Spāre Manor Writers' Park

The Writers’ Park at Spāre Manor, originally established in the early 20th century and now beautifully restored, is a unique cultural and natural monument in Latvia. It preserves the memory and touch of many well-known Latvian literary figures.

The origins of the Writers’ Park date back to 4 May 1930, when authors of the so-called Trauksminieki group—such as Aleksandrs Čaks, Arvīds Grigulis, Austra Skujiņa, and others—visited Spāre Manor (then a primary school), responding to an invitation from school leaders Kārlis and Alvīne Skalbergs. Each guest planted a tree to mark the occasion, and a special anthem along with a plan of the planted trees was created—both preserved to this day.

Thirty years later, Arvīds Grigulis continued the tradition by planting another tree, followed by poets like Valdis Lukss, Laimonis Vāczemnieks, and Jānis Plotnieks.

On 1 September 2014, inspired by teacher Mārīte Rukmane of Spāre Boarding Primary School, a revitalisation of the park began, bringing new plantings that continue to flourish. The first was a linden tree in memory of local writer Melānija Vanaga. The linden alley leading to the park was restored, tree markers installed, and a display board set up with the original park plan and anthem.

Now, alongside Aleksandrs Čaks’s oak, trees planted by renowned writers and poets—Knuts Skujenieks, Jānis Rokpelnis, Inga Ābele, Māra Svīre, and others—enhance the space. Visitors can admire a variety of species including yew, weeping willow, European beech, black pine, red cherry, red oak, and more.