Kristaps Morberga's summer cottage complex and botanical garden (K. Morberga vasarnica un botaniskais darzs) description and photo - Latvia: Jurmala (Topic)

Kristaps Morberg's dacha complex and botanical garden (K.Morberga vasarnica un botaniskais darzs) description and photo - Latvia: Jurmala. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is K.Morberga vasarnica un botaniskais darzs.

Photo and description

One of the most beautiful sights of the city of Jurmala is the summer cottage complex and the botanical garden of Kristaps Morberg. This architectural monument is located in Dzintari. It was created in 1883. The dacha complex is a neo-gothic example of wooden architecture.

The owner of the cottage was the largest Latvian builder, famous architect and renowned philanthropist Kristaps Morberg, who made his fortune in the construction of the boulevard ring in Riga.

The exterior of the cottage makes an amazing impression. It is an architectural masterpiece with magnificent stained glass windows, verandas and crenellated towers with weather vane. It is surprising that practically no one knows anything about him. This is because it is located outside the busy Jomas street, where most tourists rest. In Soviet times, a sanatorium named after Gorky was located in the building assigned “under the wing” of the state, and the popular, at one time, “Balsam-bar” was located in the old cellar. Currently, an impressive brick fence has been built on the site of the bar.

Kristaps Morberg bequeathed his country house to the University of Latvia. Therefore, a large-scale restoration activity began here. At the expense of the state and European funds, about 3 million US dollars were invested in the revival of this amazing architectural monument. Not so long ago, the dacha complex was restored. The main building of the dacha, the small house of the gatekeeper and the cellar stylized as a castle acquired almost their original appearance and became very prettier. The historical arrangement of paths in the garden, which seemed hopelessly lost, was also restored.

Now, for a symbolic donation, anyone can see the chic building of Morberg's dacha and the surrounding park. Visitors who are interested in the personality of the famous millionaire, the history and architecture of the building can learn about these interesting facts on a guided tour. It is conducted by students of the University of Latvia.

Kristaps Morberg bequeathed to the University of Latvia Foundation not only his summer cottage in Jurmala, but also 9 profitable buildings in Riga, so that the proceeds would go to support students. A wonderful botanical garden with exotic plants was created here. Many of them still grow. Taking care of his own greenhouse was Morberg's favorite pastime. And in the cellar, he grew champignons. Later this cellar was transformed into a famous balsam bar. There was also a wine cellar and a stable.

Kristaps Morberg designed his country house himself. He loved to experiment and implement his own ideas to create a home environment. Well, for example, inside the house the walls were lined with iron to keep the heat longer. And the drainpipes from the roof were lowered directly into the basement, where rainwater was collected in a special reservoir for watering your favorite plants. The rooms still contain antique wallpapers, some of which are hand-drawn. The ceiling in the living room is decorated with story painting. The exquisite tiled stoves and floor-to-ceiling glass windows are a true work of art.

The personality of Kristaps Morberg is of the greatest interest among visitors.

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Topic: Kristaps Morberga's summer cottage complex and botanical garden (K. Morberga vasarnica un botaniskais darzs) description and photo - Latvia: Jurmala.