Istra rural municipality

Istra rural municipality administration

Vecslabada, Istras pagasts, Ludzas novads, LV – 5748

Tel.: +371 657 29507

E-mail: [email protected]

Administrator of the rural municipality – Aleksandrs Sovans

Location, area, population

The rural municipality is located in the eastern part of Latgale highland, 50 km from Ludza, 20 km from the railway station Zilupe, 350 km from Riga. Istra rural municipality was formed in 1863. Population – 1,028 people. Area – 16,397 ha. Administrative and culture centre is in Vecslabada.

Natural and historical monuments

Vecslabada is surrounded by three lakes: Audzeli, Istra and Dzilezers lakes. The village is located between the lakes. On one hill, there is an orthodox church, on the other – a school building built in 1928, next to it – a catholic church. The orthodox church in Vecslabada is one of the biggest rural churches in Latvia. Interior of the church is especially unique, which was made by masters of Peterburg’s Art Academy under the guidance of academician N. Verhoturov. An interesting object in the rural municipality is Panu Island. Since 1925 it has been a natural monument. Now pine and fir-tree wood grows here. For many decades, grey herons have been living on Panu Island; Leitanova and Malinovka are populated by black storks.

Prominent residents

The most prominent residents are: opera singer Mihails Avercenko; the first doctor-pediatrist in Latvia Grigorijs Groms; professor, doctor of technical science Aleksandrs Lazarevs.