Ventava: Manor Avenue, Culture and Cycling Route

• Ventava developed on the grounds of the former Zūru Manor.
• The avenue of Zūru Manor is considered Latvia’s longest double-row avenue.
• The 85-kilometre Circular Cycling Route 561 passes through Zlēkas, Ventava and Zūras.
• The “Mazā Vinda” community centre serves as a venue for events and activities for different generations.

The avenue of Zūru Manor is distinctive in its layout: there are two rows of trees on each side of the road. Lime trees dominate the planting, with ash trees and horse chestnuts appearing at regular intervals. The avenue is therefore not just a single row of trees, but a double planting on both sides of the road. As a natural and cultural heritage site, it offers a unique way to explore the history of the former manor.

Ventava’s origins are also connected to this historical setting: the village developed on the grounds of the former Zūru Manor. Those interested in how places have developed and been used in the past will find two points of interest here: the history of the manor grounds and the avenue’s distinctive design.

The “Mazā Vinda” community centre is an important event venue. Amateur arts groups rehearse there, and themed gatherings are held there. The centre provides events and activities for different generations, and its rooms can accommodate up to 50 people. The rooms can also be rented for private events.

Groups associated with the community centre include “Vāruve”, a dance ensemble for the middle generation from Vārves pagasts. It rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. The amateur theatre “Vārava” was founded in 2010. Its performances have been staged in numerous municipalities in Kurzeme, in Alūksne, Koknese District, Riga and Eslingen, Germany.

The women’s vocal ensemble “Tev līdzās” also shows that cultural life reaches beyond a single place: its members include women from Ventava, Zūras, Vārve, Užava and Ventspils. The groups mentioned differ in their art forms and their connections to Ventava.

The Ventava Spring Market described offered local produce, handicrafts, plants, manufactured goods and treats available at the event venue.

The cultural and entertainment programme at the Ventava Spring Market described included performances by amateur arts groups and a group line-dancing session. A distinctive culinary stop in Ventava is the “Rūtas Karaliskie gardumi” confectionery at 15 Ventas iela.

Circular Cycling Route 561 is 85 kilometres long in total and passes through Zlēkas, Ventava and Zūras. Along the route, Ventava lies between Zlēkas and Zūras. The total distance refers to the circular route, not to an individual section near Ventava.

More places to compare: Zūras, Ventspils, Užava, Vendzavas, Liepene, Vārve, Miķeļtornis and Usma.

How long is Circular Cycling Route 561?

Circular Cycling Route 561 is 85 kilometres long. It passes through Zlēkas, Ventava and Zūras, with Ventava lying between Zlēkas and Zūras along the route.

What can you expect at the “Mazā Vinda” community centre?

Amateur arts groups rehearse there, and themed gatherings are held there. The community centre serves as a venue for events and activities for different generations. Its rooms can accommodate up to 50 people.

What is part of the Ventava Spring Market?

The market offers local produce, handicrafts, plants, manufactured goods and treats. The cultural and entertainment programme includes performances by amateur arts groups and a group line-dancing session.

For the broader travel overview: Ventspils.