Ventava: Manor History and Culture

Ventava developed on the grounds of the former Zūru Manor. Local history, culture, and cycling offer different starting points for planning a trip: the manor’s history leads into the past of the place, while ensembles and events showcase its cultural activities. Circular cycling route 561 adds an active element. If you are looking for accommodation, weighing up these themes can help you choose where to stay.

Local History and Surroundings

The connection to the former manor places Ventava’s origins in a specific historical setting. Nearby in Zūras is the Zūru Manor Avenue, Latvia’s longest double-row avenue. Two rows of lime trees line each side of the road; ash trees and horse chestnuts are also planted at certain intervals. Ventava’s local history and a distinctive landscape feature in Zūras thus sit side by side: one describes the origins of the place, while the other is the tree-lined avenue nearby.

Culture and Community

The amateur theatre “Vārava” was founded in 2010 and has performed in numerous communities across Kurzeme, as well as in Alūksne, Koknese Municipality, Riga, and Eslingen, Germany. Its founding year provides a clear point of reference for the theatre’s history, while the locations named also show its geographical reach. The women’s vocal ensemble “Tev līdzās” includes participants from Ventava, Zūras, Vārve, Užava, and Ventspils. The theatre’s work can be traced through its performance venues, while the vocal ensemble brings together participants from five places.

The “Mazā Vinda” community centre is a practical option for private gatherings: its rooms are available to rent, and it can accommodate up to 50 people at a time. The capacity gives groups a basis for planning, while the rental option adds a practical consideration. Amateur arts groups also rehearse at the community centre, and themed gatherings are held there. The “Vāruve” middle-generation dance ensemble from Vārve parish rehearses there on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Alongside the theatre and singing ensembles, you will therefore find a place for rehearsals and gatherings, as well as a specific weekly schedule.

Market and Local Flavours

The annual Ventava Spring Market combines a range of goods with culture and entertainment. At the 2026 edition, the market featured rural produce, handicrafts, plants, industrial goods, and treats on offer at the venue. The programme included performances by amateur arts groups and a group line-dancing session. The market thus caters to a range of interests: you may be drawn to the goods on offer or the cultural programme. If you would like to plan your trip around the market, check the dates for the relevant edition.

The “Rūtas Karaliskie gardumi” confectionery is located at Ventas iela 15 in Ventava. For the “Mājas kafejnīcu dienas” on 17 and 18 August 2024, host Rūta was due to offer a wide selection of cakes for eating in or taking away at the “Rūtas karaliskie gardumi” café at Ventas iela 15, Ventava, Vārve parish. This programme offers a dated glimpse of an earlier culinary event at the address given.

Getting to Know Ventava by Bike

The 85-kilometre circular cycling route 561 passes through Zlēkas, Ventava, and Zūras; along the route, Ventava lies between Zlēkas and Zūras. This places the village on a named circular route, whose total length and sequence of places provide a concrete point of reference for planning a trip. If you include cycling in your stay, this route adds an active perspective to the cultural and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Ventspils, Zūras, Ugāle, Liepene, Pope, Pasiekste, Akmeņdziras, Jūrkalne.

Go to the main travel overview: Ventspils.