Saldus
Saldus, Latvia | |||
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Town | |||
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Saldus, Latvia Location in Latvia | |||
Coordinates: 56°40′N 22°30′E / 56.667°N 22.500°ECoordinates: 56°40′N 22°30′E / 56.667°N 22.500°E | |||
Country |
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District | Saldus District | ||
Town rights | 1917 | ||
Government | |||
• Mayor | Māris Zusts | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 10.1 km2 (3.9 sq mi) | ||
Population | |||
• Total | 12,224 | ||
• Density | 1,251/km2 (3,240/sq mi) | ||
Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) | ||
• Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) | ||
Postal code | LV-3801 | ||
Calling code | +371 638 | ||
Number of city council members | 11 |
Saldus (
History
1856 is considered the year Saldus was founded, when the board of Domens' decided to establish a trade center. Although there was an active economy by the end of the 19th century, and Saldus was the cultural center of the region, it was not officially recognized as a town until 1917.
One of the oldest buildings in the town is Saldus St.John's church. Documents from 1461 mention a wooden church. It has been reconstructed several times. The tower, bombed in 1944, was rebuilt in 1981–1982.
Economy
Saldus has developed itself as an important cultural, educational, business and trade center. There are about 500 approved companies operating in Saldus, with main branches in building construction, wood processing and food processing.
These days Saldus also boasts a very active cultural life, featuring local musicians, poets, painters and artists.
Education
Since 1946 Saldus has been home to the Saldus School of Music. In 1984 Saldus Art School was founded.
Notable people
- Johann von Besser (1654–1729) – German writer
- Jānis Blūms (born 1982) – basketball player
- Ursula Donath (born 1931) – German athlete
- Janis Rozentāls (1866–1917) – painter
- Lea Davidova-Medene (1921–1986) – sculptor
- Māris Čaklais (1940–2003) – poet
- Ēriks Ķiģelis (1955–1985) – musician
- Dons (born 1984) – singer
- Ieva Laguna (born 1990) – top model
- Uģis Žaļims (born 1986) – bobsledder
International relations
Twin towns — Sister cities
Saldus is twinned with:
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saldus. |
Gallery
- Monument of Janis Rozentāls
- Saldus lake
- Lutheran church in Saldus