City of Jelgava, Latvia: where is located, attractions

In what city can you find a herd of wild horses? A ride on a real Viking ship? Where can I participate in festivals of sand and ice figures? Of course, there are few such places in the world. Today the topic of our article was the city of Jelgava, Latvia. Here everyone can find an employment to their liking, because Jelgava is famous for its monuments of culture and architecture, unique reserve and, of course, its history.

Location of the city

Jelgava bears the proud name of the "pearl of Zemgale" (one of the five historical Latvian regions). And this is not surprising - after all the city is in the heart of this region. From Riga Jelgava separates only 40 km, from Jurmala - 46 km. This allows you to make both day trips to the Latvian town, and long trips.

History of the Courland capital

It is difficult to imagine, but about seven thousand years ago the place where Jelgava is today was hidden under the water column. The Zemgale Plain was formed at the end of the glacial period. From the south, Semigallians came to this territory. It happened about four thousand years ago. The name of the tribe became the name of this land. The main occupation of the Semigallians was cattle breeding and agriculture. And after the erection of the fortifications, the development of trade and various crafts began. By the way, in the chronicles is mentioned and the port, located not far from Jelgava.

Scientists and researchers argue - it was to the 12th century that the appearance of the city, now known as Jelgava, can be attributed. Latvia (or rather, the tribes inhabiting these lands) was then subjected to the crusades. The Semigallians started the struggle against the Crusaders in 1219. Information about this territory is practically absent from the XII century to the XIV century . But in 1573 Jelgava acquired the status of the city, then the city's coat of arms also appeared. For 217 years, from 1578 to 1795, the Jelgava Palace was the residence of the Duke. In 1616 the city was declared the capital of Courland.

Becoming the main city of the duchy, Jelgava began to develop actively. There were fortifications, water supply. The second name of this city sounds like Mitava. Translation of it - "exchange" or "exchange". And this is not surprising: thanks to the trade relations of the local duke, the population could get acquainted not only with European culture, but also with overseas goods! When Jelgava became an important shopping center, the inhabitants of the city tried wine, potatoes and coffee. Besides, the Latvian city played the role of a diplomatic center. With the help of Yelgava, East-West contacts were regularly established.

In 1795, Jelgava became part of the Russian Empire. The city continued to grow and develop: thanks to the appearance of the railway in 1868 merchants and artisans, traders and teachers moved here. Before the outbreak of the First World War, the city's population was about 45 thousand people!

City Jelgava: survived the war

In the war years Jelgava was seriously damaged. In 1915 a detachment of Latvian riflemen was formed in the city. Until 1919, Jelgava was occupied. In this city the Bolsheviks, the German detachments and the fighters for independence fought. The victory was then won by the latter. 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.

The Second World War also affected the appearance of the city. The historic center, the railway, suffered. 90% of the housing stock and industrial buildings were destroyed. In the occupation of Jelgava was from June 29, 1941 until the end of July 1944.

Immediately after the war, a large-scale construction began in the city. In Jelgava, new houses, administrative buildings, cultural institutions appeared. Old buildings - cathedrals, the Mitava Palace, educational buildings were restored.

Flag and coat of arms of Jelgava

The flag of the Latvian city is a two-color rectangular panel. In 1938 colors were approved - dark blue and warm-claret. In the center of the flag is the coat of arms of the city - the silhouette of the head of an elk. The profile of the animal is turned to the left. The image of the head is on a purple shield, the upper part of which is horizontal, and the lower part is rounded. On the neck of the animal is a small state emblem.

The city's attractions

How to make sure that Jelgava (Latvia) is forever in your heart? Of course, visit the local attractions! And there are enough of them in this small city: palaces, castles, cathedrals, museums and monuments - everyone will find an interesting place for themselves!

Jelgava Palace

One of the most impressive objects for tourists is the Mitava (Jelgava) Palace. Once here was the residence of the dukes, later - the administrative center of the province of Kurland. Today it is the main building of the Agricultural University of Latvia. The palace is the work of the outstanding architect Francesco Rastrelli. The building was built in two stages - from 1738 to 1740 and from 1762 to 1772. The palace survived wars, fires. Today you can learn its history in the museum located here. The exposition has been operating since 1968 and tells about the structure of the palace, its interiors and architecture, the history of erection. By the way, in the Jelgava Palace you can enjoy the divine delicacy - fragrant hot chocolate. And you can do it in a very unusual company - with the duchess and her maid of honor. And also here is the workshop of love letters Dorothea - a place where even today the atmosphere of the XIX century reigns. In the workshop they teach calligraphy, here you can write a message to your beloved and attach it with your 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 this tower! At this place there used to be a church, which was the very first stone structure in Jelgava. Her construction began in 1574. In 1615 the temple was consecrated, and in 1688 a bell tower was built. Almost two centuries later the work began to boil again - in 1863 the tower was built up. The air raid on the city was destroyed by the church, but the bell tower remained. In 2010, after repairs, the tower was open to tourists. There are three historical exhibitions, a restaurant and an information center.

Museums of Jelgava

If you are faced with the question of what to see in Jelgava, in order to get to know this town better, then safely go to local museums!

It will be interesting for avid theatergoers to visit the memorial house of the father of the Latvian theater Adolf Alunan. In the house on Filosofov Street, 3 the founder of the theater, director, poet and playwright removed the entire second floor from 1910 to 1912. Thanks to Alunan's grandson, hundreds of genuine objects are collected here.

Those who like the romance of the railways, it is worth paying attention to the exposition of the museum of the history of steel trunk lines. It is noteworthy that it is located in a residential building, which was built in 1904. The history of the Jelgava junction is told with the help of railway track models, rail cars, locomotives and semaphores.

The most important historical events will be told by the exposition of the Giedert Elias Museum of History and Art. This building was built in 1775 on the site of the city palace. Once there was the first Latvian university.

Luga Lielupe

What if you already know almost all of Jelgava, have you seen the sights and want something unusual? You should go to floodplain meadows! This is a specially protected natural area: here you can see the incredible variety of birds and plants. Wild horses are grazing in the meadows of Lielupe, located on the island behind the Mitava Palace. To get acquainted with all the inhabitants you can, taking with you a botanical guide or guide!