St Simon's Church of Valmiera was built on a steep bank of the River Gauja in 13th century. There exist rather reliable records to the fact that the construction of St Simon's Church began in 1283. It is believed that the church's name is related to its consecration on the Day of Sts Simon and Jude (in Latvian - Simjūda diena), 28 October. The building was damaged during wars and in fires.
Originally, St Simon's Church hosted a Catholic congregation. In 1554 in Valmiera, freedom to pursue Lutheran faith in Livonia was proclaimed that restricted clashes between Catholics and the adherents of the new faith.
In 1964 St Simon's congregation was forced to move to the new Baptist house of prayer, as the church came to accommodate a museum. The congregation returned to the building in 1988, but the ownership rights were legally restored only in 1996.
In the second half of the 19th century, the organ built by Friedrich Ladegast, with 33 stops, 3 manuals, 1 pedal, and a Neogothic facade was installed in the church. The instrument is a specimen of a Romantic organ, and ranks among the best in Latvia.
St Simon Church in Valmiera
- Sv. Simon's Church
- Photo: Eduards Jegorovs
- Sv. Simon's Church
- Photo: Eduards Jegorovs
57.538544,
25.426353
- Address:Bruņinieku iela 2, Valmiera district, Valmiera, LV-4201
- Phone:+371 64200333
- Website:
- Languages spoken:
- English
- German
- Latvian
- Russian
Services:
- Exhibitions
- Guide service available
Amenities and Features:
- Free parking
Working Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. – 17 p.m. (climbing the spire possible before 4.30 p.m.);
Sundays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Service (climbing the spire possible from 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.);
Please arrange in advance the guided tours and visits to the spire. Climbing is not possible in winter.
Last updated: 12.11.2012
