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The Drying Kiln
This building, with elements of Classicism, was built in
the latter half of the 19th century. The external walls
and facade are typical of estate buildings, with small
pieces of rock pushed into the grout. The drying kiln is
on the side of a hill so that the road via which grain was
brought to it was on a natural protuberance.
Until the mid-20th century, the kiln was used to
dry rye, barley, wheat and other grains. A buffet was
installed around 1928, and grilled sausages were served
there during parish events. In the 1960s, the building
was taken over as a warehouse for beverages for a
local kiosk. From 1971 until 1999, the building housed
a cafeteria with a stylised interior and wall paintings
featuring the romantic story of the Rose of Turaida.
After reconstruction, the drying kiln became the site of
an exhibition, “The Turaida Estate Drying Kiln.”
The drying kiln of the Turaida Estate, postcard from the early 20th century
The drying kiln of the Turaida Estate today
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