Guidebook for Liepāja

Sightseeing

Roseplassen

The heart of Liepāja is its Rose Square, located in the heart of the city centre. In the 18th century the New Market was located here. Even today you can still see evidence of that time - the houses in the square with two towers were the meat pavilions of that market. When the market was moved to its current location in 1910, in its place the city authorities decided to construct a public rose garden. Hence, in 1911 the square was given the name Rose Square, its name to this day. The coats of arms of Liepāja's sister cities are placed on the edging around the bed of roses. By the way, these coats of arms are not placed here randomly - they each face the actual direction in which the particular city is located.

7 lokalkjente anbefaler

Roseplassen

9 Zivju iela

7 lokalkjente anbefaler

The heart of Liepāja is its Rose Square, located in the heart of the city centre. In the 18th century the New Market was located here. Even today you can still see evidence of that time - the houses in the square with two towers were the meat pavilions of that market. When the market was moved to its current location in 1910, in its place the city authorities decided to construct a public rose garden. Hence, in 1911 the square was given the name Rose Square, its name to this day. The coats of arms of Liepāja's sister cities are placed on the edging around the bed of roses. By the way, these coats of arms are not placed here randomly - they each face the actual direction in which the particular city is located.

Jāņa Čakstes laukums

The square is a highest point above sea level in Liepāja (around 11m). Initially the square was used as a gathering place for the military parades and work-outs. First greenery here appeared in 1920-ies. In 1925, during the celebration of Liepāja’s 300 years anniversary, the President of Latvia at that time Jānis Čakste planted a linden tree at the park. Today, the memorial ensemble to Jānis Čakste has been created in the park, the central zone has also illuminated fountain in the middle and children playground nearby. Towards Rožu Street the tactile map of the park area can be found. Choirs and dance concerts take place at the square once a month from July to August.

Jāņa Čakstes laukums

The square is a highest point above sea level in Liepāja (around 11m). Initially the square was used as a gathering place for the military parades and work-outs. First greenery here appeared in 1920-ies. In 1925, during the celebration of Liepāja’s 300 years anniversary, the President of Latvia at that time Jānis Čakste planted a linden tree at the park. Today, the memorial ensemble to Jānis Čakste has been created in the park, the central zone has also illuminated fountain in the middle and children playground nearby. Towards Rožu Street the tactile map of the park area can be found. Choirs and dance concerts take place at the square once a month from July to August.

Spøkelsestreet

A commemorative place, as well as a meeting place, the “Tree of Ghosts” is located near the entrance to the “Blow, wind, blow!” concert garden. This large lighted tree is 6 meters high and is made of four thousands metal rods. Near the tree’s roots in brushed metal are the engraved words of Liivs who passed into another world. On the pavement, one can see the names of the best “Līvi” songs, while among the tree’s branches are hidden contours of five musical instruments. Here people can sit on the steps made in the form of a guitar neck and by pressing a button listen to the songs of the legendary “Līvi” musicband.

Spøkelsestreet

57A Peldu iela

A commemorative place, as well as a meeting place, the “Tree of Ghosts” is located near the entrance to the “Blow, wind, blow!” concert garden. This large lighted tree is 6 meters high and is made of four thousands metal rods. Near the tree’s roots in brushed metal are the engraved words of Liivs who passed into another world. On the pavement, one can see the names of the best “Līvi” songs, while among the tree’s branches are hidden contours of five musical instruments. Here people can sit on the steps made in the form of a guitar neck and by pressing a button listen to the songs of the legendary “Līvi” musicband.

Church of Saint Anne in Liepāja

St.Anne's Church is the oldest church in the city, mentioned for the first time in documents from 1508.The church itself and the spire have been rebuilt several times. The author of the last reconstruction of the church in the 19th century is the best Liepāja's architect of all times, Max Paul Bertschy. One of the most precious valuables of the church is the altar created in 1697 by a wood-carver Nicolaus Söffrens. This 9.7 m high and 5.8 m wide baroque style masterpiece is one of the most outstanding examples of art from that period in Eastern Europe. St.Anne's Church is also proud of the organ which was built according to the sketches of the outstanding Latvian composer Alfrēds Kalniņš and is the third largest church organ in Latvia, after those of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Liepāja and Riga's Dome Cathedral. You can also climb the tower and have a panoramic view over Liepāja.

