Āraišu ezerpils arheoloģiskais parks

About the museum

Āraiši Lake Castle is the only reconstruction of a 9th–10th-century fortified settlement in Europe, and it stands in its authentic setting. The inhabitants of the lake castle mainly farmed, kept livestock, practised crafts and traded, and they also hunted, fished and kept wild bees in the forest. The idea of reconstructing the lake castle arose during the excavations, which is why the Āraiši Open-Air Archaeological Park was created.

The reconstructed buildings are copies based on the building components found during the excavations, while replicas of ancient tools are used in the interiors, so the reconstruction has a high degree of historical credibility. The visitor centre has a permanent exhibition that, for the first time since the excavations, shows the original finds made there and tells the story of the archaeologist Jānis Apals’s work.

The park is surrounded by the Āraiši cultural landscape, with a lake, medieval castle ruins, a manor, windmills and a church. Guided talks on the way of life of the ancient Latgalians and their building traditions are available, as well as educational programmes for different age groups.

Highlights

• The only reconstruction of a 9th–10th-century lake castle in Europe
• Permanent exhibition in the visitor centre with original finds from the excavations
• Guided talks and educational programmes for all age groups
• The Āraiši cultural landscape with medieval castle ruins, a manor and a church

Permanent exhibition

• Apmeklētāju centra pastāvīgā ekspozīcija – An exhibition on the original evidence found in the excavations and the story of the archaeologist Jānis Apals.

Operated by

Cēsu novada pašvaldība

Admission & discounts

With the Cēsis municipality “Drauga karte” (Friend Card), admission is 10% off.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family ticket; programmes for children and pupils.

Getting there & parking

There is a free car park by the park.

Amenities & dining

Picnic area; payment by card is possible.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The park is a venue for wedding ceremonies.

Plan your visit