Time for yourself. Time to unwind. Time to meet.

The story of Aizpute's sauna begins by the Tebra River and continues on Katoļu iela — from the community's old traditions to the public sauna that BALVORA Group helped bring back to life. It is a story of people who kept the tradition alive and enterprise that enabled it to continue.

1. 1752–1797

   Earliest evidence of sauna traditions

   In 1752, Aizpute's Jewish community acquired land on the banks of the Tebra River to build a synagogue and ritual bath, or mikveh. The bath formed part of the community's religious and everyday life.

   The town plan from 1797 already showed a sauna, synagogue and prayer house, marking the beginning of the documented history of Aizpute's sauna tradition.

2. 1843–1868

   Sauna development in the 19th century

   The sauna on the Tebra River was rebuilt in 1843. In 1867, Aizpute's Jewish congregation began planning a new sauna building designed by Otto Dietze, architect to the towns of the Courland Governorate.

   By the end of 1868, the new sauna had been built. It became an increasingly established part of Aizpute's public life.

3. 1877–1940

   From community tradition to a public service

   In 1877, the Jewish congregation leased out the sauna to ensure its upkeep. The sauna's role increasingly extended beyond one community, linking everyday needs, social encounters and the rhythm of town life.

   The tradition of public bathing and sauna services continued in Aizpute over the following decades.

4. 1970s

   The sauna on Katoļu iela — a place for generations

   In the second half of the 20th century, Aizpute's public sauna tradition continued at Katoļu iela 3. Over the years, the place became familiar to generations of Aizpute residents.

   For many, a sauna visit was a regular weekend tradition — a chance to relax, meet acquaintances and regain energy.

5. 2017–2018

   A sauna needed and valued by residents

   As public saunas became less common in Latvia, the Aizpute sauna continued welcoming visitors. Almost 3,700 visits were recorded there in 2017.

   Alongside the sauna tradition, it served an important social function by providing washing facilities for people whose homes lacked modern amenities. Preserving this value required a new development solution.

6. 2020–2021

   Time for change

   Rising maintenance costs and the need to renovate the building prompted a search for a new operating model. The municipality decided to involve a business willing to take responsibility for both management and further development.

   Continuing a tradition important to the town required real investment, practical work and faith in the place's future.

7. 11 March 2021

   O.A.G. Projekti takes on the renovation

   Following a public auction, SIA “O.A.G. Projekti” — now SIA “BALVORA Group” — obtained the lease rights to the sauna at Katoļu iela 3. The lease agreement was signed on 11 March 2021, beginning a new chapter for the sauna.

   The company accepted the challenge to invest in the building, preserve the public sauna needed by residents and create an attractive leisure destination for visitors.

8. Spring–autumn 2021

   Investment, renovation and a fresh start

   O.A.G. Projekti began refurbishing the facilities, renovating interiors and improving the setting so visitors could enjoy a more modern, orderly and welcoming complex.

   The investment combined the sauna's traditional purpose with new development opportunities. The public sauna, showers and laundry services were renewed, while the site received a new name and concept: “Aizpute Leisure Complex”.

9. 25 November 2021

   The sauna reopens to residents and visitors

   On 25 November 2021, the refurbished public sauna reopened. Aizpute residents could return to a familiar place, while visitors discovered the local sauna tradition and an opportunity to relax in Kurzeme.

   The complex continued to provide essential washing facilities. In cooperation with the municipality, some residents could use sauna and shower services on preferential terms. This renewal benefited both the site and its community.

10. January 2022

    Official reopening of the renovated complex

    In January 2022, with representatives of the South Kurzeme municipality present, the refurbished sauna was officially inaugurated. It demonstrated how private initiative and investment can help preserve a meaningful town institution and give it a new direction.

    Approximately 130 people visited the sauna in its first month of operation. Visitors' suggestions helped improve the service and the new complex's offerings.

11. 2025

    The sauna tradition gains national recognition

    In 2025, “The Sauna Tradition in Latvia” was included in Latvia's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognises a tradition that combines care for others, community and knowledge passed down through generations.

    The revival of Aizpute's sauna shows how this living cultural tradition can still be maintained today.

12. Today

    BALVORA Group — an investment in a place with a future

    Renovating the sauna in Aizpute is an important part of BALVORA Group's business story. We saw potential in a place cherished by residents, invested in restoring it and helped make the public sauna available again to the people of Aizpute and their guests.

    Our approach is simple: preserve a place's character, reveal its potential and create long-term value. Aizpute Leisure Complex is a visible example of this belief.