Strazde brings together a manor complex with a park, theatre and local traditions. Those planning a culture-focused trip can explore both its architecture and traces of different eras: from the distillery built in 1886 to the weaving collective established in 1958 and the amateur theatre, which resumed its activities in 1995. There is also an annual festival in August to help you plan your visit.
Manor Complex and Landscape Park
Strazde Manor is a complex comprising a manor house, drying sheds, a distillery built in 1886, servants’ houses, farm buildings, a barn and a landscape park. The central building is a two-storey, longitudinal structure with a basement level and a gabled roof with hipped ends.
The manor complex can therefore be viewed on two scales: as an ensemble of the manor house, outbuildings and park, and through the architectural form of the central house. The details about the number of storeys, basement level and roof shape refer to this central building. The term “longitudinal structure” describes an elongated building; the basement level and hipped roof ends add further specific architectural features to the description.
The landscape park features valuable introduced tree species and a stand of larch trees. It is also home to an open-air stage. The park and stage bring landscape and culture together in one part of the manor complex. The environmental artwork “Zaļā saule”, created by Viļņis Titāns, has been restored to its former appearance. Work to construct and install the new structure was completed at the end of September 2023.
Theatre and Handicrafts
Strazde Amateur Theatre resumed its activities in 1995 and stages works by Latvian playwrights from different generations. Alongside the history of the manor complex, Latvian drama is part of the area’s cultural profile. If you would like to include a performance in your travel plans, check the date in advance.
A weaving collective has existed in Strazde Parish since 1958. Together with the theatre, this tradition represents another cultural focus: the history of textile crafts alongside the performing arts.
Festivals and Planning Your Visit
Strazde Sports Day takes place every year on the second Saturday in August. This recurring date provides a specific reference point when choosing your travel dates. Strazde Parish Day is an established local tradition associated with Strazde Manor. The special event “Strazdes muižas rūķu burziņš” is also associated with Strazde Manor. If you are travelling for a performance, Parish Day or this event, check the current dates or whether it will be held before your trip.
Traces of Different Eras
The dates mark different points in time: 1886 is the year the distillery was built, 1958 marks the start of the weaving collective, and 1995 the resumption of the theatre’s activities. At the end of September 2023, work to construct and install the restored structure of “Zaļā saule” was completed. This distinguishes the history of the manor’s buildings, crafts and theatre from a recent restoration that has been completed; Sports Day, by contrast, is the annual reference point for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Sukturi, Mērsrags, Dzedri, Aklaisciems, Dižstende, Ģibuļi, Kalnmuiža, Lielvirbi.
For the broader travel overview: Talsu Novads.
