Lielvirbi: Manor House, Park and Nature Trail
Accommodation in Lielvirbi
Lielvirbi combines a manor house with a history dating back to the 19th century and surroundings of river and forest. For your planning, it is important to note that the manor house’s central complex can be visited by prior arrangement. Nearby, a nature trail leads through the forest to Virsaisi Waterfall.
Lielvirbi at a glance
Lielvirbi Manor House is located in the Abava Valley on the banks of the Virbupe. Its restoration was completed in 2012. The central complex comprised at least 28 buildings. Nearby, a nature trail leads through the forest to Virsaisi Waterfall. The manor house accommodates tourist groups wishing to stay overnight.
What does the manor house tell us about the history of the place?
Around 1875, the manor house was remodelled in the Historicist style to a design by architect Theodore Zeiler. The large complex of buildings is an important part of this history: the restoration covered not only the manor house building, but also the barn, washhouse and servants’ house. If you are interested in historic architecture, you can view these buildings and their different functions as clues to the history of the estate.
The manor house’s former use is also documented: from 1800 to 1802, Karl Ferdinand Amenda taught Baron Schtromberg’s children music there. This gives the place a musical connection in addition to its architecture. Ancient Curonian burial grounds are also located near the manor house. Lazdu kalniņš is a state-protected archaeological monument above ground, with a burial ground in Abavas pagasts; it is a distinct historical point of interest in the region.
What can you discover in the surrounding area?
For a stay focused on landscape and nature, there is another option besides the architectural history: the nature trail near Lielvirbi leads through the forest to Virsaisi Waterfall. The waterfall lies west of the manor house on a small stream that flows year-round, by the Virbupe River. When planning, you can therefore choose between visiting the manor house’s central complex and a nature destination, without treating them as the same activity.
The Žuburstrauts watercourse is also part of the Lielvirbi area. It is 9 kilometres long and runs near Lielvirbi. If you are interested in waterways and landscapes, this specific length is a useful reference for understanding the watercourse; however, it does not indicate any particular route distance or walking time.
A park in the English style was laid out around the manor house at the end of the 19th century. Together with its location on the banks of the Virbupe, it adds a landscape dimension to the historic buildings. The manor house is therefore particularly well suited to your plans if you are interested in both the history of an estate and nature.
What should you know about visiting and accommodation?
The manor house’s central complex can be visited by prior arrangement. Be sure to arrange a time before making the visit part of your plans. The manor house accommodates tourist groups wishing to stay overnight.
For other destinations to include in your travel plans, you can also visit the pages on Mordanga, Talsi, Spāre, Dzedri, Brieži, Aklaisciems, Sabile and Jaunpagasts.
FAQ
Can the manor house’s central complex be visited?
Yes. The central complex can be visited by prior arrangement.
When was the manor house remodelled in the Historicist style?
The remodelling to a design by Theodore Zeiler took place around 1875.
Is there a nature trail near Lielvirbi?
Yes. A nature trail leads through the forest to Virsaisi Waterfall.
Does the manor house accommodate groups staying overnight?
The manor house accommodates tourist groups wishing to stay overnight.
For the overarching travel overview: Talsu Novads.
