The Saka begins at the confluence of the Tebra and Durbe rivers. This river landscape also shapes how to find your way around Saka: Saka Hillfort is at the confluence, while the medieval Saka Castle at Lejaszemnieki is on the right bank of the Tebra. The two sites are on opposite banks. The area’s history also stretches from its early written mention through castles to the harbour. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Saka, you can tailor your stay to your interests in rivers, archaeological sites or maritime heritage.
River Landscape and Paddling Route
At the confluence of the Tebra and Durbe, a distinct peninsula is formed. Saka Hillfort is also at the confluence and is an archaeological monument of national importance. The medieval Saka Castle is another archaeological monument of national importance. Its location at Lejaszemnieki on the right bank of the Tebra, and the opposite bank where the hillfort stands, help distinguish the two named sites within the river landscape.
The Saka River is 6.8 kilometres long and is considered the shortest river in Latvia. A 7-kilometre paddling route runs along it and is designated as a one-day route. The river’s length and the route’s length refer to different things: 6.8 kilometres measures the river, while 7 kilometres measures the paddling route. A trip on the Saka usually rounds off a paddling tour on the Tebra or Durbe. The route’s classification as a one-day trip is therefore also relevant when planning your time.
Settlement and Castle History
Saka is mentioned in written sources as early as 1230 as a village under the names Saccze or Sacese. The settlement developed near the former Sackenhausen Castle. Construction of this castle may have begun shortly after 1386; the date construction began is therefore uncertain.
A later event is recorded for the medieval Saka Castle: it was destroyed in 1660 during the Second Northern War and was not rebuilt. The mention of the settlement, the tentative dating of the castle’s construction and the date of its destruction provide different chronological reference points for Saka’s history.
Church and Harbour
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sakasleja is an architectural monument of national importance. It was built around 1560 on the site of Saka’s former harbour. Inside is a ship model more than 170 years old, a maritime detail alongside the history of the church’s construction.
During Duke Jacob’s reign from 1642 to 1682, merchants from Aizpute used Saka Harbour. At that time, 50 to 150 merchant ships called at the harbour each year, mostly from Holland. A historic harbour warehouse has survived to this day. The church on the former harbour site, the ship model and the warehouse connect different traces of the harbour’s past: the location of the former harbour, the maritime depiction inside the church and a surviving building from the harbour complex.
Discover more destinations: Ulmale, Vērgale, Pāvilosta, Saraiķi, Ziemupe.
Return to the regional travel overview: Pāvilostas Novads.
