{"id":2597,"date":"2018-11-05T11:02:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-05T11:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velovilnius.lt\/balticcycle\/?p=2597"},"modified":"2020-01-08T14:07:18","modified_gmt":"2020-01-08T14:07:18","slug":"latgale-bicycle-lv3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velovilnius.lt\/balticcycle\/de\/latgale-bicycle-lv3\/","title":{"rendered":"[LV3] Latgale by bicycle"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pictures of this region<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n[shashin type=”album” id=”52″ size=”medium” crop=”n” columns=”max” caption=”y” order=”date” position=”center”]\n

The East of Latvia – “Latgale” –<\/p>\n

Is a wide and empty region close to border to Russia and Belarus<\/p>\n

Esit sveicynoti Latgol?! Welcome to Latgale!<\/strong><\/h1>\n


What is Latgale? It\u2019s an ancient part of Latvia, almost a quarter of the whole country, where one third of Latvian population lives. Historically, Latgale was the whole region of Latvia from the River Daugava in the East to the Livian tribe\u2019s border and the Slavs\u2019 borders. Ancient Latgale (nowadays Vidzeme and Latgale) was under Polish rule in 16th century, and was called \u201cPardaugavas hercogiste\u201d. One hundred and fifty castle mounds of Latgale still show where the region\u2019s fortified castles were, where land-lords and local rulers held sway,and where separate regions were prosperous and wealthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nowadays Latgale comprises districts of Balvi, Daugavpils, Kraslavas, Ludzas, Preili and Rezeknes, and land on the right bank of the Daugava in Jekabpils district, and two cities \u2013 Daugavpils and Rezekne.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Latgalian dialect, called the Latgalian language, is an Upper Latvian\u2019s dialect. The colloquial Latgalian dialect is very varied, even within one District, and is rich in specific words. Latgale is rightly called the Land of Blue lakes or Lakeland. There are the largest lake in Latvia – Lubans (82,1 km2), the second largest lake \u2013 the Raznas lake (located near Rezekne), the deepest lake Dridzis (maximum depth – 63 m), which is the deepest in the Baltics. A unique protected natural area is Ezezers with thirty-six island and Velnezers (the Devil\u2019s lake) is famous for its mysterious colour and legends.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Latgale greets tourists with its picturesque views, varied mosaic landscapes with many lakes, forests and hills, and geological curiosities \u2013 great stones (the biggest Latvian great stone is situated in Nicgale (130 m3)), glens and slopes. Latgale is characterized by crucifixes at the road sides, steeples of white churches over coniferous forests, manor-houses and castles. The world famous Catholic religious centre – Aglona Basilica – each year on August 15 attracts thousands of people from different countries to celebrate the Ascension of the Virgin Mary.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ceramics made by potters \u2013 jugs, pots, vases, plates and candlesticks, glittering glaze of warm colours \u2013 it is a traditional part of Latgalian crafts. Each Latgalian potter has his own specific style, leaving his personal mark on Latgalian craft. Patchwork, different kinds of knitting, crochet, carvings in wood, wattle work are very popular handicrafts in Latgale and they present peculiarities of folk applied art in the region.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Take your walking-stick and rucksack! Take your bike and backpack! Put your luggage in the boot and discover for yourself that Latgale is the place where you can relax, enjoy nature and be invigorate!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n