Lokstene Shrine of Dievturi, Pagan temple in Aizkraukle, Latvia.
The Lokstene Shrine of Dievturi sits on an island in the Daugava River and consists of wooden buildings with an outdoor altar and a gathering hall. The site uses traditional Baltic architectural forms to create space for religious and community gatherings.
The shrine opened in May 2017 and represents a revival of ancient Baltic religious practices that faded during Christianization. Its creation marks a modern effort to keep precolonial spiritual traditions alive in contemporary times.
The shrine serves as a center for yearly ceremonies where visitors can experience Baltic traditions and nature worship in practice. The rituals blend ancient customs with modern life in ways that feel tangible to locals and guests alike.
The shrine is reached by ferry, and it helps to check access procedures and seasonal hours before visiting. The site sits on an island, so plan for longer routes and possible weather conditions.
Funding came from a well-known bakery chain owner who worked with religious leaders to create this modern Baltic center. This collaboration between a private entrepreneur and spiritual communities is a rarely documented aspect of how it came to be.
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