Smiltene Municipality to Showcase Seven Local Sites in Seven-Week Story Series

As Latvia's national holiday approaches, Smiltene Municipality is launching a story series in its tourism communication titled "7 Places. 7 Stories. One Smiltene Municipality." Over seven weeks, residents and visitors are invited to discover places that hold the area's history, people's memories and stories.

Places in the series

The series will feature:

• the Smiltene Municipality Museum at Mēri Manor;
• the Jāzeps Vītols Memorial Museum "Anniņas" in Gaujiena;
• the exhibition hall of the Rauna Cultural and Historical Heritage Centre in Rauna;
• the Elīna Zālīte Memorial House in Ape;
• the Drusti Museum in Drusti;
• the Trapene Local History Centre in Trapene;
• the Viresi Parish local history exhibition "Mājvieta" in Vidaga.

Each location will highlight one special story, whether about a person, an object, an event or a piece of historical evidence. The aim is to draw attention to places that appear less often in everyday tourism communication and to present them as appealing destinations in autumn and winter as well.

First story: Vidaga

The series begins with "Mājvieta" in Vidaga. The area's history has been shaped by a mill, a paper-pulp factory and Gauja timber and cargo rafters. In the past, pulp was carried on large boats along the Gauja to the Gulf of Riga, and stories about those times still live on in local memory.

The exhibition also has an unusual part that must be experienced in the dark. It is dedicated to the poet Kornēlija Apškrūma, who spent her whole life connected to the Viresi area. The poet liked to stress that she wrote poetry at night, so the exhibition is designed with a nocturnal mood, using darkness, light and shadow. It also includes her collection of owl figurines.

Visiting

"Mājvieta" is open on weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00. On Saturdays and Sundays it can be visited by prior appointment by calling +371 28559637.