Nabe: Castle, Castle Tower and Manor House
Accommodation in Nabe
Nabe’s history is reflected in a 14th-century castle, a surviving castle tower and a manor house built later. A protected dendrological planting is another of the area’s special features. One important point for planning a visit: in 2020 and 2021, the Nabe estate, castle tower and other buildings were not open to visitors because of their emergency condition.
Nabe at a glance
- Nabe Castle was a 14th-century vassal castle of the Archbishopric of Riga, built on Lake Lāde in the historic region of Metsepole.
- The state-protected castle tower stands on the grounds of the Nabe estate. It measures 11.2 × 11.13 metres, and its walls are two metres thick.
- The manor house was built in the second half of the 19th century. Its wings are of different heights and arranged at right angles to each other.
- The estate park covers 2.8 hectares and is overgrown. The protected dendrological planting and the estate complex are included in the “Lādezers” cultural heritage educational trail.
- The Nabe estate is listed on the Limbaži–Saulkrasti section of EuroVelo 10.
How do the castle, castle tower and manor house differ?
In the 14th century, Nabe Castle was a vassal castle of the Archbishopric of Riga. Its historic site is located by Lake Lāde in the Metsepole region. The surviving castle tower stands near the later-built Nabe estate. The castle, tower and manor house therefore belong to different historical periods and should not be understood as one and the same building.
The manor house was not built until the second half of the 19th century. This chronology helps distinguish the castle’s medieval origins from the later estate residence. Anyone interested in the area’s history can use this to place the different buildings in their respective periods, rather than treating them as a single complex.
What architectural features define the castle tower and manor house?
Measuring 11.2 × 11.13 metres, the castle tower has an almost square footprint. Its two-metre-thick walls give a clear sense of scale in relation to its external dimensions: the wall thickness is a distinctive architectural feature of the protected tower.
The manor house follows a different architectural arrangement. Two wings of different heights stand at right angles to each other, alongside several veranda-shaped extensions. These verandas are designed in the style of Roman villas—the style description applies to the verandas, not to the manor house as a whole. The tower and manor house can therefore be distinguished by their respective features.
What do the planting and park tell us about Nabe?
The dendrological planting “Nabes Sibīrijas ciedrupriežu stādījumi” is designated as a protected site. Its protected status adds a distinct feature alongside the buildings: both a notable tree-planting site and the historic estate are central to Nabe.
The Nabe estate park covers 2.8 hectares and is overgrown. The “Lādezers” cultural heritage educational trail includes both the planting and the estate complex. This allows the two features to be considered together without treating them as the same thing: the planting is a dendrological site, while the manor house and castle tower represent the history of the buildings and estate.
What should you keep in mind before visiting or cycling a stage?
In 2020 and 2021, the Nabe estate, castle tower and other buildings in the complex were not open to visitors because of their emergency condition. If you are planning a visit, check current access conditions in advance.
The Nabe estate is listed on the Limbaži–Saulkrasti section of EuroVelo 10. Route details may change, so check the current route before using this information to plan your stages.
Discover more destinations: Lāde, Vidriži, Limbaži, Mustkalni, Kaijciems, Ainaži, Šķirstiņi, Bīriņi.
FAQ
What is protected as a cultural monument in Nabe?
Nabe Castle Tower is a state-protected cultural monument. The dendrological planting “Nabes Sibīrijas ciedrupriežu stādījumi” is also designated as a protected site.
How do the castle tower and manor house differ?
The surviving tower stands near the manor house, which was built later. The tower belongs to the history of the 14th-century castle; the manor house was built in the second half of the 19th century.
Can the estate and castle tower be visited at present?
In 2020 and 2021, the Nabe estate, castle tower and other buildings were not open to visitors because of their emergency condition. Check current access conditions before visiting.
How is Nabe listed on EuroVelo 10?
The Nabe estate is listed on the Limbaži–Saulkrasti section. Since route details may change, check the current route before planning your stages.
Return to the main travel overview: Limbažu Novads.
