In the restored Jelgava Holy Trinity Church tower you can visit interactive and fascinating historical exhibitions, see art exhibitions, observe the panorama of Jelgava and receive tourist information.
History of the tower
Once upon a time, the Holy Trinity Church was one of the first Lutheran churches built in Europe. It was built in 1574 by order of the first Duke of Courland Gothard Kettler.
Until the end of World War II, it was the largest church in Zemgale with a distinct dominant feature of the Jelgava panorama – an 80 m high Renaissance-style tower.
After the church was destroyed in 1944, it was not rebuilt, however the bell tower retained its place. In November 2010, after extensive reconstruction, Jelgava Holy Trinity Church tower acquired a new look.
The Tower Today
On the first floor there is a Tourist information center, where anyone will receive extensive information about travel opportunities in Jelgava and the Jelgava region. Here you can buy Jelgava souvenirs.
On the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of the tower there are interactive historical exhibitions, designed as a contemporary interior installation, where the exhibits are complemented by the latest multimedia technologies.
The exhibition “Jelgava at the Turn of the Century” tells about the history and symbols of the city from its foundation to the present day, notable citizens, lost architectual pearls of Jelgava and modern achievements.
The exhibition “Fashion in Jelgava through the centuries” reflects the traditions of wearing clothes and fashion trends in Jelgava in different historical periods, with a special emphasis on weddig fashion. The “heart” of this exhibition is a “fashion show” of historical costumes created in a modern style, which gives visitors a sense of presence in past events.
The exhibition “The Story of the Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava” is dedicated to the history of the former church, the lost architectural and interior values. Visitors are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the events of the past by listening to five audio stories, supplemented by a specially created sound design.
On the ninth floor of the tower, with a glass pyramid roof, you can observe the panorama of Jelgava in all directions - it has its own splendor in every season. Various art exhibitions of works can be viewed in the exhibition hall.
Interesting facts:
The church tower is the oldest surviving building in Jelgava;
The glass platform from which you can observe the panorama of Jelgava is located at a height of 37 meters and is the highest viewing platform in the city;
Unique clock faces are installed on all four facades of the tower. According to legend, on the Lielā Street side, a gilded one shines in the dial placed in the facade of the tower.
The tower clock rings and plays melodies five times a day every day;
The central area of destroyed Jelgava Holy Trinity Church is decorated with a sculpture- fountain “Trinity” by Latvian sculptor Jānis Karlovs.
