Saliena: History, Architecture and Culture

• The Saliena school was built in the 1930s and opened in autumn 1937.
• The Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist was built in 1894 and consecrated in 1895.
• The arched stone bridge over the Poguļanka (Salienas) dates from the late 19th century.
• The Poguļanka (Saliena) is a 24-kilometre-long tributary of the Daugava in the “Daugavas loki” Nature Park.

The Saliena school links a specific construction period with a notable historical visit: it was built in the 1930s and opened in autumn 1937. Known as a school from the Ulmanis era, it is associated with that period. Latvian President Kārlis Ulmanis personally visited Saliena to inspect the site chosen for the school. The building’s history and the choice of location are therefore intertwined parts of the town’s history.

The Orthodox community is also part of Saliena’s history: it is one of the oldest Orthodox communities in the Ilūkste area. This regional context adds the area’s religious background to the history of its individual buildings.

The arched stone bridge over the Poguļanka (Salienas) was built in the late 19th century from split and dressed fieldstones. It is classified as a locally significant architectural and engineering monument. Its arched shape and worked fieldstone provide two specific points of reference for examining the structure.

The Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist in Saliena (Tartaka) was built in 1894 from split fieldstones with an inner brick lining; it was consecrated in 1895. In contrast to the bridge, the focus here is on the year of construction, the year of consecration and the combination of different materials. The bridge is characterised by its arched shape and fieldstones. Together, the two offer contrasting examples of local architectural history.

The Poguļanka (Saliena) is a 24-kilometre-long tributary of the Daugava and lies within “Daugavas loki” Nature Park. Numerous protected plant and animal species are found in the river valley. This natural setting differs markedly from the historic buildings: here, the river, valley and protected species define the subject, while there, it is the buildings’ age, form and materials.

The Saliena cultural centre holds creative workshops and displays exhibitions by local creatives. Exhibitions change, and workshop dates may also vary. If you would like to include a cultural activity in your plans, check the latest dates in advance. The cultural centre is also home to the senior vocal ensemble “Melodija”, founded in 2002. Alongside the changing activities, this offers a more enduring aspect of local cultural history.

A memorial stone to Kārlis Grigulis was erected nearby in 1994; it bears an owl symbol. Discover more destinations: Kumbuļi, Višķi, Mīšteļi, Naujene, Daugavpils, Silene, Ezeriņi, Svente.

When did the Saliena school open?

The school opened in autumn 1937. Kārlis Ulmanis personally visited Saliena to inspect the site chosen for the school.

What materials characterise the church and stone bridge?

The bridge was built from split and dressed fieldstones. Split fieldstones and an inner brick lining were used for the church.

What activities are offered at the cultural centre?

The cultural centre holds creative workshops and displays changing exhibitions by local creatives. Since dates and exhibitions vary, check the latest information in advance.

For the broader travel guide: Daugavpils Municipality.