The Vērgale manor building was built in the 18th century. It was rebuilt as a hunting castle in 1837, following the order of Baron von Behr. The castle was built in late classicism or empire style. The building was built as a two-story longitudinal building with a high base floor, a four-sided roof and two gabled central four column porticoes, in which the coats of arms of the Behr family have survived. The oak staircase and the door of the furnace have survived in the premises of the castle; flooring has survived to modern times in some premises. From 26 October 1922, the castle hosted the elementary school of Vērgale. The Vērgale manor park covering 3.5 hectares is magnificent; the rows of planted trees therein form a regular ornament. The park is of historic significance; in 1905, a number of the rebels of Vērgale were shot near the park trees by the punitive expedition. A rose garden was developed on one side of the castle park, rose plants used to be imported even from Italy. The locals recall that, in the old times, when cattle were driven to the cattle-shed to get protection from gadflies at noon, the girls tending the cattle would slip away to the place to admire the blooming roses. The Vērgale manor building complex has been created on the basis of symmetrical building ensemble principles. There is a front yard in front of the castle, made by two symmetrical located buildings facing each other, which, despite having been heavily reconstructed, preserve many details characteristic to the classicism style. What used to be a servants' room now hosts a library, utility facilities, and boys' handicraft classroom. The former barn hosts the house of cultural activities and the parish authority. The Vergale parish museum is located in one of the buildings of the Vērgale manor building complex, in the former distillery. It has very old unique exhibits (stone axes and ancient bronze jewellery). One of the largest chimney fireplaces in Kurzeme has survived in the building. A chimney fireplace is a hearth with an open fire for cooking, the smoke whereof is cleared from the room through an open chimney passage. The Vērgale manor building ensemble is one of the most peculiar empire style manor complexes in Kurzeme.

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Vērgale Manor Building Complex - Public Info

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Inserted: 12-07-2022 07:07:57