Church of Saint Anne in Liepāja

5/6 Kuršu laukums

St.Anne's Church is the oldest church in the city, mentioned for the first time in documents from 1508.The church itself and the spire have been rebuilt several times. The author of the last reconstruction of the church in the 19th century is the best Liepāja's architect of all times, Max Paul Bertschy. One of the most precious valuables of the church is the altar created in 1697 by a wood-carver Nicolaus Söffrens. This 9.7 m high and 5.8 m wide baroque style masterpiece is one of the most outstanding examples of art from that period in Eastern Europe. St.Anne's Church is also proud of the organ which was built according to the sketches of the outstanding Latvian composer Alfrēds Kalniņš and is the third largest church organ in Latvia, after those of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Liepāja and Riga's Dome Cathedral. You can also climb the tower and have a panoramic view over Liepāja.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Use the opportunity to climb up to the top of the church tower revealing a breathtaking panorama of Liepāja! Learn more about the organ listening to the organ player's story and don't miss the unique chance to see how the organ is played or give a present to yourself and the friends by asking for an organ music concert! Inside the church you can see also a plaque dedicated to Finnish Jaegers who gave the oath of loyalty to the government of the newly established independent Finland in 1918 in this Liepāja church. Construction started in 1742 (the first pile was driven on March 29, the foundation stone was laid on July 19). Architect J.K.Dorn, assistant M.Froelich. The church was consecrated on December 5, 1758. The construction was completed in 1866 hen more or less in line with the original design the third floor was built and the forth floor was assembled of metal structures. The organ was built by one of the best organ builders of that time H.A. Contius. The instrument with 38 stops was officially handed over to the church in 1779. During the 19th century the instrument was repeatedly enlarged, in 1885 - up to 131 stops. Also nowadays the organ is one of the largest in Europe. The interior of the church displays splendor typical of rococo style.

6 lokalkjente anbefaler

Holy Trinity Cathedral

9 Lielā iela

6 lokalkjente anbefaler

Use the opportunity to climb up to the top of the church tower revealing a breathtaking panorama of Liepāja! Learn more about the organ listening to the organ player's story and don't miss the unique chance to see how the organ is played or give a present to yourself and the friends by asking for an organ music concert! Inside the church you can see also a plaque dedicated to Finnish Jaegers who gave the oath of loyalty to the government of the newly established independent Finland in 1918 in this Liepāja church. Construction started in 1742 (the first pile was driven on March 29, the foundation stone was laid on July 19). Architect J.K.Dorn, assistant M.Froelich. The church was consecrated on December 5, 1758. The construction was completed in 1866 hen more or less in line with the original design the third floor was built and the forth floor was assembled of metal structures. The organ was built by one of the best organ builders of that time H.A. Contius. The instrument with 38 stops was officially handed over to the church in 1779. During the 19th century the instrument was repeatedly enlarged, in 1885 - up to 131 stops. Also nowadays the organ is one of the largest in Europe. The interior of the church displays splendor typical of rococo style.

Karosta

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Karosta

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Sjømannskatedralen St. Nicholas

The St.Nicholas Cathedral is the visual and spiritual dominant of the whole Karosta area. The Cathedral has been designed and erected in the style of the 17th century Russian orthodox churches with central and four side cupolas symbolising Christ and four Apostles. Erection of the Cathedral began in 1901. That same year the Russian Tsar Nicholas II with his family members, courtiers and supreme officers took part in the solemn ceremony of consecration of the foundation stone of the Cathedral. The first service in St.Nicholas Cathedral and its consecration took place in 1903. The Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family and courtiers also took part in this ceremony. On the outbreak of World War I, numerous items were evacuated to Russia including the bells and icons, and the valuables that had were left were pillaged by the German occupiers. During the 1920s and 1930s, under the Latvian government, the Church was adapted to the needs of the Liepāja garrison's Lutherans. Finally, upon the conclusion of the Second World War, the Soviet Navy base in Liepāja was made a secret territory and was closed to public. So they established a sports hall, a cinema and the so-called "red corner" (a recreation and entertainment room) here in the former Cathedral for the needs of sailors and soldiers. It was then that the sphere of the central cupola was bricked up, to destroy its great acoustics and allow the naval personnel to hear their films. The military staff left the Cathedral in September 1991. The first church service in the regained Cathedral was held in December the same year.

