Kuld?ga is a town in western Latvia. It is the center of Kuld?ga municipality with a population of approximately 13,500.
Kuld?ga was first mentioned in 1242. It joined the Hanseatic League in 1368. In the 17th century, Kuld?ga (along with Jelgava (Mitau) was one of the capitals of the Duchy of Courland. Kuld?ga was the birthplace of the linguist Max Wein reich.
Kuld?ga is the pearl of Kurzeme, Latvia's western region. Kuld?ga boasts distinctive architecture, the River Venta with the widest waterfall ledge in Europe, and an old brick bridge. Kuld?ga was recognised an EDEN destination in 2007.
Kuld?ga is an ancient town with unique architecture. Saint Catherine is believed to be the patron saint of Kuld?ga, and thus the church of the town has been named after St Katr?na. The foundation of the building was laid as early as in 1252; later the church was remodelled a number of times, and the altar was decorated with Baroque style wood carvings. One of the most successful rulers of the Duchy of Courland, Duke Jacob was christened in this church, and his wedding to Princess Louise Charlotte of Brandenburg also took place here.
The Town Hall was built in the 17th century. The town square, since the very origins of the settlement, was a place where townspeople used to gather. The tradition has survived: the pulse of the town is best felt in the central square, a venue for weavers' exhibitions, traditional festivities and other events. It is in Kuld?ga that one can see the oldest wooden building in Kurzeme put up in 1670 near the town square.
Through the very centre of the Kuld?ga old town there runs the little River Alek�up?te. A 4.5 m high waterfall on the stream is the highest in Latvia. In the 17th century the waterfall, technically a dam, powered the first paper mill in Kurzeme. An annual race is held on the Alek�up?te, when the contestants run directly along the river bottom.
The Alek�up?te literally runs through the Old Town
