Jurmala has always been associated with the immigrants from the post-Soviet space with something soft, rainbow - with a beautiful leisure and warm atmosphere. Even after the collapse of the Union, she continues to attract numerous tourists from neighboring countries, although in recent times it can be seen and more and more guests from far abroad. And it is no coincidence. After all, this Latvian resort is not only a good place for a measured holiday by the sea, but also the city with rich in nature and culture, which really is what to see. In addition, it is very close to Riga, so often travelers who come to the capital of Latvia are visiting and here to get acquainted with this famous resort.
So, what can I see in Jurmala and what should be paid priority? I will say right away that the main sights of the city are very compact, almost along one line. Although there is something for which they will have to go down a bit away. But first things first.
Among the main architectural attractions, Jurmala must be noted a small but interesting Holy Vladimir Church In the area of Dubulta. It was built in 1867 and reveal until now by Orthodox pilgrims due to rare and miraculous icons stored in it. The most famous of them are the image of St. Nicholas Wonderworker, the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarovsky, Blessed Matrona Moscow, as well as the extraordinary image of the Kazan Mother of God.
In addition, you need to highlight the Kemeri National Park Petropavlovsk Church . This is the Orthodox Church, erected in 1891 and open during the development of local medical sources. Built from a tree and characterized by a fairly simple indoor decoration, the temple attracts, first of all, an amazing iconostasis, an unusual and colorful painting of outdoor walls, and also stored inside the icons of the Iberian Most Holy Mother of God, the Mother of Mother "Spear Selfish" and the Holy Great Martyr and Healer of Panteleimon, brought in late 19th century from Mount Athos.
In the Jurmala district, there were always prestigious cottages and holiday homes. Therefore, it is not surprising that some of them can be seen now. So, during his trip to this corner of Latvia, it is necessary to visit Crystap and Augustus MotherG..
Built in the early 19th century from a tree in the style of Neoeta, this castle is really impressive. No, do not think, it is not a huge fortress with braces and gear walls, but a very compact structure, decorated with turrets, huge stained glass windows and carvings. At first glance, it creates an atmosphere of some comfort and even I would say fabulous. Not less than the appearance, fascinates the history of this place. By the way, the castle was restored not so long ago - somewhere in 2007, and only from that time, visitors began to start renovated. They can see not only vintage wallpaper drawn by hand, but also painted ceiling in the living room, very beautiful tires and carved furniture. Initially, he was built by Kristap and the August Merberg, which up to his old age would relieve him and rebuilt. A wonderful garden with rare plants was broken around the castle, which was a real botanical reserve after some time. Later, the owners bequeathed their heritage to the University of Latvia (which he, by the way, is now owned). And it is this institution, with the support of the EuroFanda, it took at the beginning of the two thousand and restoration of this architectural property of the city (in Soviet times there was a sanatorium on the territory of the castle, and in the cellar of the greenhouse - a balsamny bar).
Fans of poetry no less interesting will be visited House-Museum of Aspasia - The most famous Latvian poetess Elsa Rosenberg (writing under the pseudonym aspasia).
In her house, built in 1903 in the narrower place between the River Lieleup and the Riga Bay in Dubulta, is often crowded. Not only tourists come here, wishing to get acquainted with the personal life and the work of this talented woman, but also bring whole groups of schoolchildren from different cities of the country. By the way, the excursions are carried out very interesting here. In addition to the fact that you can just walk around the rooms, considering the old furniture and other household items, the tourist may well offer to participate in a literary evening or creative tea party.
In addition to this literary museum, there is in Jurmala and other entertaining places. So, many attracts the opportunity to look into Jurmala City Museum , gathered in his walls a rich exposition dedicated to the resort's life, starting from the 19th century. In addition, it can see interesting items found by scuba doses at the bottom of the sea, and also to get acquainted with a collection of bathing suits of different times, vintage calendars, posters and postcards. In general, lovers of the antiquity will like it right here.
Not far from the famous Jurmala Concert Hall "Dzintari" in which the "New Wave" and other iconic festivals are held, there is another amazing collection, which gathered in itself Vintage cars . Here you can see not only rare cars, but also motorcycles, and even the Karet "Victoria" belonging to Nicholas II. In general, car enthusiasts will admire. Find this exhibition at Turaidas 11, Dzintari, Jurmala and it works from May to October from 12.00 to 18.00.
In search of something authentic unambiguously go to Jurmala Ethnographic Open Sky Museum . Once at its territory, you can see a typical fishing village, while the excursion for which the curious travelers will not only be taught to knit knots or weave the network, but also will be allowed to taste the baked fish and other traditional fishermen's disadvantages under national music. There is this museum at Jurmala, Tikla 1a, Lielupe and works from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00.
Walking on Jurmala, it is worth paying attention to unusual sculptures adorning the city. We are talking primarily about Globus Jurmala where the lights on the location of the world capitals are in the dark time of the day. Although no less delight can cause a cute sculpture Turtles Standing on Tirgon Street and looking straight into the sea.
In addition, it is impossible to separate Jurmala from its extraordinary nature. So, having arrived here, without a doubt it is worth walking along the Kemeri National Park or the Ragakapa Natural Park.
What do you want to say yet? Jurmala is a truly amazing city, striking its hospitality, abundance of greenery and wooden buildings. This is a city where you want to stay at least on a little bit to relax and move the captivating Nege on the seashore or under the shadow of age-old trees.