Within the cross-border project “ARCHAEOLOGY, AUTHORITY AND COMMUNITY: cooperation to protect archaeological heritage” two events for local community were organized in Aluksne. In addition, positive changes occurred in Aluksne museum – two rooms for researchers were renovated and work conditions for researchers and visitors improved.

School youth met with archaeologist Uldis Kalējs

On the 7th of September 55 young people from secondary schools had the opportunity to meet with archaeologist Uldis Kalējs who offered a lecture “The hidden castle – latest archaeological studies in the ruins of the Marienburg castle”. Lecture was organized within cross-border project “ARCHAEOLOGY, AUTHORITY AND COMMUNITY: cooperation to protect archaeological heritage” and within European Culture Heritage Days 2012.

The Livonian Order stone castle (also called the Marienburg castle) was built in 1342 on the Pils or Maria Island – it was one of the strongest fortifications in the Eastern territory of Livonia, significant economic, commercial and political center. Studies in this multi-layered monument provide a rich archaeological material about population on the island during the period of the use of the castle (1342–1702) and considerably earlier – since Neolithic.

In addition, school youth it had a great opportunity to learn about the archaeologist profession, to ask questions about the Pilssala history and the process of research.

Infantry school of the Armed forces explored archaeological heritage of Aluksne region

On 30th of November Aluksne museum organized a seminar „Ancient traces of the Aluksne region: looking into results of archaeological research” for the representatives of the Infantry school of the Armed forces. The seminar was led by archaeologist Uldis Kalējs. 90 participants were introduced to biggest archaeological researches in Aluksne region.

„Nowadays in Auksne region are known at least three ancient settlements, nine mounds, more than 60 ancient burials and cemeteries and ruins of the Livonian Order stone castle. Until now more substantial archeological research have been implemented in Drusku (Kornetu) mound, on three ancient burials and in the ruins of the Livonian Order stone castle”, Uldis Kalējs briefly informed the listeners of the seminar.

Aluksne New Castle owner – manor Otto Hermann von Vietinghoff (D.Eglītis) involved the seminar participants in different activities during the seminar.

To examine participants’ attention in the end of the event a quizz about seminar was offered.

New rooms were repaired to improve museum researchers work conditions

From 25th of September untill 23rd of December repairs were made in two rooms of Aluksne museum – first-time cleaning room and researcher’s room.

Renovation work in first-time cleaning room

First-time cleaning room

Researcher’s room

Part of equipment was bought – a big transformable table and shelves to ensure adequate work conditions for researchers and visitors working with large-scale documents or objects

Information about project and Programme placed on the

Photo: Aluksne museum
Inese Zīmele – Jauniņa
Aluksnes municipality
Project manager
inese.zimele@aluksne.lv