The main object of the Archaeological Park is a special reconstruction of an ancient Latgalian residence of the 8th to10th centuries, built on the basis of the data obtained from excavation of a village located in the middle of a lake. Archaeologist Jānis Apals' path from hydro-archaeological expeditions and studies to the first science-based reconstruction of life in the Baltic States is designed for visitors to discover by themselves in a more modern and easy-to-understand manner than hitherto, with special sections for children.
"First one can see what Jānis Apals himself would have deemed valuable. Then, when the information has been obtained, you can go on to the next room and open up each nook and cranny, opening drawers - each can get what they find most interesting," said Sanda Salmiņa from AEAP.
The visitor center building in which the exhibition is located is a new wooden construction and has already been deemed the second best construction of the year in the annual architectural awards in the category of wooden buildings.
The Āraiši Archaeological Park is a popular tourist attraction around 8 kilometers from the city of Cēsis. The site has yielded numerous unique archaeological finds, and is the the location of a reconstruction of the original lake village as well as boasting the remains of a crusader-era castle and beautiful surroundings.