Location
State: Latvia
Region: Vidzeme
County: Ape
Parish: Trapene
Other references to the location
On the slope of the left bank of the Melnupe River, in the yard of the congregation house of Mikuži
Coordinates
lat=57.540321352101, lon=26.70777922117
57° 32′ 25″ N, 26° 42′ 28″ E
Description
A small but facilitated spring, the water of which is used for children baptizing rituals of the nearby brotherhood congregation house of the parish (since the middle of the 19th century — the worship house of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation). Healing power is attributed to the water. There is no information proving that the spring water had also the meaning of a holy spring. It should be viewed together with the more than 200 years old congregation house’s log building. The spring is used for drawing water. The picturesque valley of the Melnupe River. The object is not included in the state archaeological heritage list.
Narrative
According to the narration provided by a local teacher Emma Vallija Šļukuma, “Children were baptized with the spring water — especially during the times of the Mikuži brotherhood congregation. A mug with spring water was given along tochildren. They believed the spring can give good health; the spring water has to be poured over the head to have a good mind.” (Audio recorded)
Attraction
The spring is spruced up. Nearby is the Trapene congregation house built in the 19th century — the surroundings are also spruced up (looks like an ancient farmstead). From the point of view of history
Availability
In the centre of Trapene there is a large information stand with news, as well as an indication post. At the turning to the Trapene congregation house there is the same sign as in the centre. It is easy to find and easy to reach the object.
Infrastructure, management, facilities
The territory is facilitated; there are stone stairs down to the spring. Over the spring there is a rofflet, but in the spring itself – a wooden barrel to make the water accumulation and its drawing easier.
Local info
No information stand, but the news is provided by a guide in charge of tourism in the Trapene Parish
Capacity
41 and more
Publicity
Known
Legal Status
Municipal property
Comments
There is an idea about creating a walking trail Mellupe–Mikuži.