Latvia, Lettland, Latvija

The Krimulda church, built in 1205, is one of the oldest churches in Latvia. Over the subsequent centuries, it has been rebuilt many times. It is closely associated with Kaupo, a chieftain of the Livonian people. Kaupo was the first prominent Livonian to be christened and became an ardent Christian and friend of Bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden, with whom he traveled to Rome 1203-1204. Pope Innocent III. wasimpressed by Kaupo and presented him a Bible (and - some say - 100 pieces of gold to build a church). When he returned from travel, his tribe rebelled against him. He then participated in a crusader raid against the still pagan Estonians and was killed in 1217 in a battle against the troops of the Estonian leader Lembitu of Lehola. Kaupo´s historical role is still disputed in Estonia. Some consider him a traitor while others consider him a visionary leader who wanted his people to be part of Christian and European culture.

The Krimulda church, built in 1205, is one of the oldest churches in Latvia. Over the subsequent centuries, it has been rebuilt many times. It is closely associated with Kaupo, a chieftain of the Livonian people. Kaupo was the first prominent Livonian to be christened and became an ardent Christian and friend of Bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden, with whom he traveled to Rome 1203-1204. Pope Innocent III. wasimpressed by Kaupo and presented him a Bible (and - some say - 100 pieces of gold to build a church). When he returned from travel, his tribe rebelled against him. He then participated in a crusader raid against the still pagan Estonians and was killed in 1217 in a battle against the troops of the Estonian leader Lembitu of Lehola. Kaupo´s historical role is still disputed in Estonia. Some consider him a traitor while others consider him a visionary leader who wanted his people to be part of Christian and European culture.

The lutheran "Church of the Holy Spirit" is the oldest existing building in Bauska. Built between 1591 and 1594 for the needs of the city's Baltic German population. The tower, which was completed in 1623 with a huigh steeple. It was ruined by a direct lightning strike in 1799. In 1815 the damaged tower was hit by a lightning once again and the temporary four-sloped roof become permanent.