Spārītes Park

The development of parks in Gulbene began in the middle of the 19th century, when Baron Johann Gottlieb von Wolf bought Vecgulbene manor. In the last quarter of the 19th century, his grandson Heinrich von Wolf began the construction of the park, which was equipped with artificial ponds with islands, bridges, sculptures and groups of exotic plants, and in honour of his wife, the beautiful Italian woman Maria (Marisa), he called it Maria’s Park.

During the agrarian reform of the 20s of the 20th century, Vecgulbene Maria’s Park, with an area of 222 hectares, became state property and a protected object of natural beauty. In 1935, Maria’s Park was divided into two parts: one part was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, and the other to the city of Gulbene.

This is how Emzes Park (166.6 ha) and Spārītes Park (40.9 ha) were created. On the territory of Spārītes Park there is Lake Svētais (Holy Lake) and Asaru Pond (Pond of Tears). The name of Asaru Pond comes from the fact that a drop-shaped island was created in its centre. On the other hand, one large island was created in the centre of Lake Svētais, surrounded by six small islands. On all the islands there were various sculptures (angels, symbols of von Wolf — wolves, bears, birds, etc.), and stones with the letters of the name of the baroness were placed on small islands.

Spārītes Park has acquired the status of a natural monument of local importance.

On the territory of Spārītes Park, which connects it with the nearby Emzes Park, there are walking trails — the trails of Heinrich and Svētezers. The third walking trail, Marisa trail, has also been created on the territory of Emzes Park.
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