Sēlija Museum: Exploring the Heritage of Selonia

The Sēlija Museum in Viesīte is a regional museum established in 2000 to immortalize and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Selonia region and the ancient Selonian tribe. The museum aims to foster and strengthen Selonian identity among the people of Viesīte and the broader Selonia region.The museum comprises several departments, including the Little Train Park (Mazā Bānīša parks) and the Paula Stradiņš School. A significant part of the museum's collection is dedicated to the Viesīte narrow-gauge railway, housed in the historic railway depot area and buildings. The preserved locomotive and two wagons are among the most recognizable tourist attractions in Viesīte. The narrow-gauge railway operated from 1916 to 1972. Visitors can explore the locomotive depot and see a restored 1918 Berlin-built steam locomotive and a service wagon.The museum also features exhibits reflecting the lives of notable personalities from Viesīte and the surrounding areas, as well as events and cultural heritage. The Paula Stradiņš School, another branch of the museum, hosts a memorial exhibition dedicated to the prominent Viesīte native, Professor Pauls Stradiņš, in his former school. Other exhibits in this section are dedicated to other notable people from the Viesīte region, such as Vecais Stenders, Anna Brodele, Voldemārs Spārniņš and Arkādijs Kasinskis.Visitors can also explore the Viesīte Craft Center, located in the former railway warehouse, which offers a wide range of handmade products. The Viesīte Tourism Information Point is also located in the museum area, providing information about travel opportunities in Selonia, free internet access and souvenirs.