Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre has developed a graphic plan of Vecpilsētas Street Quarter in Jelgava, which includes a schematic map and a brief description about prominent objects of Vecpilsētas Street Quarter.
The material includes the territory of Vecpilsētas Street Quarter – Vecpilsētas Street, J. Asara Street, Dobeles Street and Kr. Barona Street, and also contains information about eight objects of the Old Town – Jelgava Old Town House, Zemgale Restoration Centre, environmental object “Laika rats 100”, House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts, Dobele Gates and the Road of Nails, as well as cafes “Brokastnīca” and “Pie mednieka”. The route and sequence of visiting the objects included in the plan can be arranged at each traveller's choice.
In Jelgava Old Town House, visitors can see, how this 18th century building has been restored and gain insight into the lost wooden architecture of old Jelgava, and by assistance of audio guide and interactive exhibition everyone can imagine the features of the old Jelgava. The tour of Jelgava Old Town House will take approximately one hour.
Visitors are welcome from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00 o'clock and on Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00 o'clock. Ticket price for adults – 4 euros, students, pupils, pensioners – 1.50 euros, family ticket – 6 euros. Jelgava Old Town House also offers rent of meeting premises for organisation of various lectures, seminars and master classes for up to 30 persons.
Zemgale Restoration Centre accommodates metal, textile and ceramic products restoration workshops, the equipment of which meets the modern specifics and needs of restoration works. Upon previous registration, here you can restore any old, inherited porcelain cup, glass vase, folk costume or metal object.
The environmental object “Laika rats 100” created by the sculptor Kārlis Īle is dedicated to the centenary of Latvia and depicts significant persons and events in the history of Latvia over a period of 100 years. This environmental object displays 10 stylised figures of persons arranged in a circle, opposite to whom everybody can see own reflection, thus emphasising that the country is formed by each of us.
At the House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts, visitors can get acquainted with the delicate work of weavers, see how a folk costume is made, and also have a chance to sit at the loom themselves. Upon previous registration, one can go on a house tour with a guide, which will take approximately one hour. Also various Latvian master classes and educational programmes are available, for example, bread baking or pancake cooking classes, or making of Zemgale region folk costume. Special offers are available for newly married couples on their wedding day, as well as a possibility to rent the spacious yard for various social events, including wedding ceremonies. The House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts is open for visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00 o'clock and on Sunday from 10.00 to 15.00 o'clock. Ticket price for adults – 5 euros, students, pupils, pensioners – 2 euros, family ticket – 10 euros.
Near the House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts, visitors can view a memorial sign for Dobele Gates, and also the Road of Nails. The sign dedicated to Dobele Gates is installed at the location of the historical town gates, thus marking one of eight gates of Jelgava of the 17th century. Whereas the Road of Nails – 800 nails made by a blacksmith of Jelgava and hammered into sidewalks of the town – mark the location of the old town defensive wall and the town borders. The road leads from the intersection of Uzvaras Street and Ausekļa Street to the intersection of Dobeles Street and Vecpilsētas Street.
The material is available free of charge at Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre or download at the website.
Information prepared by
Jelgava State City Municipal Institution “Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre”