Hotel in Varakļānu Parish between Raised Bogs and Cultural History

Varakļānu Parish combines expansive bog landscapes with historical landmarks around Stirniene. The Teiču Nature Reserve is Latvia’s largest nature reserve; Teiču Bog is one of the largest untouched raised bogs in the Baltics. The Teiču Nature Reserve also includes part of Varakļānu Parish. This means that part of this significant bog area lies within the municipality’s boundaries.

Nature

Teiču protects rare bird species typical of bogs, serves as a feeding and resting place for migratory waterfowl, and preserves plant species and habitats typical of wetlands. Visiting is subject to clear temporal and organisational conditions: the nature reserve may only be visited accompanied by an employee of the Nature Conservation Agency and exclusively from 1 June to 31 October.

Another natural area is the Lielais Pelečāres purvs Nature Reserve, which also includes part of Varakļānu Parish. The Lielais Pelečāres purvs area consists of a raised bog bordered by forests where various woodpecker species breed. Thus, alongside the open bog areas, the adjacent forest habitats and their distinctive birdlife are also a focus.

Culture

The area’s historical character is particularly evident in Stirniene. The former church in Stirniene was built between 1757 and 1767, later dismantled and moved to Rudzāti. Part of the church’s historic collection of liturgical vestments has been preserved. St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Stirniene was built in 1907 as a masonry church during the period when older wooden churches in Latgale were being replaced.

St. Lawrence Church contains a memorial plaque dedicated to Bishop Boļeslavs Sloskāns (1893–1981). The church is located at 9 Bīskapa-Sloskāna Street; the priest’s telephone number is provided as the contact. In addition, an architectural monument of regional significance has been included in the state list of protected cultural monuments.

Stirniene Manor is also part of this historical setting. It was initially owned by the Borch family and later by the Lappo family. Stirniene Manor and its park are designated as an area of local cultural-historical and natural significance. An ash tree is visible through the gate at the entrance to Stirniene Park. The manor is also a sight along the Historic Road to Stirniene route.

History

The Historic Road to Stirniene route introduces visitors to the history of Stirniene Parish. It provides information about nearby burial mounds, the cultural heritage left by the Borch family, school life in Stirniene, and the history of the Catholic parish of Stirniene. It also addresses the contribution of two figures from Latvia’s spiritual and cultural life, as well as the historical connections associated with the places along this route.

A memorial to those repressed between 1941 and 1949 is located in Stirniene railway station square. It complements the ecclesiastical and manor-related landmarks with a place commemorating the history of the 20th century.

Local Flavours

At Cinīši, the focus is on processing its own agricultural products. Cinīši is a family farm that keeps goats and processes goat’s milk into homemade ice cream and cheese. Four varieties of goat’s milk cheese are produced at Cinīši. Excursions were offered there for the summer season. The combination of animal husbandry and processing therefore remains visible at a specific farm and through its named products.

In addition, Grozas is another place belonging to this subregion.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varakļāni Municipality.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Varakļānu Town, Murmastiene Parish.