Vanagi Church

The former primary school, parish house and church of the village of Vanagi provide evidence of one of the most heroic pages in the history of Vanagi Parish. In the autumn of 1944, after the return of the Soviet occupation to Latvia, the resistance of the people of Latgale to Soviet rule began. At this time, Antons Juhņevičs (1905–1947), a bright personality with a sharp mind, patriotism and a deep faith in God, served as a priest in Vanagi Parish. During his church services, he called for resistance to Soviet rule, and gave refuge to those fleeing repressions in his church. On 28 January 1945, an armed battle took place in the vicinity of Vanagi Church between national partisans and Soviet security officers – Chekists. After these events, A. Juhņevičs also joined the national partisans and, under the nickname “Vientulis”, became one of the leaders of the Latvian Fatherland Partisan Union. Visitors can see the church and the parish house, and walk the partisan trails in the nearby forest near the church.

By making a prior booking, you can enjoy a partisan meal – porridge made on a bonfire – next to the parish house. The staged documentary Segvārds Vientulis (Alias Loner) by director Normunds Pucis, produced in 2014, can be watched at the former Primary School of Vanagi, currently IAC Vanagi (Information and Support Centre Vanagi). A large-format photo exhibition about the making of the film is on display in the hallways of the school.

The breakout game is located in Vanagi, Preiļi municipality, in the building of the former Vanagi elementary school. The historic school building is located near the Vanagi church – a place closely connected with the life story of the priest and national partisan leader Antons Juhņevičs. A memorial plaque to A. Juhņevičs has been installed next to the school.

The breakout game “Segvārds Vientulis” is an interactive military heritage tourism object dedicated to the national partisan movement in Latgale and its important figure – priest and partisan leader Antons Juhņevičs. It was created so that you can learn about the history of Latvia not only by reading and viewing the exhibition, but also by actively engaging in learning the historical story yourself.

The approximately 1 hour and 30 minute escape game is intended for students in grades 6–12, families with children, and anyone interested in learning about Latvian history in an interactive and exciting way. The game is set in two former school classrooms. One of them has been transformed into a stylized national partisan bunker, while the other is designed as a forest environment. By completing various tasks, searching for clues, and solving puzzles, participants learn about the activities of the national partisans in Latgale and the life story of Antons Juhņevičs. Some of the tasks also take place outside the school building, connecting the game's story with the Vanagi Church and its surroundings.

Next to the breakout game, there is also a “Vanagi Small Cinema”, where you can watch the documentary film “Segvārds Vientulis” staged by Normunds Pučis, episodes of which were filmed in Vanagi – in the parish house, church and its surroundings. The cinema is complemented by a large-format photo exhibition about the making of the film in Vanagi.

The breakout game "Segvārds Vientulis" is also included in the cultural education program "Latvian School Bag".

Visits are possible with prior registration by contacting the Preiļi County Tourism Development and Information Center.

At the parish house, tourist groups can sign up and taste a real national partisan meal - groats porridge cooked over a campfire.