Nabe: Castle, Manor and Dendrological Planting

Nabe Castle and Nabe Manor represent distinctly different building periods: the 14th-century castle was followed by the manor house in the second half of the 19th century. The surviving castle tower, a protected dendrological planting, the park and the “Lādezers” educational trail also form part of the area's cultural and historical character. When planning a stay in Nabe, you can explore its medieval history, manor-house architecture and dendrological features as separate themes.

Nabe Castle and the Surviving Tower

Nabe Castle was a vassal castle of the Archbishopric of Riga, dating from the 14th century, and was built on Lake Lāde in the historic region of Metsepole. The surviving castle tower stands near the later-built Nabe Manor. It is a state-protected cultural monument within the manor grounds. The manor thus brings together two clearly distinct historical references: the medieval castle and the later manor house. The tower measures 11.2 × 11.13 metres; its walls are two metres thick. The nearly equal side lengths give it an approximately square floor plan, while the wall thickness is a separate distinguishing feature. These measurements provide architecture enthusiasts with a specific point of reference for the tower.

Nabe Manor House

Nabe Manor House was built in the second half of the 19th century. It consists of two wings of different heights, arranged at right angles to each other, as well as several additions in the form of verandas in the style of Roman villas. Three specific features help to classify its architecture: the difference in height between the wings, their right-angle arrangement and the design of the verandas. This makes it possible to appreciate the manor house's form in detail, rather than simply describing it as an “old manor house”. Unlike the castle tower, the focus here is not a compact, almost square building with very thick walls, but a more articulated complex with wings and verandas. The two buildings therefore offer different starting points for a cultural and historical exploration of Nabe.

Planting, Park and Educational Trail

The dendrological features are also specific: the “Nabes Sibīrijas ciedrupriežu stādījumi” planting is a protected dendrological site. The park at Nabe Manor covers 2.8 hectares and is overgrown. Both this cedar planting and the Nabe Manor complex are included in the “Lādezers” cultural and historical educational trail. This means the named trail covers two distinct themes—a dendrological site and the historic manor complex. If you are primarily interested in the dendrological site and its connection to the educational trail, you can explore these as a separate perspective alongside the architectural history; check the latest information on the route and access before setting out.

Access and Route Planning

The timeframe is important when planning a visit: in 2020 and 2021, Nabe Manor, the castle tower and other buildings in the complex were not open to visitors because they were in an emergency condition. Check for current visitor information before your visit if you wish to see the buildings. Nabe Manor is also listed on the Limbaži–Saulkrasti section of EuroVelo 10. If you are considering the cycle route for your trip, check the route details before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Mustkalni, Lādezers, Bīriņi, Lāde, Limbaži, Ķirbiži, Vārzas, Vidriži.

For the broader travel overview: Limbažu Novads.