Viesīte

Viesīte (German: Eckengraf) is a town in the western part of Jēkabpils County, Latvia.

Viesīte is typical Selonia town that cherished by its people, now is blossoming on the hills in the very middle of district. Selonia is the culture historical district, bordering on Latgale, Zemgale (Semigalia), Vidzeme and Lithuania.

Viesīte town (previously called Eckengraf, Eķengrāve, Azu village) is situated on the crossroads of very important trunk roads: Jēkabpils-Nereta, Akniste-Riga. The distance to Jēkabpils is 32 km, to Riga- 130 km, and to the Lithuanian border- 31 km.

Five golden acorns on a purple background, symbolising power and mightiness are depicted on the coat of arms of Viesīte town.

On Viesīte flag you can see the colours of Selonia district flag- green, white and red, with the coat of arms of viesite in the middle of it.

Viesīte Town and Rural territory Council consists of 9 deputies. Council chairman is Janis Dimitrijevs. There are four permanent committees working in the municipality:

• Finance committee,
• Social, educational and culture affairs committee,
• Territorial development and business facilitation committee,
• Agriculture and land affairs committee.

The council deputies together with municipality people have organised several committees for problem solving and implementation of separate functions of the Council.

The most interesting objects in Viesite are: the little engine, ViesIte Culture Castle, Memorial room and places of Professor Pauls Stradins, memorial room of writer Anna Brodele, Viesīte Brīvibas (Freedom) Church, Viesīte museum of local history "Selonia".

See also

List of cities in Latvia