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Karosta pier (also named Northern breakwater) is a long, 1800 long, pier with nice views into sea. The pier is from concrete monolith, so at different sides of pier you see different levels of sea coast. I guess the pier was used for military purposes, but today it is nice place for locals to spend their time glancing at sea.
The construction of Orthodox Cathedral in Karosta took place in 1901. It is interesting enough, that Tsar Nikolas II consecrated a church with the same name of him. For Soviet times it is used as a store room, but basically place existed for soldiers’ religious needs.Architecturally it is interesting that to build church any pillar was used, only the strength of walls (I hope someday cupola won't drop on heads :)Orthodox Cathedral is a landmark of Liepaja. When I got my first postcard from Liepaja, I really loved the view of this Cathedral and happy that visited it in real.
As Russian Empire and USSR tried as much as possible militarize Baltic sea, such structures as Karosta appeared. It is a separate suburb for soldiers, mostly not allowing to go to other locals around.Karosta prison was built in 1900 and was used to imprison people for a long time, even till 1996. Later an interesting museum was created here to show how prisoners lived and of course to be a prisoner for some time as well ;)When we entered place (not for excursion, but like that), a man in Soviet soldier uniform shouted to us "it is a secret zone, one more step and I will have to shoot!" ;)
Kalpaka' bridge nowadays is a new one, reconstructed by an old example in 2009. Anyway, it is nice to see how it works here, place offers great view to Baltic Sea as well.Actually the former bridge was about 100 years old and was inscribed among best technical achievements in the World. It was wooden and could split its parts to allow ships crossing channel. Bridge shortens a way to Karosta (former Liepaja military basis). Kalpaka bridge was made by famous French Alexandre Gustave Eiffel drafts.The old bridge was badly damaged by a tanker "Anna" in 2006.
The baroque style church was constructed in 1742 - 1758. It is pity I haven't been inside, but guides tell it has the biggest mechanical organs in the World (hard to believe :).Outside view is a little bit cracked, but, as guides tell, interior is amazing. I think it is possible to have a look inside only when concerts or mass take place.
Latvian musicians Alley of Fame is located just near first rock-cafe of Latvia. Alley consists of about 40 bricks with hand stamps of famous former and present Latvian music groups and musicians.The place near rock-cafe of Latvia is also adorned by artificial guitar, the biggest by size in Latvia. Liepaja is known as music capital of Latvia due to music festivals.Found here Laima Vaikule hands ;) She is famous singer in Latvia, but I think she was even more popular in Soviet times, doing lot of concerts in USSR.
If you enter Roses' square (Rozu laukums) walking through Alley of Fame, on the left side you will see old, but moderised building. You could walk here, and you'll meet nice yard. The place is said to be former market square in medieval times, now it is just surrounded yard.
The square housed a new market from 18th century, later market was moved away and place got a look of a green spot. The first roses was planted here in 1910, in recent times monument was created, depicting names of the sister cities of Liepaja and their symbols. Park near Liepaja university as a place where Lenin statue was located in Soviet times.
Former site of this church was a market. In 16th century Lutheran church was built. It is an oldest church in Liepaja, known from 1508, rebuilt in second half of 19the century. The main interior's beauty is a wooden carved main altar, located here from 1697. Maybe because of that, but it is not allowed to take photos inside (watch my 3rd photo) :)Nowadays, like in former times, near church the market is located.
St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral was constructed in 19th century; interior is beautifully decorated. If you go forward and turn left you see another mini altar with a ship model places here as well. This small altar is a remaining part from an older, smaller church. Ship model symbolizes that town is naval. Cathedral serves mass for Catholic population of Liepaja, which is not so big as Lutheran.
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Reviews and photos of Liepaja attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Liepaja sightseeing.
Q: Hello, I am interested whether there is something to do during the new year eve in Liepaja? is there any events? live concerts?...
A: Hi, are you still interested, I can translate something for you? As I see there is in club Fontaine palace at 31st of Dec an event, concert at 28th in Promenade Hotel,...
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