National Tokens by country...

AGLONA - Aglona

Aglona (inhabited since 1000 B.C.) mentioned in historical sources in 1263 in connection with the Lithuanian King Mindaugas. International interest in sacred church Aglonas (1768-1780 baroque) every year on August 15 attended by around 300 000 pilgrims from around the world.

 The wooden sacral architecture masterpiece Bçrzgales Church (1744-1751), the nature trail of Upursala by lake Cirîtis ,the clearest and most mystical lake in Latvia Velnezers, the big cult stone of Kameneca, the wooden sculpture garden „Hill of Christ the King”, the only Latvian Bread Museum, the exclusive War Museum, the Horoscope park, the sulfur spring and 17 hillforts, 50 lakes, Latgalian hospitality...

It's all AGLONA - PLACE WITH HISTORY!

• Location information
• http://www.aglona.lv/

BALDONE - Baldones

• Location information

• www.baldone.lv

   

CESIS - Cesis castle

Cesis castle is one of the few architectural monuments of the 13th century in Latvia. In the early Middle Ages it was a residence of the Master of the Livonian order. To be initiated into knight of the order, one had to stand difficult tests and make four solemn vows - obedience, purity, poverty and battle against the pagans in the name of Christ.

Today only ruins are left from the mighty medieval castle, unique by size and authenticity in the entire Baltics. But the long history of the castle doesn't come to the end. Traditional knights' tournaments, festivals and open-air theatrical performances attract visitors from countries all over the world.

• Location information
• www.vvtc.cesis.lv

DAUGAVPILS - Daugavpils

Daugavpils has a rich and colourful history and a great potential for the future.

The coat of arms of Daugavpils symbolizes home, road and faith.

Visitors to Latvia’s second largest city will be moved by its magnificent natural surroundings, historical breath, all the amenities and the speed of life typical of a modern European city.

Daugavpils is a multinational city and a place of residence for representatives of about 20 nationalities. Daugavpils is the city that unites various cultures, languages and religious beliefs. One of its most noticeable landmarks is the Churchill - a unique place where churches of four confessions solemnly rise above the city. The Fortress, another pearl of the city’s historical and cultural heritage, gradually regains its image due to the restoration and has already become a favourite tourism object. Historically Daugavpils has been a large transport hub and an industrial centre. The city is rich in cultural traditions, which have been carefully kept.

The proud past and traditions is a strong base which has been used by residents of Daugavpils to shape the present and the future of the city. Daugavpils is constantly developing, becoming modern and aspiring towards new achievements and prides itself as being the Eastern gateway to the European Union. Daugavpils has great opportunities for growth and they all have been actively used for the development of the city.

Each season adds a special charm to Daugavpils – in spring these are streets and parks that have been hidden in the haze of the blooming chestnut trees, in summer it is the sweet scent of lilies, in autumn- the sound of falling chestnuts, in winter the city offers you to enjoy the tranquility and spirituality.

• Location information
• www.daugavpils.lv

DAUGAVPILS - Daugavpils Fortress

Nicholas gates in Daugavpils fortress were built between years 1821^st and 1826^th and have been adapted not only for effective defense, but also carried out important communication function with the world outside – the gates belonged to significant European traffic artery – Vienna tract. Nicholas gates were destined to become the front gates of the fortification building. This is confirmed by the solemn gate architecture with gothic elements in the facade planes. Especially luxurious is the south-facing facade with richly embossed trim parts and decor.

• Location information

• www.visitdaugavpils.lv
  www.mantojumsuzmonetas.lv

DAUGAVPILS - Daugavpils Novads

Daugavpils district – where sun adorns in South Latvia, where Daugava`s flow stills in picture  square  circles  and  goes in a roundabout way, slowly inviting you to find out extraordinary and unexposed nature and cultural values of South Latgale.

Rainis House in Beríenele has built as a memorial site for outstanding Latvian poet, translator, master of drama, public and political figure Rainis (1865 – 1929). Rainis parents Kriðjânis and Dârta Pliekðâni rented half a manor of Beríenele from 1872 to 1881. Rainis spent his childhood and school-time here. Memories, collected there, are reflected in anthology of poetry "Five Sketch – books of Dagda", chapter "The Only Scene".  A conception of poetical masterpiece was created when Rainis emigrated to Switzerland. Located there, Rainis often mentally revisited his sunny land of childhood.  Beríenele - "the only scene" of respected poet - has become a most significant value of cultural heritage in Daugavpils district. Fulfilled with symbols of history, nature and poetry it has become a fount of inspiration for admirers of art and poetry.

• Location information

• www.visitdaugavpils.lv
  www.mantojumsuzmonetas.lv

IECAVAS - Iecavas Novads

Iecava is located in the central part of Latvia where the plain of Zemgale meet sandy lowland and gentleness of Midland of Latvia.

