Bauska’s Defenders' Monument

Bauska's Defenders' Monument is a roughly 2-meter-high obelisk standing in the town center. It bears inscriptions honoring the local defenders who resisted Soviet forces in 1944.

Around 300 volunteer defenders resisted Soviet forces for six weeks between July and September 1944. This period marked a significant local conflict during the final stages of World War II in the region.

The inscription features words from Latvia's pre-war president Karlis Ulmanis about national identity. These words connect the site to a pivotal moment in Latvia's past.

The monument is centrally located in town and easy to reach on foot. It serves as a useful reference point for those exploring Bauska's history.

The monument was funded through private donations and built on municipal land, raising questions about historical interpretation. Its creation sparked discussions about how communities approach memory preservation.

Location: Bauska

GPS coordinates: 56.40333,24.17806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09