Historical and old photos of Livani (german - Lievenhof)

A small historical reference Livani - Livanese Center region, until 1917 Livenhof (Lievenhof), located in eastern Latvia, in Latgale on the right bank of the River Daugava (Western Dvina) at the confluence of the river Dubna in the Daugava River. The first written mention of the settlement of merchants and craftsmen Dubna - 1289. Home towns of Livani due to the year 1533, when the local German landlord Lieven founded the village and named it after himself - Lievenhof. In 1677, Livani had been transferred to the Polish magnate Leonard Pokidzha. Being a Catholic, in 1678 he built the first Catholic church. In 1824, Livani receive the status of the town, in 1926 - the status of the city. Population: 10 800
Bridge, 1911	Catholic Church, built in 1861, during the First World War the church was severely damaged	Houses with the Army Radio Communication Tower, background - Michael's Catholic Church	Kirche
Livani distillery, 1910s	Primary School, 1920s	Primary School, 1930	Railway station

History

Origins of Līvāni as a bigger place of population are linked to the 1533, when the then owner of the land Lieven established the manor and called it after his own name Lievenhof. The 1678, the first Catholic Church was built here. The city suffered considerably during the two world wars. Name of Līvāni is associated with the glass. In 1887 a glass factory was founded here, which today has ceased operation.

It was as early as in the 11th century, when settlement of traders and craftsmen was established at the current location of Līvāni. The settlement belonged to the old Latgallian city-state of Jersika - it was just 7 kilometres north of the centre of Jersika state, at the place where the then significant waterways of Dubna and Daugava meet. The first documentary evidence of a fortified settlement called Dubna dates back to a later period, 1289. The beginnings of Līvāni as we know it today are related to 1533, when the local German landlord Lieven founded here a hamlet and named it after himself - Lievenhof. In 1677, Līvāni were transferred into the ownership of the Polish magnate Leonard Pociej. Being a Catholic Christian, in 1678 he built the first Catholic church. The church stood on the riverbank of Dubna, close to the current location of Līvāni high school No.1 In those days, many beggars used to gather around the church. They used to take the food that was given to them to the riverbank of Dubna, beyond the road, there they had their meal. For that reason, the place got named "Beggar Bay" (Ubaglīcis). Nowadays it is an attractive residential area.

In 1824, Līvāni was granted the legal status of a borough ("miests"). It was this place where the second folk-school in Latgale was established in the year 1854. Another important event was opening of the first local pharmacy in 1689. When Latvia became an independent state, the development of Līvāni was fostered by the newly acquired legal status of a town (1926). Some 370 dwelling houses (most of them - wooden buildings) were built in a compact set along the main street of Līvāni, Rīgas iela. This street was famous for a wide range of small shops most of them owned by the local Jews. In the mid 1930s, there were around 180 shops in Līvāni. The town also played the role of the regional centre of culture.

Origin: en.wikipedia.org