Tourism objects

Among the few Kraslavas region Orthodox churches, only one - Piedrujas Orthodox Church - can be proud of its six domes. This is one of the most beautiful and the most architecturally interesting churches in our region. It had been built in 1885, when the old little wooden church could no longer serve all the Orthodox believer. Book your visit in advance!

The first church in Piedruja was a wooden building, had been built in 1632. It had been built by the Lithuanian State Chancellor Prince Leons Sapieha. This church had burned down, but in 1759 the current stone church was built. There is an illusive altar in Piedrujas Catholic church. Book your visit in advance!

The first Pustinas church had been built in 1737, it was a wooden building. In 1817 the new church construction had begun. It was built of red bricks; the foundations were from hewed stones. In 1899 church construction was completed; it was consecrated in the honour of the Virgin Mary's Ascension. Book your visit in advance!

The first wooden church had been built in 1822 as Elernes branch. In 1929 canon J. Borodzics built the current stone church in Varnavici, which is located 3 km from the former church site. Book your visit in advance!

The history of Vecbornes church is extremely interesting, because there are two Vecbornes churches in Latvia. One is located in the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, second - in Kraslavas region, Kaplavas rural municipality. The wooden church of Old Bornes, which is now situated in the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, presumably, had been built in 1537. In 1936 at the suggestion of Monument Board and Ethnographic Open Air Museum Vecbornes church was dismantled and transferred to Riga. New church design and construction is being held on the initiative of Monument Board in Borne. The current church of Borne was built and consecrated in 1939. Book your visit in advance!

Coming to the town from the direction of Riga the guests can see Adamovas Hillfort. It is situated on the edge of the ancient River Daugava valley between two deep ravines. The height of the hill is 40 m. As many other places on the banks of River Daugava, this ancient hill was inhabited too. In 1958 archeologically unexplored ancient hill was destroyed, because of the constructive works on a new Riga – Kraslava highway. No­wadays the observation area of the hillfort is the most favourite place for walks and relaxation of the town’s inhabitants and guests.

Built in 1789 as a catholic chapel of St. Vincent hospital. In 1856 a piece of land was bought from count Platers in order to begin construction of a new church. The old St. Yuri church was torn down and a cross was put in the place of the demolished altar. Construction of the new church was finished in 08.09.1859 and it was consecrated in honor of Our Lady’s patronage. It was meant originally for both Orthodox and Old-believers. In 1867 it was consecrated as an Orthodox church. Register in advance!

One of the oldest wooden churches in Latgale had been situated on the lakeside of Aulejas lake. It had been built in 1530. The old church had been destroyed during the war. The current stone church was built in baroque style in 1709. Old wooden statues are placed in the niches of the church in the facade at the entrance. In the church there are a lot of old things that are art objects of national significance. The organ music concerts can be ordered on request. Book your visit in advance!

In former times Balbinova (Indra) had been in Piedruja congregation. In 1801 Nitoslavsku family asked Tsar Alexander I the permission to build their wooden chapel on the family cemetery. In 1803 chapel was built. In 1940 the new church building was almost completed, it was consecrated by Bishop Jazeps Rancans. Improvement works continued also after the consecration. Book your visit in advance!

Borovkas church was built in 1811 by Vaclovs and Kasimir Plateri. Borovka was Kraslavas congregation branch. Book your visit in advince!

Unique wooden architectural monument (1655–1658). It is the oldest wooden church in Latgale. Indrica catholic church was built even before reformation. With the spread of Lutheranism in Indrica, Protestants took possesion of the church. In 1695 landlord Jānis Andrejs Platers accepted Christianity and in 1698 the church was rebuilt and handed over to Catolics. In the choir room there is an old-fashioned organ with peculiar woodcarvings. There are 4 altars with woodcarvings and ancient paintings. Book your visit in advance!

The first wooden church in Izvalta was built in 1625. In the 18th century it was rebuil and the bishop of Livonia Antons Ostrovskis sanctified it in honour to St. Michael archangel. In 1896 the present church of Izvalta was built. Book your visit in advance!

