Location
State: Latvia
Region: Vidzeme
County: Smiltene
Parish: Branti
Other references to the location
In the yard of the Emīļi homestead.
Coordinates
lat=57.37832822438506, lon=25.75677285553674
57° 22′ 41″ N, 25° 45′ 24″ E
Description
The name of the stone originates from the homestead next to it. In a picturesque place, around the “Emīlis” other smaller stones have settled. Its length is 3.2 m, width of 2.9 m, height of the flat surface above the ground of 0.8 m, total over-ground volume of 5 m³. Approximate weight of the stone is 30 tons. According to specialists, it might be an ancestors’ sacrifice stone because water does not disappear in its hollow and touching it relieves from stress. (Smiltene municipality council, 2011a-b, ER).
Narrative
The neighbours of the Emīļi homestead say that it is an ancestors’ sacrificial stone because water disappears in its cavity and touching the stone relieves from stress. (Smiltene Municipality Council, 2011a-b).
Attraction
An impressive stone, a good access with a nicely looked-after meadow and mowed path. Nothing disturbs gaining the visual impression.
Availability
Limited access. No signs at the homestead. The road leading to the house has an iron gate with a ban to enter. It is a summer cottage. The owners do not daily live here. The local municipality and owners are working to find a solution for providing an access to the site.
Infrastructure, management, facilities
No special infrastructure. The yard of the homestead is tidy and its infrastructure is related to the hospitality of the homestead owners.
Local info
No
Capacity
10 – 40
Publicity
Known
Legal Status
Private
Comments
Well looked-after, the strategy of the private owners must be known.
