There is an opinion that the name of the city of Tukums was obtained due to curiosity. History says that once in this area there lived a very poor peasant, the father of a large family. When his family again replenished, the peasant faced a problem - no one wanted to become his godfather for his child, because the task is not simple, to much obliges.
The poor man did not have to do anything else but to go out onto the road and wait for the first person on the road. As you probably had time to guess, just at this time a traveler was passing by. The man asked the peasant what the name of the village was called. The poor man did not hear the question, because he was only concerned that the upcoming baptism of his newborn son. The peasant shouted to the traveler: "Tu kums! Tu kums! ", Which in translation means" You are a kum! ". Since that time the name Tukums has taken its name. Among tukumchan you will not meet a single person who would not be proud of his city. This is not surprising, because in Tukuma you will find many places worth attending.
Top-10 attractions
We have compiled a list of Tukums attractions that you should definitely visit while in this city. In this list were:
- Trade area or Brivibas Square . This place is more than 600 years old and in antiquity it fulfilled the function of the market. It was here that came the inhabitants of the nearest villages, fishermen from the coastal settlements and architects. Until the beginning of the 90s, at this place, as it was supposed at that time, a monument to Lenin flaunted. Today there is a luxurious fountain, flower beds and benches. If you still have not decided how to start a trip around the city, go bravely to Brivibas.
- The Palace Tower is the only preserved reminder of the ancient Tukum building - the castle of the Livonian Order, built here in the 13th century. In the 17th century the castle was used as a residence, but in 1709, during the Northern War, the building was completely destroyed and has not been restored to this day. Since 1767, the preserved part of the building was actively rebuilt, and for two and a half centuries the tower was used as a prison and granary. Today there is also a historical museum in which you can get acquainted with Tukums. Adults will find in the museum a lot of interesting and serious information, but the kids will certainly appreciate the exciting scenes with dolls in historical dresses.
- The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity is another ancient building of Tukums, the construction of which dates back to 1644. Visit this place is, at least, for the altar painting "Christ on the Cross", received by the church in 1859, and luxurious stained-glass windows. In addition, from the belvedere offers a stunning view of the city.
- City Park , founded in 1869. At first there were only a few walking paths, but by the end of the 19th century there was a musical flyover and a dance floor. In the early 20th century a small restaurant was built in the park, decorated with wooden cut-outs.
- The Catholic Church of St. Stephen , built in the late 19th century, in 1897. Look inside the church is for the altar painting and the organ brochure. In addition, the altar picture "Golgotha", belonging to the painter Grunya, is kept in the building.
- The Art Museum is the first provincial museum in Latvia. For 60 years in the museum one of the most valuable collections of Latvian art of the 20th century was created.
- The street Harmoniyas , where the buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries are located, created in the country style of Swiss construction. While walking along this street, pay attention to the luxury of the local doors decorating houses.
- Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas . Luxurious and unusual decoration of the interior, a rich collection of icons of the 18th and 19th centuries will not leave indifferent any amateur art.
- Mount Karatava , whose height is 63 meters. At a time when Tukums was part of the Courland Duchy, there was a gallows on this hill and it was here, according to some sources, that the holy Inquisition was building its fires.
- Tukums hillfort , located a few kilometers from the center. Its creation dates back to the end of the 12th century, at times, when this territory was inhabited by the Liv and the Curonian tribes. There is an opinion that the town was not built up to the end because of the invasion of these lands by German crusaders.
Tukum castles
If you, while in Tukums, do not visit the local castles, then your journey can be safely considered ruined.
- Durben Castle - perhaps one of the most interesting castles of Kurzeme, created in the style of classicism. The first mention of it is found in the annals of 1475. At that time this place belonged to Baron von Buttlar. In 1820 the castle was rebuilt, a park was built on its territory. Today in the exhibition halls of the castle you can visit all kinds of exhibitions. For example, on the first floor you can explore the interior features of the rural manor, visit the castle library and study, walk through the various halls. In the barn you can explore the exhibition of old objects of everyday life, and during a walk in the park you will necessarily come to the stone bridge and rotunda.
- Jaunmoku Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Latvia, located on a picturesque Kurzeme hill, not far from Tukums. This creation was created according to the project of the famous architect Boxfal in 1901. Inside the castle you will find a unique tiled stove consisting of as many as 130 tiles. It is possible that you will want to hold in the building some solemn event - a wedding, a date or a romantic evening. It is quite possible to do this, because the castle is willing to be rented out.