Jaunjelgava – historic centre, churches and Daugava promenade

The most important topics for orientation are the urban heritage, historic wooden architecture, Orthodox, Baptist and Roman Catholic churches, as well as the location of the promenade on the banks of the Daugava. This picture is complemented by a Jewish cemetery with a memorial site and a tourist information centre offering current information and brochures.

Jaunjelgava Town Hall was built in 1912 and features Art Nouveau forms. It is therefore a specific reference point if you are interested in the town’s more recent historical development. Historic wooden buildings have been preserved mainly on Jelgavas iela and Rīgas iela. These two streets are therefore particularly relevant for understanding the local building fabric.

The historical classification of the centre and the individual buildings complement each other, but focus on different aspects: the town hall represents a specific construction period and a recognisable style, while the wooden buildings reveal the preserved character of entire sections of streets.

The Jaunjelgava Baptist Church was built in 1897 with funds from the congregation. The church is distinguished by its beautiful wooden interior furnishings. The Roman Catholic Holy Cross Church is a wooden building with a tower, constructed in 1902. Its year of construction, material and distinctive tower form can therefore be identified as separate features.

Another stop in the town’s ecclesiastical history is the Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ. Its construction period, materials used and preserved furnishings are summarised in more detail in the FAQ, so that you can distinguish the three churches not only by denomination but also by their architectural characteristics.

The Jaunjelgava Daugava promenade runs along the bank of the Daugava and invites visitors to take walks. It thus complements visits to the town hall, wooden buildings and churches with a clearly defined opportunity to spend time by the river. The promenade is particularly worthwhile as part of your town visit if you would like to set aside time for a walk by the water between cultural stops.

For a further comparison of destinations, you can also visit Sece and Staburadze.

The historical spectrum of Jaunjelgava also includes the Jewish cemetery with a memorial site erected in 2003. The site complements the architectural and ecclesiastical history with a concrete reminder of Jaunjelgava’s Jewish history. Another historical reference is Pēteris Graudulis, who received the Order of the Three Stars, 5th Class.

The Jaunjelgava Tourist Information Centre provides current information and brochures about tourist offerings in Jaunjelgava and Aizkraukles novads municipality. It is a suitable point of contact if you would like to supplement your choice between the cultural and landscape highlights mentioned above with up-to-date local information.

What historical status does the centre of Jaunjelgava have?

The historic centre of Jaunjelgava is a nationally significant urban monument dating from the 17th to the 19th century. This designation refers to the urban-planning significance of the centre and not merely to a single building.

What is known about the Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ?

The Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Jaunjelgava was built in 1896–1897 from granite stones and red bricks. Numerous icons from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved in the church.

What does the memorial site in the Jewish cemetery commemorate?

The memorial site with a commemorative plaque, erected in 2003, commemorates more than 500 Jews from Jaunjelgava who were killed on 7 August 1941. The date and the stated number are part of the specific wording of the commemorative plaque.

What information does the tourist information centre provide?

For the overarching travel overview: Jaunjelgava Municipality.