Ainaži Seafarers' Cemetery
The Old Seafarers' Cemetery of Ainaži historically evolved from the burial places of the shipowners Veide and Miķelsons.
The old Ainaži sailors' cemetery historically originated as the resting places of the shipowners Veide and Miķelsons families. The ancestors of these families have been buried here since the mid-19th century. Here lie men such as Juris, Andrejs, and Otto Veides, Jānis Miķelsons, and others. In later years, other sailors, fishermen, and their relatives were also buried here. Among them is a 17-year-old English sailor, Grifith P. Jones, whose final resting place is in the Ainaži cemetery. Beneath a white marble cross lies a sailor Seglenieks' little daughter, born in Jamaica. The extensive Estonian Meier family also rests here. Captain Miķelis Miķelsons and his wife Emīlija now rest together forever in the Ainaži cemetery hill.
The old sailors' cemetery was forgotten throughout the long years of occupation. Only in 1987 did we – the staff of the Ainaži Maritime School Museum – begin to gradually restore it. The first to start the restoration were the students of the Ainaži eight-year school, led by teacher Aigars Ragaiņš. In the spring of 1987, part of the cemetery was cleared of thick lilac bushes, revealing a devastating landscape – broken crosses, toppled monuments, and overgrown graves. On March 25, 1989 – the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communist Genocide – the Maritime History Group of the Latvian Culture Fund, students of the Riga Maritime School, children of Ainaži Maritime School graduates, and museum staff got to work. With 25 people working energetically, much was accomplished in less than a day – lilacs were cut down, fallen crosses were straightened, and more. Subsequent cleanups progressed more smoothly, with more volunteers joining in. On June 21, 1991, during a gathering of many people, a memorial to our maritime pioneers was unveiled. Two boats carved by wood sculptor Ģirts Burvis have been placed here as a reminder to us all of the swift passage of time, of a past without which there is no future.
Location
lat: 57.854225; lon: 24.352041
NEAREST OBJECTS
Address: | Valdemāra 46, Ainaži |
Phone: | 28351451, 64024971 |
Want to swim but the sun hasn't warmed the sea water enough yet? Sign up and go for a swim in the Ainaži Hospital pool!
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Address: | Valdemāra iela 69, Ainaži |
Phone: | +371 29213784 |
The museum was opened on 15 December 1991, when the firefighters celebrated their 65th anniversary.
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Address: | K. Valdemāra iela 38, Ainaži |
Phone: | : +371 27784440 |
The grill bar "Karstdzimis" invites you to enjoy delicious daily specials outside the active tourist season! Follow our Facebook page to stay updated on the daily offerings. Specials are available Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 14:00.
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Address: | Valdemāra iela 45, Ainaži |
Veide Castle was built in 1902. It was built by a ship owner and captain Mārtiņš Veide - representative of the most influential family of Ainaži town at that time. The building today is one of the most visible in Ainaži.
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Address: | K.Valdemāra iela 47, Ainaži |
Phone: | +371 64 043 349 |
The compact and idyllic town of Ainaži is the cradle of maritime heritage for all of Latvia. At the very heart of this cradle stands a testament to ancient Latvian maritime glory – the Ainaži Nautical School Museum.
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