Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower
About this good practice
The Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava, commissioned by G. Kettler, began construction in 1574 and was consecrated in 1615, making it one of the world’s first newly built Lutheran churches. Its 80.5-meter tower, built in 1688 and rebuilt in 1862, was heavily damaged during World War II, leaving only the bell tower intact, which was later used as a military facility. In 1954, the altar was blown up, and the church walls were demolished. By the early 1990s, the local community, the Culture Center, and the newspaper "Zemgales Zinas" launched the charity initiative "We – the Tower" to raise awareness and funds for restoration.
The goal was to restore the tower and repurpose it as a cultural and tourism hub. In 2004, a glass roof was added, restoring the tower’s original appearance and reaching a height of 50.17 meters. In 2008, the Jelgava Municipality secured funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the project "Establishment of a Regional Tourism and Cultural Education Center in Jelgava." The restored tower reopened on November 16, 2010 as a multifunctional center offering exhibitions, cultural events, and tourism services.
Key stakeholders include the Jelgava Municipality, and the local community. The beneficiaries are Jelgava residents and visitors, who now have access to a restored historical landmark that serves as a cultural and educational center, enhancing tourism and community engagement.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
Total reconstruction work costs reached 1 812 600 million euros (85% EU funding, 15% municipalities).
Evidence of success
The transfer of the tower to the management of the Jelgava Regional Tourism Center has been highly successful, attracting around 24,000 visitors annually. The site features an exhibition hall with three historical expositions, and a viewing platform. Exhibition "The Story of Jelgava Holy Trinity Church" showcases lost architectural and interior values. The tower has hosted a variety of exhibitions, events, concerts, wedding ceremonies, room rentals, demonstrating its strong cultural impact.
Potential for learning or transfer
The restoration of Jelgava’s Holy Trinity Church demonstrates how adapting religious heritage for tourism and cultural purposes can successfully preserve historical identity while fostering economic and community benefits. The practice shows that even partial preservation of a religious site can provide valuable historical evidence and maintain a connection to the past. By restoring the bell tower and repurposing it as a cultural and tourism hub, project highlights the significance of preserving religious heritage sites as symbols of local history.
Key success factors include strong community involvement, financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, and strategic planning by Jelgava Municipality. The charity initiative "We–the Tower" engaged the local population, generating awareness and support for the restoration.
The combination of historical preservation, modern infrastructure, tourism potential makes it an adaptable blueprint for cities with similar challenges.
Further information
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