Discover Ilūkste: Cultural History, Collections and River Views

Ilūkste brings together religious history, collections of regional cultural heritage, and opportunities to spend time outdoors or at the sports centre. There are several ways to shape your visit: historic sites, local culture, a route that can be explored using different modes of transport, and urban open spaces. This lets you tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Church and Monastery History

The Jesuit monastery complex in Ilūkste, including fragments of the church, has been on Latvia’s list of state-protected cultural monuments since 2021; its number is 9310. In the 18th century, Ilūkste’s Catholic church was the largest religious building in the territory of the Baltic states at that time. A women’s monastery was founded in Ilūkste in 1881. The key dates are therefore the 18th century, its foundation in 1881, and its protected status since 2021. The listing applies to the Jesuit monastery complex, while the historical claim about size refers to the Catholic church. This makes it possible to consider the protected complex, the church’s historical significance, and the founding of the monastery as distinct aspects.

Collections and Regional Cultural Heritage

The “Sēļu istaba” collection preserves the cultural and historical heritage of Sēlija and Ilūkste. The private collection “Senie darbarīki un saimniecības priekšmeti” focuses on tangible objects: its title means old tools and household items. It can be viewed in the courtyard and tower of the “Pie Torņa” guesthouse in Ilūkste by prior arrangement; please arrange your visit in advance. If you are choosing collections by their focus, this one presents regional cultural heritage alongside specific everyday objects. Advance booking is part of planning a visit to “Pie Torņa.”

Route and Open Spaces

For an active way to explore history, the “ILŪKSTE – PA VĒSTURES PĒDĀM” route is a practical option. It can be completed on foot, by kick scooter, bicycle or car. You can therefore take your choice of transport into account when planning your route.

Ilūkste has parks, squares, and areas for walking and recreation. The Cultural and Arts Centre offers a picturesque view of the Ilūkste River; you can enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery there over a picnic. If you are specifically looking for a river view, the Cultural and Arts Centre is the place to go. There are also various types of urban open spaces for walking and recreation.

Sport and Visitor Information

Ilūkste Sports Centre has two swimming pools, a steam room, a sauna, a gym and a sports hall. There is more to the facilities than swimming: they also include heat experiences, fitness and indoor sports. Ilūkste’s newest and largest municipal children’s playground is next to the open-air stage at Grāvju iela 2a.

Ilūkste Tourist Information provides visitors with free information materials and maps and helps them plan routes. If you want to include a route in your stay, you can get both planning assistance and free maps there.

Discover more destinations: Bebrene, Baltiņi.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Ilūkstes Novads.