Aumeisteri – Manor Estate, Park and Historic Landscape

Aumeisteri Manor is a cultural and architectural monument of national significance in Latvia. The manor complex was built in 1533. The state-protected “Zaļais dīķis” Nature Park covers 7.4 hectares and includes three buildings of the manor complex. Its historic centre lies on the high, several-kilometre-long Gulbenes–Aumeisteru hill ridge.

The history of the park can be traced through several stages of development. The oldest part, between the manor house and the Large or “Zaļais dīķis” Pond, has existed since the 1720s. The park also preserves a historic layout dating from the late 1880s. The present stone manor house was built by Ādolfs Heinrihs fon Vulfs in 1793. Part of the interior furnishings from the second half of the 19th century has been preserved in the manor house.

Individual buildings also add to this picture. The Pārvaldnieka māja, also known as the “Red House”, was built from locally made red bricks. The “Aumeisteri” guesthouse is currently located in this building. Historic interior elements have been restored and preserved there, including fireplaces, stoves, wooden details on ceilings and walls, wooden door and window structures, historic shutters, as well as wall and ceiling drawings and ornaments.

The “Zaļais dīķis” Nature Park adds an independent landscape perspective to the architectural history. Numerous rare plant species grow there, and it is also home to numerous remarkable old trees. The terraces in Aumeisteri Manor Park formed elevated levels with wide views over the surrounding area and “Zaļais dīķis”. This means that the site can be understood not only through individual buildings, but also through the combination of park design, water and terrain.

The Aumeisteri manor complex is part of the “Vēsturei pa pēdām – Smiltenes apkaime” cultural route. You can also compare the destinations Blome and Smiltene.

What historical use did the watermill have?

The watermill in the Aumeisteri manor complex used to generate electricity.

Which memorial and cemetery sites are located in the surrounding area?

The park contains a memorial stele for Baron Heinrihs Ādolfs fon Vulfs (1765–1843). Members of the Wulf family are buried in the Aumeisteru kungu kapi Cemetery; the dates on the gravestones go back as far as the 17th century. The cemetery entrance gate features an oriental-style arch and two turrets.

What is known about the Aumeisteri Lutheran Church?

The Aumeisteri Lutheran Church was bombed during the war in 1943. Masonry ruins have survived to this day. The church is also included in a list of Aumeisteri’s “interesting places”.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Smiltenes Novads.