Zūras: Avenue, Park and Local History

Zūru Manor Avenue and Park

Zūru Manor Avenue is a protected natural monument of national importance and also Latvia’s longest double-row avenue. Two rows of lime trees grow on each side of the road; ash trees and horse chestnuts are also planted at certain intervals. This orderly layout makes the avenue a distinctive feature of the landscape. The route to the Zūru Local History Exhibition also follows the turnoff to Zūru and passes through the avenue. It is therefore both a natural monument and part of the route to the area’s history.

Zūru Manor Park covers 5.8 hectares. It is home to 37 non-native tree and shrub species. Baronial graves lie in the southern part of the park, with cork oaks growing beside them. Botanical features and historical memories thus sit side by side in the same parkland. While the avenue is defined by its rows of trees, the park draws attention to a mix of woody plants and traces of history.

Local History and Regional Memory

The Zūru Local History Exhibition, formerly the Zūru Museum, opened in 1998. It displays old work tools and includes household and furnishing items. The exhibition’s materials also tell of events in Vārves parish and Ventspils Municipality. Its scope therefore extends beyond Zūras, bringing everyday objects together with regional history.

The establishment of Latvia’s first sugar factory in Zūras is also part of the area’s history. This gives the story of the place a specific connection to sugar production. The exhibition of everyday objects and this historical aspect offer different perspectives: everyday items on the one hand, and a notable chapter in sugar production on the other.

Hands-on Stories for Different Interests

The story “From Fibre to Fabric” explores sheep farming and flax growing. Visitors can try carding, spinning, plying, winding and weaving for themselves. The story goes beyond simply describing these topics and gives visitors the chance to work with their hands. The sequence of activities brings the journey from fibre to fabric to life and gives both topics a practical context.

The food-related stories also encourage visitors to get involved. At the “Rūķu darbnīca” workshop, visitors can grind grain, knead white bread and bake it themselves. The steps take visitors from grain to finished baked goods. In the story “Cukurgalvas,” visitors can make different kinds of sweets using old recipes. It also traces the transformation of a sugar beet seed into white sugar. This experience thus combines practical activities with a story about the journey of sugar.

Experience Local History on a Walking Tour

The story “The Glory and Decline of Zūru Manor” offers a walking tour of the village of Zūras. The double-row avenue, manor buildings and park are among the sights along the way. The walk places local history in its physical setting, setting it apart from the exhibition, which brings together objects and regional events.

The differences can be summed up simply: the exhibition focuses on historical objects and regional events, the hands-on stories invite visitors to try specific steps in various processes, and the walking tour connects the avenue, buildings and park with the village. You can choose between looking, trying things out and taking a walk through Zūras.

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