Location
State: Latvia
Region: Kurzeme
County: Aizpute
Parish: Cīrava
Other references to the location
1 km SE from Dzērve school (Lieldzērve manor), in meadows, approximately 250 m from Avotiņi homestead.
Coordinates
lat=56.7434166667, lon=21.41895
56° 44′ 36″ N, 21° 25′ 8″ E
Description
The well was created in unknown times and the biggest stones which form well-curbs are almost 2 m long. The cross-section of the well forms a square with sides which are 1.25m long. In the middle of the 19th century the farmers’ homestead Ķintes used to be here. The well might have been a possible ancient cult site as well as simply the last evidence of a once powerful farm.
Narrative
There are legends and true evidences that the Ķinte homestead used to be here the buildings and fences of which were built of big and very big boulders. Unfortunately in the middle of the 19th century when building the nearby Dzērve manor, the homestead was demolished and the stones from its surroundings were used in the construction of the buildings of the manor. In 1975 archeological explorations were made of the ancient Ķinti site and it was found out that it had been populated in the 17th – 19th century. However, it is not known if at that time major construction work was carried out with the big stones now visible only at the well site. The legends suggest that the Ķinti homestead might date back to the time before the 17th century. Anyhow, people still tell stories about the muscle man Ķintis who committed great deeds here assisted only by his white mare.
Attraction
Average
Availability
Rather easily accessible. There are information signs. It can be traced by following the path across the field. During good weather it is possible to drive across the meadow.
Infrastructure, management, facilities
There have been no facilitation and maintenance works performed within the territory, no indication signs., however, there are small wooden signs and an information stand.
Local info
On the site the owners of the local homesteads and site enthusiasts have created an information stan
Capacity
10 – 40
Publicity
Popular
Legal Status
Private
Comments
More information on the ancient site can be found in the book „Pēdakmeņi, robežakmeņi, muldakmeņi” (Foot-print Stones, Border Stones, Through Shaped Hollow Stones) (J. Urtāns, R., 1990) and in “Dabas un vēstures kalendārs 1978. gadam” (Nature and History Calendar for 1978) (J. Urtāns. Ķintu aka. – R., 1977).