Jūrmala

Latvian Cities
name=Jūrmala
Coa=Escut Jurmala.png

---

200px
Caption=Autumn view in Jurmala
citysince=1959
location_

n1=56
n2=58
e1=23
e2=45
othernames=
Mayor=Raimonds Munkevics
nrofmembers=15
area=100
Water=
Rural=
Elevation=
population=55400
density=554
postcode=LV-2003; LV-2008; LV-20(10-17)
callcode=67
webpage=http://www.jurmala.lv

Jūrmala (IPA2|ju:rmala, audio|Jurmalapronunc.ogg|pronunciation) meaning "seaside" or "beach" in Latvian, is a city in Latvia, not far from Riga. Jūrmala is a resort town stretching convert|32|km|mi|0 and sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River.

During the period when Latvia was part of the Soviet Union, it became a favourite holiday-resort and tourist destination for high-level Communist Party officials, particularly Brezhnev and Khrushchev. Although many amenities such as beach-houses and concrete hotels remain, some have fallen into disrepair. Jūrmala remains a tourist attraction with long beaches facing the Gulf of Riga and romantic wooden houses in the Art Nouveau style.

Imants Ziedonis, one of Latvia's most important poets and folklorists of the Soviet and post-Soviet eras, was born in the Jūrmala district.

Visitors can access Jūrmala from Riga in around 20 to 40 minutes either by train or by bus, or along the highway by car. Since 2008 Jūrmala and Riga airport are connected with a bus service.

History

The city of Jūrmala actually consists of a string of small resorts. From west to east, these include Ķemeri, Jaunķemeri, Sloka, Kauguri, Vaivari, Asari, Melluži, Pumpuri, Jaundubulti, Dubulti, Majori, Dzintari, Bulduri and Lielupe.

The area now comprising the city of Jūrmala was formerly part of Riga, known as Rīgas Jūrmala. Some parts of the area, like Sloka and Ķemeri, have been known as health resorts for centuries. Jūrmala was once known in German as Riga-Strand, or "Beach of Riga".

Jūrmala's reputation as a spa destination began in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Wealthy landowners began the tradition of relaxing at the seaside, and Russian army officers came here to rest after the Napoleonic Wars, returning later with their families. The peak of the Jūrmala area's development was the opening of the Riga - Tukums railway in 1877 (which still passes through Jūrmala) that gave a great boost to the numbers of visitors, and thus a boost to the development of the town as a resort.

In Soviet times Jūrmala was popular with the Communist officials because of its beach and sanatoriums - holidays were also given as rewards for top union members. It became one of the most popular holiday directions in the whole Union. The spas offered facilities from mud baths to riding therapy and hiking in the woods. In summer there are many concerts.

Jūrmala gained official status as a city in 1959. The railway line became electrified and today it features the most regular train service in Latvia.

Whereas Riga has advanced rapidly to embrace and cater for growing numbers of Western tourists, Jūrmala has lagged behind. Russians are now subject to strict visa requirements and its beaches have yet to attract significant numbers of Europeans leaving the tourist industry with a hard task on its hands. In fact much of the resort has the feeling of grand dereliction. However, during past few years, Jūrmala started to recover. Many of Russian celebrities, successful businessman and other people from elite are buying houses near the beach, lots of different festivals and other activities bring more and more people to the town each summer. At the moment, Jūrmala has almost achieved its former popularity as it had with Soviet elite.

The main beach at Majori and another at Bulduri now bear blue eco-flags signaling their safety to swim in and the Latvian Academy of Science boasts a hotel for its members in the town. There is also the Midsummer Festival in June, celebrating the longest day when the sky never fully darkens, and the 'Jaunais Vilnis' New Wave (competition) [http://www.newwavestars.com/en/] music festival showcases the latest music from all over Europe. The Lonely Planet guide to the region states that it is one of the highlights of Latvia.Fact|date=March 2008

Architecture

The most distinguishing feature of architecture in Jurmala of XIX and first half of XX century is prevalence of wooden buildings. Wood is aesthetically attractive and appropriate for seasonal buildings, as well as it is easy-to-get.

Most of the buildings were made by Baltic German and Latvian architects, but there also are works of Russian, Finnish and other architects. Typical feature of Jurmalas architecture live in harmony and supplement each other, such as classicism, national romanticism, modern style and many others. The town has an official list of 414 historical buildings under protection, as well as 3,500 wooden structures.Fact|date=March 2008

Beach

Jurmala's beach is 33 km long, covered with white quartz sand. The shallow coastal waters are suitable and safe for children. The beach is equipped with children playgrounds, small benches, football fields and volleyball courts, as well as descents for prams and wheelchairs. In spring and autumn amber pieces can be found on the beach.

Each region's beach has its own character. In Majori and Bulduri, where the Blue Flag flies, it is possible to rent water bicycles or relax in the beach cafe. In Dubulti and Dzintari competitions in beach football and volleyball take place, but on Pumpuri beach there is kite surfing and windsurfing.

International water sports contests, including rowing, sailing, and waterskiing that take place on the river Lielupe. The water-park "Livu Aquapark" is open all year round.

Festivals

During the times of the Soviet Union Jūrmala was the place of various all-Union festivals. Most notable of which were annual Jurmala Chess FestivalFact|date=March 2008 and almost annual festival of pop music "Jūrmala" (1986-1993). [ [http://www.jurmala-festival.com/en/about.php About Jurmala pop music festival] ]

Since 2001 Jūrmala hosts the competition of young pop singers "New Wave".Fact|date=March 2008

Jurmala also hosts KiViN KVN Game festival.

References

External links

* [http://www.jurmala.lv/en/turistiem/Citi/Default.aspx Official site]
*

Photos and videos

* [http://www.360pano.eu/jurmala/ 360º QTVR fullscreen panoramas] of the Jurmala city
* [http://www.reise-photografie.de/jurmala Images from Jurmala ]