The territory of community consists of several villages: Iecava, Dzelzâmurs, Dzimtmisa, Rosme, Zâlîte, Zorìi, Dimzukalns and Audrupi. Iecava is the centre of social and culture life where the most important social services are available. In length of 30 km the area is crossed by the river Iecava that is the right bank confluent of the river Lielupe. From north towards south direction motorway Rîga-Bauska crosses the area that is a part of international highway VIA Baltica. Iecava regularly ran for the prize in annual competition «The Sprucest Municipality in Latvia» and was among winners within former District Bauska. Two times a year 2000 and 2005 Iecava became the winner of this competition in Zemgale region.

• Location information

• www.iecava.lv
  www.mantojumsuzmonetas.lv

JEKABPILS - Jekabpils

In year 2005, the Struve Geodetic Arc was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Astronomer and geodesist Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve measured the arc with aim to determine the size and shape of the Earth. Measurements stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the shores of the Black Sea were made from 1816 till 1855. Today 34 authentic points of The Struve Geodetic Arc are located in ten countries and one of them also in Jçkabpils City.  It was measured and established in 1826.

• Location information

•  

  www.jekabpils.lv
  www.mantojumsuzmonetas.lv

JELGAVA - Academia Petrina, Jelgava History and Art Museum

With 66 000 inhabitants and total area of 60 km² Jelgava ranks fourth among the largest cities of Latvia. It is situated just 40 km from the capital Riga and in written sources Jelgava for the first time was mentioned in 1265.

The building of Jelgava’s museum is known by its historic name – Academia Petrina. It was built in 1775, in place of a previous city castle of Dukes, by the initiative of Peter Biron, the last Duke of Duchy of Courland. The designer of reconstruction was S. Jansen. Academia Petrina is famous for the fact that the first higher education establishment in Latvia was situated there.

• Location information
• www.latviatourism.lv

JELGAVA - Jelgava Palace

Jelgava Palace is located 40 km southwest from the capital of Latvia - Riga. The palace is one of the masterpieces of the remarkable Italian architect Francesko Bartolomeo Rastrelli in his early period. The Palace is the pride of Jelgava, as well as an outstanding monument of architecture and history in Latvia.

The Palace was built for Ernst Johan Biron, the Duke of Courland (the previously independant western portion of Latvia). It replaced the Livonian Order castle of the 13th century.
The palace was constructed in two periods (1738-1740 and 1763-1772) and was intended to be a three - blocks building (150 x 120 meters) with the main symmetry axis along east -west direction.

During its history, the Palace has burnt several times. The biggest damage done to the building was during World War II, when the palace was burnt down in July 1944. Only the arched corridors and entrance halls remained, all other interior decorations had been completely destroyed. Reconstruction of the palace started in 1957.

Since 1939 the Jelgava Agricultural Academy (Latvia University of Agriculture, since 1991) has been located at the palace.

• Location information
• www.latviatourism.lv

JELGAVA - Jelgavas Novads

Cultural and historical region in the central part of Latvia – Zemgale region. Considered as the granary of Latvia since ancient times; gorgeous architectural  monuments are situated here.

Families of Dukes of Courland and German barons have lived in the surroundings of Jelgava. They have left impressive manor complexes and beautiful parks from 17th -19th centuries as the testimonies for the future generations. Municipality is rich with its cultural and historical values, one of the brightest page of the history of their former owners: Barons Hahn, Manteuffel, Medem, Klopmann, Rekke, and the families Courland and Semigallia.

Zaïâ Manor is one of the oldest Order`s Manors in Zemgale region. Since 1562 it was the property of Duke Gotthard Kettler. After the death of the last Ketler`s family representative the Manor was owned by Ernst Johann Biron, the Duke of Courland and used as a hunting palace. From 1768 to 1775 architect  S. Jensen implemented the project of Russian Court architect Italian Francesco Bartolommeo Rastrelli  and now its the example of late baroque style.

• Location information

• www.jelgavasnovads.lv

JURMALA - Bulduri

The first Gardening school in the Baltic States is located in Jûrmala – Bulduri. The school was found by the association of Gardening under the guidance of Fricis Lasmanis. Bulduri Gardening school was opened for the funds that were donated by Ernsts Leopolds Ðohs. Pçteris Dindonis was the first head master of the school.

In this century there are gardeners, landscape designers, florists, catering and hotel service specialists studying in Bulduri Gardening school.

You are welcome in Bulduri!

• Location information

• www.bulduri.lv

JURMALA - Jurmala

Jurmala is largest resort in Baltic States. It’s a pearl of Latvia known for it’s white sand beaches, hundred year old pines and pitoresque art nouveau wooden houses.

