Discover Zilupe: Churches, Valley Trails and Culture

• The Saveļinki Chapel was built in 1806 and preserves an interior dating from the 18th century.
• The Grīva flows through the Zilupe Valley; Lakes Zaļesje and Sovāni are also located there.
• Routes range from a 1.2 km walking trail to two longer routes that can also be travelled by car.

The Saveļinki Chapel is a nationally significant cultural monument and a popular folk place of worship. Its altars are decorated with Baroque woodcarvings. Its construction date and interior tell different chapters: the chapel was built in 1806, but preserves an interior dating from the 18th century.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Zilupe was built and consecrated in 2019. The church houses Šenbergs’ altarpiece “Jēzus nes svētību Latgales laukiem.” It offers another specific connection to art alongside the area’s historic churches and chapels.

Another stop is the Zilupe Church “Kristus krusta pacelšanas baznīca.” After a fire in May 2004, it was largely rebuilt within four years. The building features murals on its walls and ceilings, as well as a library with books, press publications, video and audio recordings.

The interactive orientation game “Iepazīsti Zilupi!” follows a 1.2 km route to be completed on foot. The “Zilupe – City of Tolerance” route is 3 km long, while “Stories of the Zilupe Valley” covers 5 km. Both longer routes can be travelled on foot or by car.

The differences lie in the route length and the stated mode of transport: the orientation game is the shortest option and is specifically designed for walking, while the two longer routes can be travelled on foot or by car. The “Zilupe – City of Tolerance” route connects sacred sites with stops highlighting the city’s history and commemorative heritage. Zilupe has preserved every monument ever erected in the city.

The Zilupe Valley begins on the outskirts of Zilupe and stretches past Zaļesje Castle to Duboviki. The Grīva flows through the valley, and Lakes Zaļesje and Sovāni are also located there. Those interested in the landscape will find a different focus here than on routes to churches and memorial sites: the emphasis is on the course of the valley and its waterways.

Founded in 1962, the Zilupe Town Cultural Centre offers a glimpse into different aspects of local cultural life. Five amateur groups are active there: the youth folk dance ensemble “Tracis” (2014), the middle-generation folk dance ensemble “Zilupes dancis” (2014), the women’s vocal ensemble “Fortuna” (2003), the amateur theatre “Vivat!” (2005) and the stage dance studio “Impulse” (2004). Group memberships may change.

In Saveļinki, near Zilupe, the Zilupe Film Village offers horseback rides past filming locations and nighttime film screenings. Arrange your arrival in advance. Café “Latgale” is another local stop for travellers interested in home-style cooking.

Which stops are on the “Zilupe – City of Tolerance” route?

The 3 km route leads to Zilupe railway station, the Brothers’ Cemetery for soldiers who fell in the Second World War, the synagogue memorial, the Orthodox church, the Saveļinki Chapel, the Lutheran church memorial and the Baptist prayer house.

What is known about the bell at the Church of the Sacred Heart?

The tower of the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart houses a historic bell belonging to the Dominican Order of Pasiene. It is dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer, was cast in 1777 and weighs 256 kilograms.

What does Café “Latgale” offer?

The café serves home-style cooking and, on weekdays, set lunches to take away; it can accommodate up to 40 guests. Siberian pelmeni made according to an authentic recipe passed down through generations are especially recommended. As the menu may change, it is best to ask about current options in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Zilupes Novads.