European Heritage Days to be held in Latgale from September 11 to 13

From September 11 to 13, the annual European Heritage Days will be held under this year's theme "Crisis and Solutions". The National Heritage Board (NKMP) is inviting the public to consider how cultural monuments can prepare for crises, and whether such situations can also present opportunities for renewal.

According to NKMP data, Latvia has more than nine thousand cultural monuments in total, of which 1,514 are located in Latgale. These include 398 architectural sites, two industrial sites, five urban planning sites, seven sites linked to historical events, 497 art objects and 606 archaeological sites.

Pasiene church and the Terehova chapel

Vitālijs Filipenoks, parish priest of the St. Dominic Catholic Church in Pasiene, Ludza municipality, said that this year visitors will also be able to see the Terehova chapel, located about 15 kilometers away, which was originally built by Dominican friars from Pasiene. The original chapel dates to around 1804, but it was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a new building after repairs proved more complicated than rebuilding. The priest noted that this story fits well with this year's theme of threats to cultural heritage.

Events across the region

The program includes activities at seven sites. At Luznava manor in Rēzekne municipality, events on September 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will include guided tours, a craft workshop, a lecture on heritage in crisis situations, a discussion on civil protection, the opening of a painting exhibition, and a holy mass. Visitors can also access Krāslava's St. Ludwig church, the Piedruja Catholic church, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and monastery complex in Viļāni, the Terehova chapel, Pasiene church with a concert, and the Great Synagogue of Ludza with a klezmer music concert. Since the Terehova chapel lies within the border zone, visitors will need to bring identification documents.