I’ve spent quite a bit of time in this quiet little town in Kurzeme, and after wandering its paths together with the locals, I’ve come to realize that Aizpute has two distinct themes. Art, hidden throughout the city streets and showcased in the Aizpute Art Park, and history, preserved in its castle ruins, churches, and the museum archive.
If you’re planning a visit to Aizpute, let me take you on a journey through the places that caught my eye.
Location: Aizpute, Latvia
Cost: Free
How to get there: By a car.
Exploring Art Hidden in the Streets of Aizpute
Aizpute Art Park – A Stroll Through Dreams and Nightmares
Visiting this unique place in Aizpute is a whirlwind of emotions. The art is whimsical, unsettling—with snakes and monsters hiding in closets and a nude women in a bathtub—yet at the same time it’s thought-provoking, undeniably creative, and beautiful. It feels like walking through someone else’s dreams and nightmares.
Here, I’ve included photos of a few sculptures created by Ģirts Brumsons, but there are far more to see. The unexpectedly full of surprises, but to discover the rest, you’ll need to visit Aizpute yourself.
Aizputes Street Art – A Touch of Creativity in Daily Life
Each year, Aizpute hosts an artist residency, welcoming creators from around the world to leave their mark on the town. One delightful example is the panda with a baby, sculpted by a Japanese artist, which brings a playful and charming vibe to its surroundings.
Other notable pieces of street art include murals, such as the fallen apples (Location) and the “God Bless Latvia” mural , which features a stunning landscape framed by a triumph arch. A fun thing to do is try to find Latvian symbols encoded in this artwork. Location
Another highlight is the train mural (location), which pays tribute to Aizpute’s historic narrow-gauge railway. This train once connected Aizpute to Liepāja, meandering leisurely through the countryside before faster modes of transport took its place. For those curious about this chapter of Aizpute’s past, the Aizpute Museum offers a deeper dive into its history.
Turns Out the Smallest Art Gallery in the World is in Aizpute
Typically, peeping through a keyhole isn’t encouraged. But in Aizpute, there’s one keyhole you simply must look through.
Behind it lies the smallest art gallery in the world. The artwork is so tiny—just 10x10x10 cm—that you might struggle to make out its details. I certainly did. But I’m curious: what will you see when you peek inside?
As you wander the charming streets of Aizpute, I challenge you to find it. Look for a large brown door with a tiny golden keyhole. Need a hint? There’s a small plaque on the wall nearby that tells the whole story.
The Bench in Memory of Singer Martiņš Freimanis
You might have heard of talking rocks, but how about talking benches? Aizpute has one.
This special bench plays voice recordings (in Latvian) and songs by Martiņš Freimanis, a beloved Latvian singer who tragically passed away years ago.
Even if you don’t know much about Martiņš, the bench is worth visiting for another reason: the view. From here, you can take in one of the most beautiful panoramas in Aizpute. A serene mill lake mirrors the sky, green trees sway gently in the breeze, and the church spire peeks out from the woods across the water.
It’s a view that soothes the soul and lingers in your memory.
Exploring Aizpute’s Rich History
Livonian Order Castle Ruins and the Knight with Changing Outfits
One of the most popular attractions in Aizpute is the Livonian Order Castle Ruins. However, even more famous than the ruins themselves is the knight’s sculpture that stands guard over them. During various holidays, the knight mysteriously appears dressed in themed costumes—whether it’s a midsummer flower crown or a Christmas elf hat.
The castle ruins, while not as expansive as those in Rauna, have their own charm. Personally, I feel it’s a shame that the windows were bricked up during preservation efforts. Here’s an interesting tidbit: during the Soviet era, apartments were built within the ruins, and people actually lived there.
Right next to the ruins, you’ll find another historical building: the Pilskrogs, built in the 19th century. Today, it serves as a venue for various events.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – A Hilltop Gem
One of Aizpute’s most picturesque views is of St. John’s Church, perched at the top of a hill. Climbing up offers a closer look at the church’s unique architecture, and it’s worth noting that this church is considered one of the oldest in Kurzeme.
Nearby (approximate location) , you’ll find a little red bridge and a trail leading to Misiņkalns, the highest point in Aizpute. Misiņkalns nature park is crisscrossed with small forest paths perfect for quiet walks. In winter, the hill transforms into a sledding spot for children and families. The area also features a motocross track, a memorial for political deportees, and the Misiņkalns Cemetery.
Cool Off at the Aizpute Swimming Spot
If you’re visiting Aizpute in summer, don’t miss the town’s swimming area. It’s clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a refreshing dip after sightseeing. A short walk from the swimming area leads to a man-made waterfall, which, as it turns out, locals sometimes use as a natural shower.
What are your thoughts?
Aizpute is less touristy than many other Latvias cities, but it is definitely very artistic. So it will be a good fit for those who have already explored all the most popular spots and are looking for other, less known corners of Latvia.
What to See Near Aizpute
Kazdanga (~9km)
Cīrava (~15km)
Kuldīga (~40km)
Other things to see and do in Latvia