Discover Preiļi: Park, Culture and Crafts

The Preiļi Park circular trail to the notable trees is approximately 2.5 kilometres long and passes 16 particularly notable trees. Preiļu pils was built between 1860 and 1865. The Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Arts includes ceramics by Polikarps Čerņavskis, works by Preiļi ceramicists, textiles, ethnographic objects, photographs and art from Latgale, among other things. The 5D cinema at Preiļu pils presents 12 stories about the development of craftsmanship from antiquity to the present day.

The circular trail covers 41 hectares, passing through a meadow, along bodies of water and through a forest. Historic buildings, their ruins and Preiļu pils are located along the way. The trail is therefore not merely a route between individual sights, but a connection between different landscape features and the park’s historic surroundings.

The chapel is also part of the park’s history. It was built at the expense of Count Josef Heinrich von der Borch and consecrated on 20 September 1817. The counts’ graves are located beneath the chapel. If you are interested in navigating the circular trail, the associated application provides information in Latvian, English, German, Russian, Polish and Lithuanian.

In addition to ceramics and ethnographic objects, the Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Arts displays fine art, documents, as well as paintings and graphics by artists from Latgale. It also offers art exhibitions and guided tours of the chapel of the Preiļi estate and the sculpture garden. This allows a museum visit to be combined with a closer look at the historic surroundings.

At Preiļu pils, the 5D cinema complements the historical themes with stories about the development of craftsmanship. The west tower also houses a 5D video exhibition about craftspeople in Preiļi Municipality and Latgale. Another unusual attraction is the Nester Custom Metal Design Art Gallery. It displays interior elements and sculptures made from used car and motorcycle parts; the gallery also offers master classes.

Preiļi is suitable for visitors who want not only to view exhibitions but also to learn about craft activities. At the P. Cernavskis Ceramics House, you can work on a potter’s wheel and make your own ceramic piece. It will then be sent to your home by post. The “Jašas podi” pottery workshop offers master classes for visitors with different levels of experience.

The craft workshops with Inta Reca also cover several techniques. These include soap casting, making dream catchers, straw himmeli, mandalas and Latvian incense sticks. If you would like to compare Preiļi with another destination, you can also view Babri.

The Miniature Realm and Doll Gallery displays original dolls. Visitors can also put on costumes from a courtly kingdom and take photos. At the “Cat Farm”, you can see a collection of cat figurines; creative master classes are also offered there.

The beach and activity area in the city of Preiļi complements the cultural attractions with various opportunities for exercise and spending time outdoors. These include a public beach, volleyball and football fields, tennis and table tennis courts, a BMX track, exercise equipment for outdoor and water activities, equipment for active tourism, a beach wheelchair and a children’s playground. Depending on the composition of your travel group, you can give different weight to cultural sightseeing and active activities.

In which languages does the application for the Preiļi Park circular trail provide information?

The application provides information in Latvian, English, German, Russian, Polish and Lithuanian.

Can Preiļu pils be visited?

Preiļu pils can be visited by prior arrangement as part of a guided tour.

What can you make at the P. Cernavskis Ceramics House?

You can work on a potter’s wheel and make your own ceramic piece. It will then be sent to your home by post.

To the main travel overview: Preiļu Municipality.