Some Joys of Jurmala in Latvia, Jurmala, Latvia

If you are a lover of Art Nouveau wooden architecture and natural landscapes you can enjoy the abundance of both in the seaside town of Jūrmala in Latvia.

On the shores of Kurzeme, a region of Latvia, Jūrmala has often been referred to as Russia by the sea. Historically, it has been, and still is, a favourite haunt of wealthy Russians. Strolling through the streets of this pretty town that stretches along the Baltic coastline I was enchanted by the eclectic assortment of beautiful buildings. Fancy facades and turrets are a regular feature of the Art Nouveau architecture that populates the fringes of its pine forests, sandy coastline and banks of the Lieulpe River. It was such a beautiful morning that I decided to forego the bus and walk into the centre of Jūrmala. My starting point was the suburb of Bulduri.

Jūrmala is generally described as having evolved from a string of small fishing villages. However, Bulduri is one of two exceptions, the other being Dzintari. It was built to cater for a growing demand for summer villas here. As building here began at the end of the nineteenth century this resulted in a more orderly development and two wide boulevards were carved through the pine forest intersected by narrower residential streets. As a result, this leafy suburb features some beautiful Art Nouveau wooden villas. Some of them have been restored and converted into small hotels, holiday apartments and restaurants. Bulduri has its own local market, railway station and regular bus service into the centre of Jūrmala. But I was pleased I had decided to walk as I soon came across a pine forest. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).