When I was back in Germany and visited Germany's most visited landmark - The Cologne's Cathedral my travel mate said to me - it (Cologne's Cathedral) doesn't impress me as much as Valtaiķi church in Latvia. I looked at her - and asked, what? Seriously? Yes, she replied - the stained glass at Valtaiķi church are more impressive than here at Cologne.
I was left with no options and decided to visit this church by my own. Unfortunately, as usual in Latvia, this church was closed and I hadn't any chance to see those stained glass in close, but by reading this church's history (see bellow) I did find that it's one of the best of it's kind in Latvia at least.
Valtaiķi church
Ahh, again I was in rush, had no decent tripod and got what I got.
Valtaiķi church
Valtaiķi church
Well, I like this perspective I managed to capture here
Valtaiķi church
Valtaiķi church
One thing I could notice - roof has been changed for this church
Cultural monument
Around the church
Shop near Valtaiķi church
Leaving Valtaiķi village
About Valtaiķi church
Valtaiķi church is 5 kilometres away from Kazdanga castle and even if nowadays territorially it is in Kuldīga County, it is very connected with Kazdanga. As soon as in 1792 a stone church was built, from the outside it was very simple and similar to other churches in Courland. The church of Valtaiķi is outstanding because of its beautiful and detailed stained glass, which were ordered from Italy by baron von Manteifelis in 20th century after sketches made by Vilhelms Purvītis. There are four stained glass windows around the altar, which tell a story about warrior’s three manners – bravery, godliness, compassion and charity. The other stained glass windows depict events from the New Testament. In the bottom part of the windows there are Manteifeļi and their wife emblem which depict the family’s history.
To visit the church, please arrange the visit beforehand over the phone. (+371) 63353324
