Culural premise “Mežotne church”
About this good practice
Mežotne Church, originally built in 1582 and reconstructed in the early 17th century, has faced multiple cycles of destruction and rebuilding due to war and neglect. After severe damage in World War I and further destruction in 1944 during World War II, the church was repurposed as a mineral fertilizer warehouse in 1960, leading to significant deterioration. Its historical and architectural value, combined with its central role in the community, made restoration essential to preserve cultural heritage and create a meaningful public space.
Objectives and Implementation:
The goal was to restore Mežotne Church as both a religious and cultural landmark, enhancing its structural integrity and adapting it for community use. The restoration took place in two phases:
• The first phase (2019–2021) focused on renovating the church tower with 365,000 euros from the Cross-Border Program project "RUNRARO."
• The second phase was funded by Rundāle Municipality, investing 713,000 euros to restore the facade, roof, and interior, including the altar, pulpit, and pews. The church reopened on September 9, 2022 as a cultural space with a 27-meter-high tower gallery offering panoramic views of Mežotne.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries:
Key stakeholders include Rundāle Municipality, the Cross-Border Program, and the local community. Beneficiaries include Mežotne residents, visitors, and cultural organizations, who now have access to a restored heritage site for cultural events, and tourism.
Resources needed
Total reconstruction work costs ~1.08 million euros. In the first stage 365,000 euros (85% EU funding, 15% municipalities funding). In the second stage 713,000 euros from municipalities budget.
Evidence of success
Mežotne Church, part of the Mežotne Hillfort complex and managed by the Bauska Municipality, has become a key cultural and recreational hub. It attracts both locals and tourists, boosting cultural and economic development. The church tower houses a permanent exhibition, and the museum is open by appointment or on weekends. The center hosts diverse cultural events and receives 8,000 visitors annually, demonstrating its role as a successful model for heritage preservation and community engagement.
Potential for learning or transfer
Before its renovation, the Mežotne Church had lost its religious function. However, with the municipality’s involvement, it regained its condition as an architectural landmark. The addition of a cultural space has increased interest, drawing visitors from outside the local area. Although it no longer serves as a place of regular worship, it remains an important identity reference for the community, hosting civil ceremonies, including ten weddings last year. In rural areas, where multifunctionality is key to success, this practice highlights how heritage preservation can serve diverse purposes, supporting community cohesion and local tourism. Key success factors include community involvement, adaptive reuse, and multifunctional design.
Further information
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