A surviving grain-drying oven gives Pilkalne Manor a tangible historical character. The complex includes a former servants’ house, farm buildings and a barn with a grain-drying installation, which contains a unique surviving oven. Visitors can also explore historical tools and objects from the former rural household and working life at the manor. If you are interested in rural history, the buildings here offer a glimpse into earlier work and everyday life.
The manor offers walks around the grounds and fishing in the pond. If you plan to take part in either activity, confirm the arrangements in advance. Catering by Irma Tomsone and overnight accommodation are available at the manor by prior arrangement only; check the details before your trip. A well-kept park with notable trees surrounds the buildings. As its condition may change, check current conditions before visiting.
Getting there and finding your way around the parish
The centre of Pilskalne Parish is nine kilometres from Nereta, on the Nereta–Mēmele–Ērberģe road. This secondary road of national significance has a paved surface. Another access route is the local Suvainišķi–Pilkalnes muiža–Pilskalne road: the parish centre is eight kilometres along this route, which is a gravel, unpaved road.
The distances refer to different starting points: the nine-kilometre route starts in Nereta, while the local road connects Suvainišķi to the parish centre. For planning, consider both the route and its surface. Road surfaces can change following maintenance work; check current conditions before setting off, especially on the unpaved route.
Pilskalne Library houses a joint state and municipal customer service centre. It accepts documents, provides expert support for using e-services, and promotes digital skills. Thus, alongside its historical sites, the parish also offers a practical public service point.
Gricgale: building history and remembrance
Two dates help distinguish the different building histories in Gricgale: the manor centre was established around 1750. The school and prayer house building was erected in 1783 at the initiative of the manor’s then owner, Kristofors Korf. The dates concern different building contexts and can be considered separate points of historical reference.
Gricgales Medņu krogs holds traces of the family history of Lūcija Ķuzāne and of the region’s history. The place remains in existence and is maintained and protected by the association “Upmales mantinieki” so that the history of Gricgale is not lost. The caretaker talks about everyday life at the inn during the manor era and today. If you plan to visit, arrange your visit in advance.
A description updated in 2025 reports that a small congregation continues to gather for services in the old church in Gricgale every one to two months. As service times may change, check the schedule before your trip if you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Nereta.
See the broader travel overview: Neretas Novads.