Here is also located the Dzintari concert hall – unique in Europe. The hall is used for concerts, special performances, festivals, ballet performances, and many more other choreographic styles. 

The indoor hall of Dzintari concert hall was built in 1936. It was designed by architects Aleksandrs Birznieks (1893-1980) and Viktors Mellenbergs (1905-2001). The Concert hall was originally built as a wooden building with nicely styled columns and National Romanticism motives. The Dzintari concert hall got the status of an National architectural monument.

In 1960 the indoor concert hall was complemented. It was designed by architects Modris Ìelzis and Alberts Vecsîlis and constructed by Andris Bite. 

Jurmala is the city on the wave – on the wave of achievement, hope and success!

• Location information

• www.jurmala.lv

KANDAVA - Kandava

Kandava is an ancient small town in Kurzeme (Courland). It is a pearl in the valley of the River Abava and it is also the gateway to „Switzerland of Kurzeme (Courland)”. The name of Kandava was first mentioned in 1230.

The Stone Bridge across Abava River in Kandava is the oldest rubble – stone bridge in Latvia. It was built in 1873.

Historicaly the name of Kandava is connected with horse whipping. The steep rubble stone paved streets were not suitable for horse carts.

Kandava has a charming but impressive nature thanks to the River Abava. It has a ancient feeling to it because of the historical town centre, the Hillforts and the oak trees.

Kandava’s coat of arms has an oak branch with three acorns included. This oak tree represents unbreakable strenght.

LATVIA - 90 years independence

2008 marked the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Latvia's independence. The idea of an independent Latvia materialized as a result of the consequences of World War I, when empires collapsed and a number of new, independent countries emerged (Finland, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Caucasus countries, Estonia, Lithuania), on November 18, 1918, also Latvia among them.

November 17, 1918 is as important day in Latvia's history as November 18, 1918, because on the day before Latvia's Independence Proclamation Day the National Council was formed from two Latvia's representative assemblies. The National Council elected Latvia's first provisional government, declared Latvia an independent country on November 18, 1918, and convened the Constitutional Assembly.

• Location information
• www.lv90.lv

MALPILS - Malpils Castle

Eight centuries ago, around the year 1208, reigned by the Livonian senior Manegints, the ancient Idove castle stood in the territory of Malpils. Manegints was the one whom the Sword Brothers’ Master Venno granted the first suzerain in Vidzeme. Since that time, several castles have been built in the picturesque site between the rivers Suda and Mergupe. Two of them – in Malpils and Bukas – have survived till nowadays.

One of the most beautiful and splendid castles of Malpils is the manor house of Malpils landlord. It was built in 1760 as a one-storey building. In the course of time, it was rebuilt and enlarged. During the 1905 revolution, it was ravaged and burned. In 1911, under the aegis of the landlord Alexander von Grote the castle was restored in Palladian style designed by the architect Vilhelms Ludvigs Bokslafs.

Since 1920, the castle has seen several masters: Malpils 6-year primary school, later – the Union of Latvian National Retired Soldiers were rooming there. In Soviet time the premises of the castle were adapted to the needs of a technical school. From 1966 to 2002, the castle housed the Latvian Museum of Agriculture and Melioration. Since 2002, the ancient manor complex has been transforming into a multifunctional centre of culture, recreation and tourism.

• Location information
• www.malpils.lv

MALPILS - Wilhelm Bockslaff

The Baltic German architect, Wilhelm Ludvig Nicholas Bockslaff (12.10.1858–09.03.1945) was famous for his eclectic, art nouveau and functionalism style shape design buildings.

In 1885, V.L.N. Bockslaff graduated from Riga Polytechnic School and started his career as an architect. In 1898, V. Bockslaff designed apartment buildings at 6 Kalku Street, in 1901, English Sailor Club at 11 Pils Street, and the Jaunmoku Castle, which was built for the mayor of Riga, George Armitsted as a hunting castle; in 1902: the Stock Exchange commercial school, currently the building of Academy of Arts; in 1903: the administrative building of Big Guild and apartment building at 4 Amatu Street; water tower in 10 Alises Street, in 1907: Leitner bicycle factory at 139 Brivibas Street; in 1912: the bank building at 6 Smilšu Street; in 1928: Rubber Factory “Kvadrats”.

In 1907, the architect started designing works for the Malpils Manor, which was burnt down in 1905; the work continued until 1911. The architect created the image of the building as it can be seen today. In honor of the 150 birthday of the architect, in October 12, 2008, at the garden of Malpils Manor, upon request by the Plauži family, a monument of V.Bockslaff, created by the sculptor Glebs Pantelejevs, was established.

