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Piemineklis Koklētājs: A Tribute to Freedom in Talsi

A poignant Talsi landmark honoring Latvian freedom fighters, embodying the spirit of independence and cultural identity.

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Piemineklis Koklētājs, or the Statue of the Kokle Player, stands as a poignant memorial to Latvia's freedom fighters in Talsi. Created by sculptor Kārlis Zemdega and completed by Vilnis Titāns, the monument embodies the spirit of harmony, independence, and the enduring quest for freedom. It serves as a reminder of Latvia's long and arduous journey to independence.

A brief summary to Piemineklis Koklētājs

  • Liepu iela 2, Talsi, Talsu pilsēta, Talsi Municipality, 3201, LV

Local tips

  • Take a moment to reflect on the history and significance of the monument, and the struggles for Latvian independence.
  • Enjoy the scenic views from the monument's location, overlooking the charming town of Talsi.
  • Visit the monument during national holidays or commemorative events to experience the local culture and traditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Talsi city center, the Piemineklis Koklētājs is easily accessible by foot. From Liela Iela, head east towards Liepu iela. The monument is located on Liepu iela 2. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes, offering a pleasant stroll through the town. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Talsi has a local bus network that connects different parts of the town. Check local bus schedules for routes that pass near Liepu iela. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the monument. A single bus fare within Talsi typically costs around €0.50 - €1.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Talsi for direct transport to the Piemineklis Koklētājs. A short taxi ride from the town center to the monument will cost approximately €5-€6. Taxi stands can be found in the town center, or taxis can be booked via phone or a ride-hailing app.

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Discover more about Piemineklis Koklētājs

Piemineklis Koklētājs, located in Talsi, is a monument dedicated to the freedom fighters of Latvia. The statue depicts a kokle player, symbolizing the Latvian spirit and the pursuit of freedom. The monument's history dates back to the 1930s when the Talsi municipality commissioned sculptor Kārlis Zemdega to create a memorial. In 1938, Zemdega created a plaster model of the Kokle Player, and a capsule containing a message for future generations about the monument's creation was buried on Leču Hill. However, the monument's journey to completion was fraught with challenges. In the 1960s, the capsule was accidentally unearthed during preparations for a monument dedicated to the participants of the 1905-1907 revolution. After Zemdega's death, the Kokle Player was safeguarded by Ina and Māra Zemdega in Riga. In 1982, with the help of Anna Rasa, the then director of the Talsi Museum, the Kokle Player found its way to Talsi. The model was placed in the exhibition pavilion of the Lauktehnika association. In the late 1980s, Lauris Kārkliņš, the then chairman of the district executive committee, provided organizational assistance in the difficult journey of the monument's stone from the swampy corner of the Ģipka forest to the city of Talsi. Dzintra Eglīte, the head of the Talsi district culture department, maintained faith in the monument's revival in Talsi. A new, guiding turning point in the creation of the monument was the establishment of a commission for the organization of works. Then, sculptor Vilnis Titāns began carving the Kokle Player in stone at the Kalēji agricultural machinery museum. The monument was unveiled on November 16, 1996, and the ceremony was attended by the then President of Latvia, Guntis Ulmanis.

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