A picturesque place that has a connection with a romantic legend about a big and devoted love between Count Plater’s daughter Emilia and a Polish officer Joseph Karnicky. A fascinating event which had a tragic end happened in 1838 in Kraslava. At one of the dancing parties Count Plater’s daughter Emilia got acquainted with the owner of Eversmuiža, a military officer Joseph Karnicky. The young people fell in love with each other. Count Plater was against that love, he had planned to marry Emilia off to a wealthier man and a notable representative of their family circle. Emilia and Joseph decided to kill themselves on one day: Joseph had to shoot himself on one of Kraslava’s hills, but Emilia had to jump out of the window of the third floor of Kraslava Palace. After seeing the sign Joseph shot himself, but Emilia was saved by a servant at the last moment. Joseph was buried on the place of his death. The monument was built. The inscription on the tombstone said: “Don’t judge and you won’t be judged as well”. Next day a spring sprung out from the mountain. It is said that whoever drinks the water from the spring on the night of Jaņi with his loved one will be happy and loved till the end of his life. After some years his remains were reburied in Eversmuiža, but the monument remained in Kraslava. The beautiful story of the big and faithful love is told from generation to generation. That place is named Karnicky’s Hill or the Hill of Love. In 2020, a viewing telescope was installed on the top of the Karnicka hill, which currently allows to enjoy a wonderful view of the Daugava bends and the architecture of Krāslava.

When in 1767 a new stone church had been built in Kraslava, the old had been demolished and transferred to Kombuli. This church in Kombuli existed for about 60 years. In 1818 the old wooden church was demolished and a stone chapel was built, it was dedicated to St. Janis honour. It was Kraslavas church branch. The improvement and reconstruction works of the church continued until the 40s in the 20th century. Book your visit in advance!

The Lutheran Church, partly surrounded by old trees, is situated in Krāslava, in the corner of Counts Platers park. The first foundation stone had been placed in 1935; the church had been consecrated in 1938. The church had worked until 1944. In the 1950s, the church tower had been pulled down. In 1984 the museum exhibition hall was established here, it was located here until 1996, when the congregation regained the church. Services in Kraslava Lutheran congregation are held on the 1st and 3r Sundays of the month. Register in advance!

The Kraslava Catholic Church is the most outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Latgale. The first wooden church for Catholics was built between 1580 and 1590 by Miķelis de Brunavs. The present church was constructed from 1755 to 1767 according to the design of the Italian architect Antonio Paraco. In the altar area of the church there is an 18th-century fresco painted by the Italian artist Filippo Castaldi, “Saint Louis Sets Out on a Crusade.” The restoration of the fresco took 12 years and was completed in 2015. Of particular significance are the relics of Saint Donatus the Martyr, which attract a large number of believers, making Kraslava the second largest pilgrimage destination in Latgale after Aglona. From 1757 to 1844, a theological seminary operated next to the church—the first institution of higher education in Latvia. From May 15 to September 15, the church is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At other times, visits must be arranged in advance. Guided tours must be booked in advance!

Russian Old-Believers have been living on the territory of Latgale for more than three hundred years. According to the information received, one of the Old-Believers’ church was on the Daugava’s bank in Ratuža Street. The Parish was offi­cially registered in 1850. A local merchant gave up his outbuildings to rebuild and make an Old-Believers church approximately in 1859. It was sanctified to the honour under the shelter of God-Mother. The Church caught fire on December 7, 2002; it damaged the building and some valuable icons. The construction of a new Old- Believers church was begun on the place of the burnt down old chapel. The sanctification of the building was on October 26, 2008. Register in advance!

This is the newest church in the county. In 2007 it was consecrated in the honour of European guardians St. Brigita and St. Katrina. Mother's of God grotto and the statue is placed in the garden of Priedaines Church. Advance booking required!

The first Skaistas Catholic Church had been built in the 1778-1788. The church had burned down during the First World War. In 1920-1921 the current wooden church was built. Advance booking required!

18th century architectual monument of national importance. Built from 1750 to 1791. At the beginning of 19th century it was rebuilt in accordance with the canons of Classicism. It is the only castle in Latgale with such decor (architect A. Parako). Krāslava palace is the only palace in Latgale with such a decor. The manager's house, stables and servants' house were built next to the palace.