AINAŽI SALACGRĪVA LIMBAŽI ALOJA un STAICELE

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's and Miķelson's 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 – began to gradually restore it. The first to start the restoration were the students of the Ainaži eight-year school, led by teacher Aigars Ragainis. 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 Commemoration Day of 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
Availability

Contacts
NEAREST OBJECTS

Swimming pool at Ainaži Hospital

Address:Valdemāra 46, Ainaži
Phone:+371 28351451, +371 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! More info ››

Firefighting Museum

Address:Valdemāra iela 69, Ainaži
Phone:+371 29213784
Fire-fighting Museum of Ainaži opened its door to visitors in December 1991, when firefighters celebrated 65th anniversaryof the foundation of volunteer firefighter's association. More info ››

Grill bar "Karstdzimis"

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. More info ››

Veide Castle

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.
More info ››

Ainaži Naval School Museum

Address:K. Valdemāra iela 47, Ainaži
Phone:+371 64043349
The compact and idyllic town of Ainaži is the cradle of Latvian seafaring. The Museum of Ainaži Naval School- ancient witness of Latvian navigation glory- is situated in the centre of Ainaži. More info ››
Sign up for newsletter

© 2009-2025 Limbaži TIC. All rights reserved. »