Dobele Castle - a multifunctional cultural and tourism development center.
About this good practice
The mound of the Livonian Order of Dobele, together with the ruins of the stone castle, is the oldest and most important testimony of the medieval cultural history in the region. In 2002, the conservation of Dobele castle ruins was started. In order to promote the attractiveness of the place in the eyes of local residents, its economic development, the influx of tourists, the reconstruction of the castle chapel began in 2016, along with the creation of new services. The cultural heritage was renovated within the framework of the project "Preservation and development of important cultural-historical heritage for the improvement of cultural tourism offer in the Zemgale region". In 2021 it was put into operation. This innovative and creative project reveals a different type of exhibitions, cross-sectoral cooperation and a new way of approaching visitors. In addition to excursions, the offer includes variety culturally educational museum-pedagogical programs. The main goal was to create a synergy between the culture heritage, modern technologies, the traditional craft skills, education, and entrepreneurship. The chapel of Dobele Castle has become a noteworthy part of the modern building culture, where the historical and the modern coexist harmoniously, respecting centuries-old traditions and at the same time creating new examples of future technologies in the preservation of monuments.
Resources needed
Approx. 3.4 million euros have been invested comprising project funding, state and municipal financing. A museum branch has been established (6 workplaces).
Evidence of success
Dobele Castle has become a remarkable tourism and cultural heritage hub with an ever-increasing number of visitors. In 2022 (first year after reconstruction) 24258 visitors, 2023 – 17887. The restored building have been well evaluated in various competitions. The castle of the Livonian Order of Dobele received 1st place in the nomination "Restoration" in the "Best building of the Year in Latvia 2020".
Potential for learning or transfer
Such a practice would be interesting for degraded territories that contain significant landscape, historical, natural and other values. The tourism and museums European-wide have the opportunity to learn from the experience of the Dobele palace restoration on how to innovate and digitize the culture sites, creating unique visitor experience and active participation. It brings together the local authority, the local community, entrepreneurs with the aim of promoting local cultural heritage and to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and economy development. By offering more activities at the destination, visitors now have the opportunity to diversify their cultural experience, spend more time exploring nearby attractions, which in turn benefits the local economy. The revitalization of city`s part promotes cooperation with the local inhabitants, gradually strengthening the sense of belonging and pride of the community.
Further information
Good practice owner
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