The house is given the status of an architectural monument of national importance and is located on the grounds of the urban planning monument of national importance, the Historical Centre of the City of Jelgava. In the 1813 plan of the city of Jelgava, it is possible to identify the part of the city where the building on 2 Vecpilsētas Street is located. It is a building made of wooden structures, which were no longer permitted to be built in Jelgava under the building regulations of 1813, so there is reason to believe that the house’s origins date before 1813.

A unique object has been restored in the building – a fireplace chimney, which is the only known restored fireplace chimney in Jelgava. Fireplace chimneys are one of the oldest flue systems, which were installed in castles and manors in the early Middle Ages, and later also in residential houses. 

The interior, wall decorations, engineering communication solutions, stoves and ovens from earlier times have been preserved after the restoration.

A courtyard with a small stage, weaver’s and ceramic workshops, and a family room have been created in the House of Latvian traditions and crafts.

The House of Latvian traditions and crafts was created with the aim of promoting the skills of ancient Latvian crafts and, in accordance with Latvian traditions, encouraging public participation in various events.

The building on 2 Vecpilsētas Street and the related infrastructure necessary for the object’s functioning – the reconstruction, restoration and improvement of the surrounding area of the building on 1 Jāņa Asara Street, creating the House of Latvian traditions and crafts has been implemented by ERDF project No. 5.5.1.0/19/I/005 within the framework of the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage in Jelgava City.

Visitors can explore th House on their own or by prior reservation, you can go on a tour of the building accompanied by a specialist, learn about the history and interior of the building, discover the nuances of the weavers’ work, see how a folk costume is made and try out weaving skills yourself.

Excursions for both individual visitors and tourist groups are available in Latvian, English, German and Russian.

The folk costumes of Latvia’s regions, as well as their accessories, can be purchased both on the spot and by placing an order.

More information: HERE