According to local tradition, the name and settlement of Cildi date back to the 13th century; in 1253, the place was known as Cildes ciems.

Local History and School Connections

There was a parish school in Cildi in the mid-19th century. Until 1855, the writer Juris Māters studied at the Cildi parish school under teacher Vilis Ulpe. The timeline therefore spans from an early place name to school connections in the 19th century. The two traces answer different questions: the traditional account of the name concerns the early history of the place, while the school records name specific people, Māters and Ulpe. For travellers interested in local history, an older settlement tradition and a personal connection to the school can thus be explored side by side.

Nature in Kazdanga Park

Kazdanga Park is a protected dendrological planting in Kazdanga Parish. It is home to a total of 47 different woody plant taxa and seven specially protected species. Today, more than 150 bird species live in the Kazdanga manor and park complex; the species count may differ in future updates. The park’s dendrological character draws attention to its trees and shrubs, while the specially protected species and bird habitats add nature conservation and habitat themes. Nature enthusiasts can therefore explore the park through specific aspects of its plant and animal life.

Culture and Offerings at the Kazdanga Museum

The Kazdanga Museum offers guided tours of the park and creative workshops in the manor house; check in advance whether they are available on your chosen date. The museum’s exhibits cover the history of the Manteifel–Scēge baronial family, the establishment and almost 80 years of operation of the Kazdanga agricultural technical school, the history of the Kazdanga pharmacy, and an extensive exhibition from the Boja Forest Museum. The range of topics extends beyond the history of a single family: agricultural education, pharmacy history, and forests are also represented. A guided tour and a workshop offer different ways to visit: a walk through the park or creative work in the manor house.

Mežtaka and Lake Dzirnezer

The long-distance hiking trail Mežtaka runs for 0.7 km along the Kazdanga–Cildi road (V1200). The 0.7 km refers to the route along this road, not the total length of the long-distance trail; check the route information before setting out. Water bicycles (catamarans) are available for hire at Lake Dzirnezer. The service is seasonal, and availability may change. If hiring one is important to your plans, check availability before your visit. These offer different kinds of activities: a road section with a specified distance and a seasonal water-bicycle rental service.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Cildi, you can group your interests into three categories: local history and school connections, the park’s natural and cultural attractions, and activities with different planning requirements. First choose according to the kind of stay you want, then check the important details about dates, routes, or season.

Discover more destinations: Kalvene, Kazdanga, Aizpute.

For the broader travel overview: Aizputes Novads.