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Tirgus Laukums: The Heart of Ventspils

Experience the historical charm of Ventspils at Tirgus Laukums, a vibrant square with a rich past and lively present, perfect for locals and tourists alike.

Tirgus Laukums (Market Square) in Ventspils is a historic town square dating back to the 17th century. Once the site of the town hall, it's now a vibrant hub where locals and tourists gather. The square features a carillon clock tower, a market well, and historical building outlines marked in the pavement.

A brief summary to Tirgus laukums

  • Ventspils, LV

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends to experience local markets and possibly live performances.
  • Try local pastries at nearby cafes for an authentic taste of Ventspils.
  • Bring a camera to capture the architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ventspils bus station, walk northeast on Lielā iela. Continue straight until you reach Tirgus iela. Turn left onto Tirgus iela and continue until you reach Tirgus Laukums. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus number 2 from the Ventspils bus station towards Pārventa. Get off at Tirgus laukums. The ride is short and buses typically run every 10-20 minutes. A single ticket costs around €1.

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Discover more about Tirgus laukums

Tirgus Laukums, or Market Square, is a central gathering place in Ventspils with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally, this square served as the town's administrative center, with the Ventspils Town Hall standing on its edge until 1850. Today, the approximate location of the town hall is symbolically marked by a carillon clock tower. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the square was surrounded by the residences of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens. For two centuries, it was the place where the townspeople gathered to hear the decisions of the town council. For five centuries, a market has operated here. In 2009, the square underwent a reconstruction, resulting in a new, attractive tourist destination while preserving its original market function. The reconstructed square features a new cobblestone pavement that marks the location and outlines of the 18th-century market buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the square's historical layout. A unique feature is the "Market Well" adorned with the city's coat of arms, providing visitors with water for drinking and washing produce. In sunny weather, the well also functions as a sundial, with lines indicating the cardinal directions extending from its base. The carillon clock tower is a central point, symbolizing the unrealized plans of past town councilors to install a central clock in the Town Hall tower. The clock combines time and sound, and its three faces display Latvian time, the lunar phase, and the day of the week.

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