Sacred places

Ruins of faith

The Holy Trinity Church represents an important historical and religious testimony of Latvia, linked to the spread of Orthodoxy in the 19th century and the tragic events of World War II. History The Holy Trinity Church (Bērzaunes pareizticīgo baznīca), once a place of Latvian Orthodox worship, stood in the parish of Bērzaune, in the district […]

August 15, 2024
Galgauska St.John’s Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church in Galgauska: from its noble construction in the 19th century to the struggle for its preservation, an investigation into the history and symbolic significance of this abandoned building in the heart of Galgauska County. History of the Galgauska Orthodox Church The popular name of the ‘Galgauska Orthodox Church’ comes from the place […]

May 5, 2024
The Orthodox Church of Tolka

Discover the remnants of the Orthodox church built between 1876 and 1878 by architect Robert August Pflug. Though partially destroyed during World War II, the church’s red brick walls still stand, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Tolka Tolka is a village located in the municipality of Vestiena, in the Madona district. Founded around […]

April 26, 2024
The Lutheran Church of Vestiena

The Vestiena Lutheran Church, witness to centuries and historical changes, carries with it a troubled history and a future of rebirth thanks to the efforts of its custodians. History of the Vestiena Lutheran Church During the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Tysenhausen (1590 – 1598) built the first wooden Lutheran church […]

April 25, 2024
Līdēres Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ in Līdēre is a symbol of faith and spirituality, witnessing a history full of challenges and rebirths. Where is it located? The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ of Līdēre is a church of the Latvian Orthodox Church in Līdēre, parish of Arona, municipality of Madona. […]

April 20, 2024
The Kārzdaba Orthodox Church

The Kārzdaba Orthodox Church is a Latvian Orthodox church built in 1875, located in Kārzdaba, Cesvaine parish, Madona municipality. Historical Significance of Kārzdaba: A Hub of Orthodoxy Kārzdaba is a crown manor, an important centre of Orthodoxy in the region with a church, a parish school and two primary schools. The parish was founded in […]

March 27, 2024
The Veckalsnava Lutheran Church

The Veckalsnava Lutheran Church, located in the parish of Kalsnava in Madona County, is in ruins, but its history goes back centuries. Location Positioned near the P37 road (Pļaviņas-Madona) and Kalsnava Lake, this church has gone through times of destruction and rebirth. History According to the chronicles of the Kalsnava church, the first Lutheran church […]

February 3, 2024
Obelisk of the Women of Guria

In the heart of the Guria region of Georgia stands a powerful symbol of strength, resilience and emancipation: the Obelisk of the Women of Guria in Okroskedi. This monument is a tribute to the women who played a key role in shaping the history and culture of the region. A few steps away from the […]

November 9, 2023
Pamir’s Afghan Cemetery & Nosiri Khusrav

In the high mountainous region of the Pamir, about a hundred metres from the Afghan border, lies an abandoned cemetery (khokiston or kabriston in the local language) dating back to 1500. Buried under these earthen mounds are predominantly Afghans and, based on how the stones above each grave were arranged, one could tell whether they […]

September 11, 2023
Goziyon Madrassas

Bukhara, a city steeped in history and architectural wonders, has long been a tapestry of cultural heritage. Among its hidden gems lies the enigmatic tale of Goziyon, a sprawling complex that once thrived as a bastion of education and faith. Standing proudly are the remnants of the grand Goziyon madrassas and towering guldast towers, forming […]

September 3, 2023