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The Livonian Coast - Līvõd rānda

Nowadays, fourteen villages are traditionally considered Livonian villages in North Kurzeme. These are: Ģipka (Gipk), Melnsils (Mustānum), Kolka (Kūolka), Vaide (Vaid), Saunags (Sǟnag), Pitrags (Pitrõg), Košrags (Kuoštrõg), Mazirbe (Irē), Sīkrags (Sīkrõg), Jaunciems (Ūžkilā), Lielirbe (Īra), Miķeļtornis or Pize (Pizā), Lūžņa (Lūž), and Oviši (Pațikmō). The first nine villages belonged to the Dundaga Manor until the establishment of the Republic of Latvia, while the remaining four belonged to the Pope Manor. The eastern villages are officially located in the Kolka parish of Dundaga municipality, while the western villages are in the Tārgale parish of Ventspils municipality.

The Livonian Coast is a narrow coastal strip in North Kurzeme, running from Ģipka to Oviši. Here, you'll find 12 villages with a small number of Livonian descendants who still treasure their cultural monuments.

The Livonians are one of the seven Baltic Sea Finnish nations, Estonians and Finns being the closest kin in this family.

According to Latvian law, the Livonians are an ancient indigenous nation in Latvia. Their language and culture form a significant part of the country's cultural heritage.

The Livonian language has existed for over 1500 years. A small number of users have kept it alive. It has a generally recognized linguistic value and has been filed in several registers, including the UNESCO register of endangered languages.

Walking along ancient Livonian paths, you're constantly overwhelmed by feelings associated with those you experience when reading poetry. Relaxing and observing, the Livonian coast is living poetry—a touch of eternity in green, white, and blue.

Since ancient times, three constant values have determined the lives of Livonians in this part of Kurzeme: the dense forests, poor sandy dunes, and the sea. For generations, fishermen have observed the green forest line, white dunes, and blue sea from their boats while returning from fishing; a view that has taken deep roots in the national awareness, so deep that it turned into a symbol of belonging – the green, white and blue Livonian national flag.

Baiba Damberga, Photo Music Album "Green. White. Blue."

"Green. White. Blue." The Livonian coast in pictures and music. For the eyes. For the ears. For the heart. Jānis Mednis - photography. Raimonds Tiguls - music.

More:: visit.dundaga.lv I livones.net I kolkasrags.lv