Today, Gaujiena Church Hill is a popular viewpoint throughout all seasons, especially in autumn, offering beautiful views over the Gauja Valley, the bridge, riverside pastures, and wide meadows. Over the centuries, five churches have stood on Church Hill – all of which were destroyed during wars, with each being rebuilt in turn.

 

On the history of churches on Gaujiena Church Hill

• A Lutheran church in Gaujiena is mentioned in historical sources as early as the beginning of the 17th century. In 1613, a wooden church is mentioned, followed shortly by a vicarage in 1631.
• 1627. In 1627, the first wooden church was destroyed.
• 1699. In 1699, a second wooden church was built, but in 1702, it was burnt down by Russian troops.
• In 1727, a third wooden church was consecrated, and it served until 1781, when a fourth wooden church was built.
• 1892. In 1892, a Neo-Gothic stone church was completed and consecrated. Its architect was Jānis Brauns. Ten stained-glass windows adorned the church, and the altarpiece consisted of two panels with copies of paintings by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The church housed 14-stop organs, built in Frankfurt. In 1944, 1944. the church was blown up by the German Army. In appearance, this stone church resembled Velēna Church, which has survived to the present day.
• At one point, there were plans to build a new church, but construction was halted. Today, the unfinished foundations remain on Church Hill, serving as a reminder of the harsh fate of Gaujiena’s churches.