Description
Eleja Manor and adjoining premises form an architectural monument of national significance, which once was an outstanding construction model in Europe. The tea house and stone fence, which are parts of the monument, currently are in extremely poor condition and not safe for visitors. The project objective aims to restore and preserve this architectural monument of national significance and also to contribute to capacity building of restoration experts and renew the public significance of culture heritage sites. The target audience is: residents, tourists, students of vocational schools, experts. The activities include the restoration and facilitation of the tea house and of arch-shaped stone fence, improving the safety for use by the public, a summer school for restoration experts and hands-on traineeship of 15 people wishing to become restoration experts, experience exchange trip of experts to Norway, project publicity and information events. The implementation of the project results in the renewal and preservation of the cultural heritage site, introduction of a new culture product and improvement of the present product. The donor project partner – the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research – provides independent expertise as regards restoration of culture monuments and trainings. The partnership improves understanding and knowledge of restoration and restoration skills.
Summary of project results
The Eleja Manor ensemble is one of the most significant cultural-historical items in Jelgava local Municipality.It is a classic gem of its time in Kurzeme and an outstanding example of the European art of building has been an architectural monument of national significance since 1967. The Eleja Manor Tea House built in Late Empire style and is a conclusion to the park's avenue behind the central glade, and is in this way, compositionally the most important park building. The building dates initially from 1806-1810, but the stone wall was most likely built in the 1820s.Tea House and stone wall were in extremely poor condition and were not safe for visitors. The project objective was to restore and preserve this architectural monument of national significance and also to contribute to capacity building of restoration experts and renew the public significance of culture heritage sites.The project resulted in the restored Tea House and arch-shaped stone wall.By increasing knowledge and practical skills of the 16 students-restores from Zaļenieku commercial and Crafts School at summer school and at practical workshops at the project site has contributed to improving quality of restoration works of wooden buildings in future in Latvia.Lecturers were 4 experts from Latvia and 2 expert from Norway.6 specialists from Jelgava Local Municipality participated in experience exchange visit to Norway and raised awareness and knowledge about restoration and maintenance of cultural heritage what should help to maintain and protect cultural heritage in future.For the Jelgava's Local and Latvia's society and for tourists now is available cultural-historic place and peace of the history is protected and kept for future generations.The project result was not only the practical acquisition for society, but also an example for other cultural heritage owners to act for maintenance of their property.
Summary of bilateral results
The project and results were successful since exchange of experience were ensured during study visit to Norway, presentations of NIKU (the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research) experts for students – future restorers of Zaļenieki Commercial and Craft school as well as Conclusion of NIKU about restoration works of Eleja tea house in regards of conservation of its authenticity were prepared.At project level funds contributed to strengthening of bilateral relations between project partners.Taking into account knowledge and experience level of NIKU, bilateral partnership gave contribution to the project in terms of strengthening of its results.