Jelgava is a charming town located in the Zemgale region of Latvia, close to Riga. Jelgava has a rich history, impressive architecture and vibrant culture, making it a must-see for travelers looking for new experiences and additional historical knowledge.
Jelgava is a city in the central part of the country. 45 km southwest of Riga, at the mouth of the Drikszna River into Lelupa, a separate town.
Sand Sculpture Park
Jelgava is known as a city of students and numerous festivals. There is a common opinion that Jelgava is a nice place to live, and despite its short distance and good connection to the capital, many residents, even young ones, do not want to leave – they have everything they need here. There are good universities, lots of greenery, nice areas to relax, everything is close, there is more and more work, and high level entertainment. After all, Jelgava is the festival capital of Latvia and everyone will find something for themselves here – this is where, among others, the following events take place every year: sand sculpture festival, ice sculpture festival, Night of Legends, multidisciplinary Jelgava City Festival, and even a festival of… metal (raw material).
Palace in Jelgava
Jelgava Palace it former residence of Courland and Zemgale dukes, now- the house of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU). Jelgava Palace is the largest Baroque style palace in the Baltic states, the greatest work of famous Russian court architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and one of the few cultural monuments remained in Jelgava.
Cathedral of Saints Simeon and Anna in Jelgava
The Cathedral of Sts Simeon and Anne in Jelgava, is a cathedral of the Latvian Orthodox Church, one of four Orthodox cathedrals in Latvia.The cathedral was built between 1890 and 1892, with the financial support of Tsar Alexander III of Russia, on designs made by architect Nikolai Chagin, of Vilnius.
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The church was designed by the architect K.E. Strandmanis and it was built in 1906. The church is in pseudo-Gothic style and it is splendidly decorated. There is a bas-relief The Last Supper above the entrance which is the art work of local importance. During World War II the church caught fire; the renovation was completed only in 1992, when the church tower obtained its previous shape. Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II awarded it the status of “Cathedral” in 1996.
Jełgawa Academic Gymnasium
Jelgava Gymnasium or Academia Petrina is the oldest and most prestigious secondary school in what is now Latvia, operating in the years 1772–1945 in Jelgava.
Tower of the Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava was once one of the first Lutheran churches in Europe built with stone. It was constructed in 1574 by order from the Duke of Courland Gotthard Kettler. Up until the end of WWII, it was the largest church in Zemgale featuring one of the main features of Jelgava’s skyline – an 80-meter high renaissance-style church tower. Unfortunately, after the church was destroyed in 1944, it was never restored, however, the church tower remained in place. After extensive reconstruction, Jelgava Holy Trinity Church tower was reborn.
Wooden boardwalks at the flood-land meadows of the River Svēte
Svēte Floodplain Meadow Boardwalks: The footbridges are divided into two parts that are not connected to each other. In the longest section (1103 m), the wooden footbridges are created as a labyrinth of footbridges over the floodplain meadows, and it is a very exclusive walking place in the spring when the meadows are flooded. This section is located at Sniega Street. The second shortest (562 m), but the most picturesque trail has been created around the Miezites pond. Go to it from the side of Miezīte road. Discover corner of nature in Jelgava city.
