Information about this site from the XII century to XIV century are virtually absent. But in 1573 Jelgava acquired the status of a city, then the arms of the city. For 217 years, from 1578 to 1795, the Palace of Jelgava was the residence of the Duke. In 1616 the city was declared the capital of Courland.

Recommended

Cross-domed Church. Features of origin

In this article we'll talk about where has its roots the Orthodox architecture of churches, what it stands for and on what principles, and also about how different types of temples is given.it is no secret that Christianity in Russia - not the native...

Baths of Cherepovets: a review

From year to year a visit to the baths and saunas has become increasingly popular as ideas for fun and useful pastime on the weekends. This is not surprising because in Russia a couple walked not only noblemen, but also the common people. Today the a...

The Moscow planetarium on Barrikadnaya

The Planetarium at Barrikadnaya in Moscow is one of the world's largest and oldest in Russia. This structure is included in the list of attractions of the capital. It should be said that to visit the planetarium on Barrikadnaya interesting not only f...

As the chief city of the Duchy, Jelgava began to develop rapidly. Appeared to strengthen, water. The second name of this city sounds like an assumption. The translation is his – “exchange” or “exchange”. And no wonder: thanks to trade relations the local Duke people could not only get acquainted with European culture, but also with overseas products! When Jelgava became an important trading centre, residents tried wine, potatoes and coffee. Besides Latvian the city played the role of the diplomatic center. With the help of Jelgava regularly established contacts East and West.

In 1795 Jelgava became part of the Russian Empire. The city continued to grow and develop thanks to the advent of the railroad in 1868 moved merchants and artisans, merchants and teachers. Before the First world war the city's population was about 45 thousand people!

The City of Jelgava: survivors of war

During the war years Jelgava was seriously injured. In 1915, the city had formed a detachment of Latvian Riflemen. Until 1919, the Jelgava was occupied. In this city were fighting the Bolsheviks, the German troops and fighters for independence. The victory was won then the last. Latvia finally became independent.

In 1940 Jelgava (Latvia) became part of the USSR. It happened after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. And the Germans who lived in the city, moved to Germany.

World war II also affected the appearance of the city. Affected the historical centre, the railway. Destroyed were 90 % of the housing stock and industrial buildings. In the occupation of Jelgava was on 29 June 1941 until the end of July 1944.

Immediately after the war, the city began large-scale construction. In Jelgava there are new houses, administrative buildings, cultural institutions. Has been restored and the old buildings-cathedrals, Mitavskiy Palace, the buildings of the school.

Flag and coat of arms of Jelgava

The Latvian Flag is a rectangular cloth with two-color. In 1938 approval was given to the colors-dark blue and warm red. In the center of the flag is the town's emblem - the silhouette of a moose's head. The profile of the animal facing to the left. The image of the head is the purple shield, the top of which is horizontal, and the bottom – rounded. On its neck is a small emblem of the state.

Sights

How to make Jelgava (Latvia) will forever remain in your heart? Of course, to visit the local attractions! And in this small town enough: palaces, castles, cathedrals, museums and monuments – everyone will find an interesting place!

Jelgava Palace

One of the most impressive objects for tourists – Mitavskiy (Jelgava) Palace. Once there was the residence of the Dukes, and later – the administrative center of the Courland province. Today it is the main building of the agricultural University of Latvia. The Palace – the work of the outstanding architect Francesco Rastrelli. The building was constructed in two phases – from 1738 to 1740, and from 1762 to 1772. The Palace has survived wars, fires. Today, learn its history at the Museum, located here. The exhibition works since 1968 and tells the device the Palace, its interiors and architecture, history of construction. By the way, in Jelgava Palace you can enjoy divine sweet - flavored hot chocolate. And it can be done in a very unusual company – the Duchess and her ladies. And here is located the workshop of love letters of Dorothea – the place where today is an amazing atmosphere of the XIX century. The workshop trained calligraphy, you can write a message to loved ones and to bond his personal wax seal.

Tower of the Church of the Holy Trinity

Want to see the city from a height of 37 meters? Then go to that tower! At this place before there was a Church, which was the first stone building in Jelgava. Its construction began in 1574. In 1615 the Cathedral was consecrated, and in 1688 the bell tower was built. Nearly two centuries is once again the work started – in 1863 the tower was built. Air RAID on the city destroyed the Church, but the bell tower remained. In 2010, after renovations, the tower was opened for tourists. Here are located three historical exhibitions, a restaurant and information center.

Museums of Jelgava

If you face the question what to see in Jelgava to get acquainted with this town, feel free to go to local museums!

Avid theatergoers will be interested to visit the memorial house of the father of Latvian theatre ādolfs alunāns. In the house on the street of Philosophers. 3 the founder of the theatre Director, poet and playwright rented the entire second floor from 1910 to 1912. Thanks grandson Alunana here you can find hundreds of authentic items.

Those who prefer the romance of the Railways, should pay attention to the exposition of the Museum of the history of railroads. It is noteworthy that it is located in a residential building, which was built in 1904. The history of Jelgava node is told through models, Railways, railcars, locomotives and semaphore.

About the most important historical events will tell the Museum of history and art named gedert Elias. The building was built in 1775 on the site of the city Palace. Here once was located the first Latvian University.

Meadows Lielupe

What to do if you already know almost all Jelgava attractions visited and want something unusual? You should go to the meadows! It is especially protected natural territory: here you can see the incredible diversity of birds and plants. In the meadows of the Lielupe river, located on the island for Mitaskim Palace, grazing wild horses. To get acquainted with all the inhabitants you can, taking a Botanical reference book or guide!