• Location information
• www.malpils.lv

REZEKNE - Rezekne

• Location information

• www.rezekne.lv

  www.mantojumsuzmonetas.lv

RIGA - Latvian Railway

The first Latvian railway line built from Riga to Daugavpils was opened in September 1861. On 5 August 1919 Central Board of Latvian Railways was legally established. That day was a birthday of Latvian Railway. At the beginning of 21^st century Concern Latvian Railway has become on of the most successful companies in the country providing international passenger and freight transportation.

• Location information

• www.ldz.lv

RIGA - Retro Tramvajs

The renovated Retro Tram offers visitors to Riga a unique way to learn about this historic metropolis of Art Nouveau.

The "Circle of Boulevards" tour offers a look at some of the great symbols of architecture and culture in Riga – the Latvian National Opera, the Freedom Monument, the Latvian National Theatre, and other important and distinguished structures. At the final destination of the route in Ausekla Street, you may want to walk through the “Art Nouveau” neighbourhood of Elizabetes, Alberta and other nearby streets.

The "Mežaparks" tour brings you to the Mežaparks neighbourhood of beautiful private homes designed largely in accordance with the aesthetics of Art Nouveau. You will find the so-called “Swiss summer home” style, as well as the German “motherland style”. At the Mežaparks stop, you can disembark for a visit to the Riga Zoo, then taking the tram back to the city centre.

The Retro Trams run every day except Monday, from April 27 until October 31, and operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Location information
• www.rigatourism.lv

RIGA - Riga/Norrköping, twin cities

Riga and Norrköping (Sweden) oficially became twin cities on November 16, 1988 with the cooperation agreement mutually signed in Norrköping.

This agreement has been renewed and improved for several times, adding a detailed cooperation plan every year. In 1999 a wide seminar „Riga and Norrköping 1989–2009” took place in Riga, marking the past 20 years of cooperation. In honour of this event the book „Riga un Norcepinga kopsoli. 1989 – 1999” was published.

Anniversary events dedicated to 20 years of cooperation and signing of the new Riga and Norrköping cooperation agreement took place in Riga on March 12, 2009.

• Location information
• www.riga.lv

SIGULDA - Sigulda new castle

Sigulda is one of Latvia’s most beautiful cities.
The attraction of Sigulda is that there is a wide and multifarious group of tour sites in a comparatively small territory.

Beautiful views of the River Gauja primeval valley alternate with cultural history monuments:
3 medieval castles and their ruins, old manor centres and historical sites.

The monument depicted on the coin is the „New Castle” of Sigulda, located in the historical centre of Sigulda city next to medieval ruins. This New Castle was built from 1878 to 1881 (building master J. Mengelis) for Prince Kropotkin’- owner or the manor – family. The tower was raised in 1937 (arch. A. Birkhans). From 1923-1940 it was a Writer’s Castle, then a cardiological rehabilitation centre. Since 1993 it houses the Regional Council of Sigulda.

• Location information
• www.latviatourism.lv

SKRUNDAS NOVADS - Skrunda Laika Upe 2012

I was born a long, long time ago. The Sun, the Moon, Stone and Water have kept watch over my cradle. My life has not been written in the stars, I am the Star myself, a drop of water and a living cell. Look into my River of Time and You will discover my life – the destiny of my and Your motherland…

• Location information
• http://www.skrunda.lv/

VECUMNIEKI - Vecumnieku Novads

Vecumnieki district is located in the south of Latvian Republic, in Zemgale region, 45 km from the capital Riga. 

845 km ² area is home for around 10,000 inhabitants.
After the administrative reform in 2009 Vecumnieki district was created. 

It unifies six parishes: Barbele, Kurmene, Skaistkalne, Stelpe, Valle and Vecumnieki parish. 

The wealth of Vecumnieki district is its rich forests, fertile fields and active people, who have acknowledged their virtues and fostered the traditional folk culture for generations.

• Location information
• www.vecumnieki.lv 

VILAKA - Vilaka

 “In Vilaka (Marienhauzena) everything is harmonious, suitable for human well-being.

Green parks, gardens, trees and at the same time sufficient urban vitality and pleasant architecture” - professor Pçteris Zeile describes the pearl of the northern Latvia in the book "Latgale and its people".

And you - visitor of Vilaka - can enjoy an amazing landscape from the view of ancient history witnesses Marienhauzena castle ruins. Or you can climb the ancient mound Latgale, which offers a wonderful panorama of the city Vilaka and relish the peace and tranquility in the fruit garden of Marienhauzena manor afterwards.

Traveler, visit Vilaka and you will experience a place over different times and learn its rich history.

• Location information

• http://www.vilaka.lv/