Specially protected cultural monument Turaida Museum Reserve is a unique cultural and historic site of Latvia and an important European cultural tourism attraction.
Turaida Museum Reserve (TMR) is the 2nd most visited touristic object outside Riga in Latvia; The territory of Museum Reserve covers 43.63 ha and is rich in archaeological, architectural and art monuments, which provide information about historical events in the course of one thousand years, starting from the 11th century.
The Mission of Turaida Museum Reserve is to build a harmonious society by showing the development of Latvian wisdom of life and experience through natural, cultural and historical values accumulated in Turaida Region in the period of one thousand years.
One of the objectives of the Turaida Museum Reserve is to preserve and hand over to the future generations tangible and intangible cultural heritage accumulated in the Historical Centre of Turaida.
During the years of its activity the Turaida Museum Reserve has accumulated a considerable experience in preservation and popularization of intangible cultural heritage.
Different tools are in use to reach aim e.g.:
- Folk-song Park – Folk-song Hill and Folk-song Garden;
- Internationale folklore festival “BALTICA”;
- Latvian annual celebrations;
- Summer Solstice celebration;
- Legend about Maija – the Rose of Turaida;
- The campaign “Meet your master".
Expert opinion of Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
The practice is a good example of preserving intangible cultural heritage and exploring its potential by developing tourism products and services based on it. The experience of Turaida Museum Reserve can be a source of inspiration for other museums interested in developing innovative tourism products and enhancing visitors’ experience. Specifically, the learning potential of the practice is in the overall approach and the concrete initiatives developed around different themes of intangible heritage that can be considered by other museums. The practice demonstrated positive results and gained international recognition.
