LATVIA

LATVIA / LATVIJA.

Nature monuments.
Gauja National Park. Zvārtes rock (Zvārtes iezis).
Stamp issued on 11.03.2006.
Face value: 22 Latvian santims.
Design: Ludis Danilāns (b. 1956).
Printing: Offset lithography.
Print: 3,120,000 copies.
Size: 32 x 32 mm.

Catalogues
- AFA No. 664.
- Michel No. 665.
- StampWorld No. 652.
- Stanley Gibbons No. 661.
- Yvert et Tellier No. 636.

The Gauja National Park (in Latvian, Gaujas nacionālais parks), in the Vidzeme region, north of Latvia, is the country’s largest national park, with an area of 917.86 km² (354.39 sq mi) along the valley of the Gauja River, from which takes its name. It was established in 1973 in order to protect slightly disturbed natural areas, promote nature tourism and ensure sustainable development in the area. Since 2004 is a part of Natura 2000 network as a territory, which is designed for conservation of protected species and biotopes.

Zvārtes Rock is one of the most picturesque sandstone cliffs on the banks of the Amata River and within the entire Gauja National Park. Its height is 20 m (65.6 ft) and it is estimated to be more than 350 years old. It is famous for the many mythical stories associated with it. Legend says that long time ago it was a gathering place for witches who would dance and rejoice around it until the crack of dawn.