Unknown Latvia...

Hi

Today I am going to describe one piece of beauties you can find in my country - wonderful, historic buildings in Latvia – castles and manors.
In total, now there are about 249 such kind of buildings around the country, but back in history, in 1920 there were 1400 ! Each of this beautiful architecture work is worth to visit. Believe me.
Going around the castles and manors of Latvia you could meet wide spectre styles of architecture which perhaps will open your imagination and create vision of old culture and history of Latvia.
Usually, when I am looking at some kind of great example of architecture I think about people who built that, about time when it was built, what kind of materials was used, what technologies were available, who lived there, about period in culture, economic and social live. And that help me fly through history in wonderful way.

So, when you are ready for journey to Latvia to see castles, the first thing what I could suggest you is: get clear what kind of buildings you want to see and find some information about them before. Otherwise, if you will follow just to the way of tourism agencies, you could miss something really fascinating.

For example, I am absolutely delighted with one fantastic castle in Latvia, which, because of bad condition, is not like object of tourism and is not protected by Monument of culture Law.
More over - if things will not change, soon this castle will stay just in our memories. As well I am pretty sure, that nobody will show you this castle if you will not ask. I am talking about this elegant neogothic castle, named Odzienas pils:

This castle was built in middle of the 19th century; just some years ago this castle was one of Latvia’s architecture proud, now it is simple forgotten and unwanted hovel.

Castle of Odzienas was built in neogothic style of architecture and this historical style which arise in mid-18th century come from England. Further this art of building left significant influence in all Europe and North America.

Originally Gothic style history began in far 12th century and was popular till about 15th century, emerge in France and was called as ‘The French style’.

Despite changes in architecture fashion, Gothic survived and started to live in new appearance in the period of romanticism as neogothic.

One of descendant of world historic architecture building as orphan stay alone in dark wood and dieing slowly...



And this is not the only example – there are almost hundred such sad stories around the Latvia.
There are lot of reasons which we have to take into consideration to understand situation, but more significant – mess and black holes in the Law. As well – I think that perhaps there are too small numbers of activists, who are fighting for historical values, or they have not enough necessary influence. Perhaps there exist lack of love for the national architecture and indifference as well.

Of course, in Latvia you could find many beautiful and nice examples of restored historic buildings
The first one I’m going to show you the most beautiful historic building which represents Baroque and Roccoco art in Latvia – Rundale Palace. It was built in 1730s and designed by the Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli.





Here come Cesvaines castle which was built in the end of 19th century and designed by German architect Hans Greisenbach. Castle was built from shaped stones, with decorative elements and impressive entrance.



This castle named Cesu was built in 13th century:

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