Sjømannskatedralen St. Nicholas

7 Studentu rotas iela

The St.Nicholas Cathedral is the visual and spiritual dominant of the whole Karosta area. The Cathedral has been designed and erected in the style of the 17th century Russian orthodox churches with central and four side cupolas symbolising Christ and four Apostles. Erection of the Cathedral began in 1901. That same year the Russian Tsar Nicholas II with his family members, courtiers and supreme officers took part in the solemn ceremony of consecration of the foundation stone of the Cathedral. The first service in St.Nicholas Cathedral and its consecration took place in 1903. The Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family and courtiers also took part in this ceremony. On the outbreak of World War I, numerous items were evacuated to Russia including the bells and icons, and the valuables that had were left were pillaged by the German occupiers. During the 1920s and 1930s, under the Latvian government, the Church was adapted to the needs of the Liepāja garrison's Lutherans. Finally, upon the conclusion of the Second World War, the Soviet Navy base in Liepāja was made a secret territory and was closed to public. So they established a sports hall, a cinema and the so-called "red corner" (a recreation and entertainment room) here in the former Cathedral for the needs of sailors and soldiers. It was then that the sphere of the central cupola was bricked up, to destroy its great acoustics and allow the naval personnel to hear their films. The military staff left the Cathedral in September 1991. The first church service in the regained Cathedral was held in December the same year.

Karosta fengsel

The garrison prison of Liepāja's Karosta was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a Navy hospital but has never been used as a hospital. In all times it has been used as a short term disciplinary penalty place for navy sailors and non - commissioned officers since the beginning of the 20th century. Garrison sailors, who participated in the events of the revolution in 1905, served their sentence in the prison. The building has been used as a short term disciplinary penalty place for sailors and non-commissioned officers by both the Soviet and Latvian Navy. The last of the convicts have scratched calendars, drawings, slogans, catchwords and messages on the walls of the cells just a short time ago, in 1997. Visitors have the opportunity to go on an excursion in the prison, to participate in a reality show “Behind the bars” or to stay overnight in a prison cell. Visitors can dress up in military uniforms from different times and take photos. Karosta visitor’s centre offers information about Karosta, guided tours around Karosta neighbourhood, bicycle rent, souvenirs and opportunity to watch a short film ”Karosta”. Working hours: 01.06.-31.08. daily 9:00-19:00 01.05-31.05. & 01.09.-30.09. daily 10:00-18:00; 01.10.-30.04. Sat, Sun 12:00-15:00; at other times - by prior arrangement Entrance fee: Adults/ 4.50 EUR Pupils/ students/ pensioners/ 3 EUR

11 lokalkjente anbefaler

Karosta fengsel

4 Invalīdu iela

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The garrison prison of Liepāja's Karosta was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a Navy hospital but has never been used as a hospital. In all times it has been used as a short term disciplinary penalty place for navy sailors and non - commissioned officers since the beginning of the 20th century. Garrison sailors, who participated in the events of the revolution in 1905, served their sentence in the prison. The building has been used as a short term disciplinary penalty place for sailors and non-commissioned officers by both the Soviet and Latvian Navy. The last of the convicts have scratched calendars, drawings, slogans, catchwords and messages on the walls of the cells just a short time ago, in 1997. Visitors have the opportunity to go on an excursion in the prison, to participate in a reality show “Behind the bars” or to stay overnight in a prison cell. Visitors can dress up in military uniforms from different times and take photos. Karosta visitor’s centre offers information about Karosta, guided tours around Karosta neighbourhood, bicycle rent, souvenirs and opportunity to watch a short film ”Karosta”. Working hours: 01.06.-31.08. daily 9:00-19:00 01.05-31.05. & 01.09.-30.09. daily 10:00-18:00; 01.10.-30.04. Sat, Sun 12:00-15:00; at other times - by prior arrangement Entrance fee: Adults/ 4.50 EUR Pupils/ students/ pensioners/ 3 EUR

