Matīši’s St. Matthew’s Church was consecrated on September 21, 1687. The surrounding area has other cultural and natural points of interest: Jēkabkalns is part of the former Bauņi Manor Park, while a colony of white storks is located in an old larch avenue in Matīšu pagasts. When planning your visit, it is therefore worth distinguishing between Matīši itself and destinations in the surrounding area. Depending on your interests, cultural history, an event date, or the landscape and wildlife may be the deciding factor.
Church, Local History and Culture
A 2012 description notes that the Matīši local history center contains information about the history of Matīši dating back to the year the parish was founded. This gives two points of reference in time: the consecration of a specific church building and the beginning of the parish’s history. The history of the area can thus be viewed both through an individual building and through the parish as a historical framework.
The second Latvian Song Festival, also known as the Vidzeme Latvian Song Days, was held at Jēkabkalns near Matīši in 1865. Both names refer to the same historical event. Jēkabkalns is also part of the former Bauņi Manor Park, bringing a cultural and a landscape point of interest together at the same named location.
Landscape and Nature in the Surroundings
The former Bauņi Manor Park is characterized by varied terrain and dendrological plantings; Jēkabkalns is part of this park. The terrain describes the shape of the land, while the dendrological plantings refer to the trees and shrubs. This means that the area around Matīši is described not only as the setting for a historical event, but also in terms of specific park features.
The white stork colony is outside the town center, in Matīšu pagasts, in an old larch avenue along the Valmiera–Matīši–Mazsalaca road (P16). A 2022 report recorded more than 30 nests there and described the colony as the largest in the Baltic States. The number of nests may change; the comparison is also tied to the date of that report. This makes it possible to distinguish the specific location from the time-limited nest count and ranking.
Another destination in the surrounding area is Pučurgas Great Boulder in Matīšu pagasts; its volume is 12 m³. A 2020 project report describes how the stone was made accessible for visitors and paths and an information board were installed. These details refer to the arrangements at that time; access and facilities may have changed. Check access before visiting if you plan to make the stone a fixed part of your itinerary.
Events and When to Visit
Matīši pagasts Day is held every year on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August. In late May, the folk dance group concert “Naktsputni” takes place at the Matīši open-air stage. This gives you two different occasions: a recurring three-day festival and a concert in late spring. If you are planning your trip around one of these dates, check the specific event days. This will help you plan your stay around the event that matters most to you.
Discover more destinations: Vecate, Burtnieki, Mīlīte.
View the broader travel guide: Burtnieku Novads.
