Discover Lizums through its manor house history, local history museum and works of art around the village. Together, these themes take you from a 19th-century manor house to regional history and contemporary art.
Manor House History and Park
Lizuma Manor was built around the middle of the 19th century in the English Gothic Revival style. The Blue Hall, or “Zilā zāle” in Latvian, is the best-preserved part of the original interior. Lizuma Manor Park covers about five hectares, adding a distinct landscape dimension to the view of the estate.
The estate’s ownership history also has a specific date: Otto Gotlībs von Wolff acquired Lizuma Manor in 1836. The manor house was built around the middle of the 19th century. This means the acquisition preceded the construction of the manor house.
Local History Museum and Regional Figures
The Lizums local history museum displays materials on the region’s history, the writer Apsīšu Jēkabs and other regional figures. It also features a sculpture collection by Vilis Zvaigznītis. The museum thus brings regional history, literature and sculpture together, rather than limiting the visit to the history of the manor estate.
The museum offers guided tours for groups of up to six people. The tour is listed as lasting 1 to 1.5 hours and costing EUR 6.00. Arrange the details before your trip so you can take this visiting option into account when planning.
Windmill, Artists’ House and Art Around the Village
The Lizums windmill was built in the first half of the 19th century. Another address associated with art history is “Saulieši,” the home of the Brekte family of artists in Lizums. It houses an exhibition hall connected with the family’s professional artists. Visits are by prior arrangement.
In the centre of the parish, next to the bus stop, stands “Tautumeita,” a sculpture by Lea Davidova-Medene. The artistic concept for the Lizums bus stop was created by Patricija and Kristians Brekte. Participants in the parish festival carried it out on 13 August 2011 under the direction of a group of artists. The two artistic features differ in form: one is a sculpture, while the other is an artistically designed bus-stop concept with a documented completion date.
The parish cultural centre is now housed in the former manor granary. The building combines its former function as a granary with its present-day cultural use.
Excursions in the Surrounding Area
Various gatherings are held at “Kalaņģi,” where old traditions and crafts are presented. The Lizums literary listening trail is different: it loops around the birthplace of Apsīšu Jēkabs, “Kalaņģi,” and returns to its starting point. Visitors interested in literature will find a trail with a clear connection to a regional figure, while the gatherings at “Kalaņģi” focus on traditions and crafts.
The Velēna Church is also near Lizums. It was consecrated in 1898 and houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the church and parish. Another nearby stop is “Gosupes velns,” a sculpture by Vilis Zvaigznītis. It stands where the Velēna–Lizums road branches off onto an old road.
Practical Information for Getting Around
Lizums railway station is part of the area’s transport history; it was built at a convenient junction of dirt roads. The “Ozoli” bistro is in the centre of Lizums and serves hot meals; it also prepares takeaway food. Check the opening details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Namsadi, Stāmeriena, Velēna, Gulbene, Galgauska, Daukstes, Litene, Stāķi.
For the broader travel overview: Gulbenes Novads.