Ziemeļu forti

The Northern Forts are a part of Liepāja's fortress. The fortress was built at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of 20th century to provide the protection of Liepāja's naval base in case of enemy attack. The line of the outer fortification system surrounded the whole city. In November of 1908, Tsar Nicholas II approved a decision to shut down the sea fortress in Liepāja. Some of the cannons were dismounted and brought to the Kaunas fortress in Lithuania, others were melted. There was an attempt to blow up the gun batteries, the underground structures and the gunpowder depots but this did not prove effective. So nowadays we can still see the remains of the newest and the most up-to-date fortress of the Tsar's Russia. You have the possibility to visit the Northern forts on a guided tour. You can participate in a game "Escape from the USSR". The aim of the game is to act as a team in order to find a friend who has been taken as a prisoner by soviet border guards and to take him safely to the submarine.

9 lokalkjente anbefaler

Ziemeļu forti

25 Jātnieku iela

9 lokalkjente anbefaler

The Northern Forts are a part of Liepāja's fortress. The fortress was built at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of 20th century to provide the protection of Liepāja's naval base in case of enemy attack. The line of the outer fortification system surrounded the whole city. In November of 1908, Tsar Nicholas II approved a decision to shut down the sea fortress in Liepāja. Some of the cannons were dismounted and brought to the Kaunas fortress in Lithuania, others were melted. There was an attempt to blow up the gun batteries, the underground structures and the gunpowder depots but this did not prove effective. So nowadays we can still see the remains of the newest and the most up-to-date fortress of the Tsar's Russia. You have the possibility to visit the Northern forts on a guided tour. You can participate in a game "Escape from the USSR". The aim of the game is to act as a team in order to find a friend who has been taken as a prisoner by soviet border guards and to take him safely to the submarine.

Kūrmājas prospekts

The song is frozen in bronze and yet it can be heard. Everyone walking towards the sea along Kūrmājas prospekts will be followed by a gaze of curious crow, a boatman known also as a coffin-maker, a telephone technician climbed on a pole, and a crouching forest of people… “Pilsētā, kurā piedzimst vējš…” (City where the wind is born) is a song of particular importance for the residents of Liepāja. The characters of city’s anthem cast in bronze encourage the guests of the city to listen to the sounds of Liepāja.

Kūrmājas prospekts

The song is frozen in bronze and yet it can be heard. Everyone walking towards the sea along Kūrmājas prospekts will be followed by a gaze of curious crow, a boatman known also as a coffin-maker, a telephone technician climbed on a pole, and a crouching forest of people… “Pilsētā, kurā piedzimst vējš…” (City where the wind is born) is a song of particular importance for the residents of Liepāja. The characters of city’s anthem cast in bronze encourage the guests of the city to listen to the sounds of Liepāja.

Liepājas Tirdzbiecības Kanāls

The Līva River, which once ran through the town of Liepāja and served as a port, became too shallow for easy navigation, and this negatively influenced the development of the city. Therefore in 1697 the digging of the Trade Canal began in order to make a new port. The Canal is 3 km long. It connects Lake Liepāja with the Baltic Sea and separates two historic parts of the city - Vecliepāja and Jaunliepāja. In summer, the Canal welcomes yachts, powerboat races and "Liepāja regatta". In winter time the Canal and bridges over it are illuminated by romantic light decors - angels, dwarfs and gingerbread hearts. During January and March the Canal becomes the "kingdom" of ice anglers willing to catch the smelt fish migrating between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja.

Liepājas Tirdzbiecības Kanāls

The Līva River, which once ran through the town of Liepāja and served as a port, became too shallow for easy navigation, and this negatively influenced the development of the city. Therefore in 1697 the digging of the Trade Canal began in order to make a new port. The Canal is 3 km long. It connects Lake Liepāja with the Baltic Sea and separates two historic parts of the city - Vecliepāja and Jaunliepāja. In summer, the Canal welcomes yachts, powerboat races and "Liepāja regatta". In winter time the Canal and bridges over it are illuminated by romantic light decors - angels, dwarfs and gingerbread hearts. During January and March the Canal becomes the "kingdom" of ice anglers willing to catch the smelt fish migrating between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja.