Discover Dagda: Culture and History

• The “PATRIA” History Museum presents a historical exhibition in six rooms in the rectory of Dagda’s Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity.
• The manor park is the only preserved part of Dagda Manor, which was established in the 17th century.
• The historic centre is home to preserved red-brick houses, some of which now serve as shops. They are also referred to as “Jewish merchants’ houses”.
• The Dagda Pokrova-Nikolai Old Believers’ Church was built in 1992.
• The “Dagda” Active Tourism Centre offers bicycles with helmets, Nordic walking poles and cross-country skis with boots for hire.

A good starting point for exploring Dagda’s past is the “PATRIA” History Museum. The historical exhibition is located in six rooms in the rectory of Dagda’s Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity. A visit to the museum therefore leads both to a specific historic building and to an exhibition about the history of the town.

The historic centre also preserves traces of the town’s history. Some red-brick houses are now used as shops; other houses of this type are referred to as “Jewish merchants’ houses”. The Jewish share of the population was particularly large in 1874: at that time, Jews made up 68% of Dagda’s inhabitants. There were also 77 Jewish houses and three synagogues. These figures give the historical perspective a clear chronological reference without reducing the history to a single building.

The Dagda Pokrova-Nikolai Old Believers’ Church was built in 1992. Its interior furnishings and sacred objects are considered particularly valuable. For travellers interested in culture, it is therefore another distinct attraction alongside the museum and the houses in the historic centre. Dagda’s historical character is also reflected in a mural: the artist Jans Bartkevičs, a resident of Dagda, transformed a photograph measuring 8 × 11 cm into an 18 m² mural within one week. A photograph taken in the 1930s served as the model.

The manor park is the only preserved part of Dagda Manor, which was established in the 17th century. At its centre is a stage for celebrations of Līgo and Anna’s Day. The park is therefore both a historical point of reference and a place connected with regional festival traditions. Another special feature is Dagda Cave, a natural phenomenon formed from gravel and rubble.

For a more active day plan, the “Dagda” Active Tourism Centre offers bicycles with helmets, Nordic walking poles and cross-country skis with boots for hire. The Dagda Tourist Information Point offers individuals and groups guided tours of the city’s most popular sights.

When searching for a hotel, holiday apartment or other accommodation in Dagda, you can first determine your preferred travel focus. For a cultural and historical trip, the museum, churches, mural and houses in the historic centre are the main attractions. If you would also like to include exercise and nature, you can add the manor park, Dagda Cave and the offers of the Active Tourism Centre. For other destinations in the same navigation area, you can also compare Ondrupine, Ezernieki and Andzeļi.

What does the “PATRIA” History Museum present?

The museum presents a historical exhibition in six rooms in the rectory of Dagda’s Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity.

Which historic houses are there in Dagda?

Red-brick houses have been preserved in the historic centre. Some now serve as shops; houses of this type are also referred to as “Jewish merchants’ houses”.

What activities are available in Dagda?

The “Dagda” Active Tourism Centre offers bicycles with helmets, Nordic walking poles and cross-country skis with boots for hire.

Can you discover Dagda as part of a guided tour?

The Dagda Tourist Information Point offers individuals and groups guided tours of the city’s most popular sights.

To the overarching travel overview: Dagda Municipality.