The Preiļi Manor Complex and Park
Description
The Preiļi Manor Complex and each of its individual buildings (palace, chapel, stables, gates, gatekeeper’s house, park) are architectural monuments of national significance.
The romantic landscape garden that is Preiļi Park was created in the mid-19th century, and it remains one of the most remarkable country parks in Latvia. Covering 47 hectares, of which around 13 hectares are ponds and canals, and boasting at least 25 species of trees and shrubs, including several great trees, Preiļi Park is the largest urban park in Latvia.
It is hypothesised that the park’s layout was designed by the Italian architect Vincenzo de Mazotti (1756-1798). It used to be surrounded by a decorative fortification (castello) and four-row avenues of linden trees. The park’s central element is an enchanting system of ponds and canals with numerous islands and peninsulas, created by flooding the Preiļupīte River. Its glades are adorned by gazebos sheltered by linden trees or other, non-native trees and shrubs. The park has exceptionally beautiful and well-maintained shrubberies, including spindle, honeysuckle, and black elder, to name a few.
Preiļi Palace is an outstanding example of 19th-century Historicist manor architecture in Latgale. It embodies the Romantic period in Latvian manors’ artistic and social life. As an architectural monument, the palace’s main value today is its build and façades, as well as the historical layout and decoration of the interior. During the Middle Ages, the Preiļi region belonged to the Livonian Order which erected a castle here, and in 1382, the region and its future palace came into the hands of Count von der Borch’s family. The palace combines three architectural styles: Neo-Gothic, Classical, and Romantic, also called the Tudor style.
Today, the most popular attractions in the park include the Preiļi Chapel, offering a near-private concert performed by Irēna Kjaržuka, Latvia’s only singing guide, and reproductions of paintings and sculptures by sculptor Ēvi Upeniece. The exterior of the palace, the ruins of the Horse Stables and Adam and Eve Island are open to the public. Part of Preiļi Park is used for active recreation – it is a popular summer beach in the city. Meanwhile, nature lovers can enjoy a 2.5 km-long hike down the Great Tree Trail.
Improvements made within the project
The project reconstructed Preiļi Palace’s windows and doors, insulated the attic, and smoothed and partially insulated the inside surface of exterior walls. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of Preiļi Palace, as well as creative workshops and masterclasses.
The project was implemented by Preiļi Municipality Council.
Investments – EUR 549,531.52
Of which:
ERDF funding – EUR 425,000
state budget grant – EUR 18,750
municipal funding – EUR 105,781.52
Address
Raiņa Boulevard 30, Preiļi
Admission fee
Outside visit to the castle is free of charge
Getting there
Access to the palace on foot or by bicycle (there is a car park near the palace where you can safely park your vehicle). Public transport running to Preiļi.
Good to know
Guided tours, including an outside visit to the castle, are available by prior arrangement.
Contacts
Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Arts
+371 65322731, +371 25640398
Preiļi Tourism and Information Office
+371 65322041, +371 29116431
