Unconventional route around Kurzeme. What to see in Kazdanga?

Kazdanga is a small and very cozy town in Kurzeme, in the Aizpute region, located 175 km from Riga and 60 km from Liepaja.

1. Kazdanga Palace

The Kazdanga Palace was built in 1800-1804 in the style of classicism. Having burned down in 1905, it was rebuilt in neoclassical style.

The manor complex of Kazdanga belonged to the very wealthy and politically influential Kurzeme’s barons Manteuffels for many decades.
Currently, the castle building houses a museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Kazdanga.

Address: Jaunatnes gatve 1, Kazdanga

2. Von Manteuffel’s tomb

In the park by the palace, you will find the tomb of the Manteuffels family. Its erection was conducted from 1903 to 1904, but the works were interrupted by the First World War. Previously, a marble monument stood in the tomb; fountains and grave platforms were covered with heavy stone slabs with images of the deceased.

Location: 56.735829, 21.732882

3. Stone bridge

The stone bridge was built in 1840. It leads to a ravine at the end of the linden alley of the Kazdanga estate and is decorated with granite columns with iron chains and ornaments.

Location: Pils gatves beigas, Kazdanga

4. Mill Lake in Kazdanga

The mill was built in 1840, but was later completely reconstructed; only the external facade slightly reminds of that time. The mill dam is very well preserved. On the lake, you can rent water catamarans.

Address: Liepu gate 10, Kazdanga

5. Trail in Kazdanga

Kazdanga Park is the largest in Latvia: its area reaches 196 hectares. There are many paths in the park, informative signs placed at every step and markings on the trees with yellow, green and red badges. On the way, you can discover exotic tree species, fish ponds, a lake, a river, a coniferous forest, and several recreation areas. In total, 154 species of birds may be noted on the route.

Location: Skatu tornis, Kazdanga

6. Stone grotto

Built in 1914, the boulder grotto was Baron von Manteuffel’s favorite resting place. According to legend, the baron went to the grotto to drink tea, and the park around it was so acoustic, that the baron, sitting in the grotto, heard every conversation that took place in the estate.

Location: The grotto can be found by following one of the bike paths that runs along the coast of Dzirnezers, revealing a beautiful landscape and curious wooden sculptures along the way.

Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)