The city of Jekabpils is located in the central part of Latvia . Approximately in 90 km from it there is a city of Daugavpils - the second on size after Riga . The population of the city is about 23 thousand inhabitants, by nationality about 60% are Latvians and 20% Russians. For tourists Jekabpils is interesting with a lot of cultural, architectural and natural attractions.
Natural attractions of Ekalibs
The city of Jekabpils is located on the two banks of the Zapadnaya Dvina river, which has a length of 1020 km and is located on the territories of three countries: Latvia, Belarus and Russia. Latvians gave it its name "Daugava". The city is surrounded by forests, in which wild animals are found, thereby providing the opportunity for hunting.
Due to the fact that near the city were engaged in the extraction of useful earth resources, a quarry was formed. Therefore, the authorities decided to create a forest park to protect the city from dust, but in 1987, the flooding of the quarry led to the formation of a reservoir with islands in its place. Inside this water area is a huge boulder, which is the second largest fragment of rock in Latvia.
In Jekabpils there is a city park, for which a specific feature is characteristic. On its territory is a memorial plaque, which brings it into the world cultural heritage of UNESCO. It shows the meridian on which the park is located - 25 degrees 20 minutes.
Castles of Jekabpils
The city of Jekabpils is characterized by the presence of a large number of architectural monuments. Among the most famous of them can be listed the following:
- Koknese Castle , which was built in 1209. It is located in the village of Koknese, which is located 30 km from Jekabpils. During the entire history of the castle, he had several owners, and construction work was periodically carried out there. The first time the structure was destroyed during the Northern War. When the castle was in the hands of the Levenshtern, an entirely new Koknes palace was built, but it did not last long and was destroyed by shells during the First World War. The new ruins were necessary for people, and they took them to pieces, but the previous castle continued to lie on this land. Now his remains are protected by a special program that implements special measures to ensure the preservation of the historical monument.
- Before the city of Jekabpils was formed, this area had another historical name - Krustpils. Now this name remained only in the Krustpils castle , which was built in the Middle Ages. Until now, the architectural monument is in good condition. The first record is mentioned about him in 1318, when the Teutonic Order came here, and the local fortress on the right bank of the Daugava was captured. During the Great Northern War, it suffered damage, but in the 18th century repairs took place, in which the castle was enlarged by new annexes. The First World War did not hit the castle, and during the second war there was a hospital here. In 1994, Krustpils Castle became part of the Jekabpils Historical Museum, now inside the building there is an exposition connected with the history of the castle. In addition, the exposition includes materials from the times of the Soviet Union.
- Another historical object that is located on the territory of Jēkabpils is the Selpils Castle . The first memorial of this building dates back to 1416, when he was at the disposal of the Order of the Vogt. At that time it consisted of 2 parts: a high southern part and an addition - a pre-order. The first injuries he experienced during the Polish-Swedish wars, and the Northern War finally destroyed it. In 1967, a reservoir was built near the structure, and the ruins of the castle emerged from the ground.
- Remains of the Digna Castle . This place is considered one of the most mysterious in Latvia because of its history, since no one castle has so little information as about the Digna Castle. The first and last time he is mentioned in the complaint of 1366. The document refers to the attack and looting of the castle by the Knights of the Livonian Order.
Church of Jekabpils
In the city of Jekabpils there is a huge number of churches belonging to different faiths: Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Old Believer. Among the main of them can be called such:
- The Ekabpilsky Holy Spirit Monastery belongs to the Orthodox Church, it is on the left bank of the Dvina River. The monastery was built in the XVII century, but in its history of existence for many decades, it stood closed. In 1996, he was again solemnly opened. Today it is the only monastery of the Orthodox faith in Latvia. In 2008, a miracle happened in this church, one of the icons began to melt.
- Among the usual urban buildings is the Intercession Church of the Old Believer community . This building was founded in 1660, the Old Believers lived here until 1862, and then they moved to Latgale. The building can be understood that the church for people was an ordinary house, the temple was not decorated with domes. Only in 1906 he decided to reconstruct.
- In Jekabpils is one of the few churches of the Greek Catholic faith in Latvia. Its construction took place from 1763 to 1787, the building was made in the form of a "trunk".
Cultural attractions of Jekabpils
Tourists who decided to visit Jēkabpils will be able to see here a lot of cultural sites, among the most important of which can be noted such:
- On the left bank of the Daugava is a huge Old Town Square , where you can see the various installations that stand in the open air.
- In the city there is a local museum "The Court of Villages" , where several buildings are gathered in one place. Inside the museum there are exhibits providing an opportunity to get acquainted with the history of German residents who lived in the Latvian village in the 19th century.
- In the city of Jekabpils it became a tradition to organize an international festival . Every year during the summer period the most famous theatrical performances come not only from Latvia , but from Russia and show their performances. The performance of the Chamber Music Theater has already become traditional, and its leader is accustomed to delighting the Latvian audience with his visits.