Saldus
Saldus (ⓘ; German: Frauenburg) is a Latvian town located in Courland (Latvian: Kurzeme) region of Latvia, and the largest town in Saldus Municipality. The name Saldus has been noted in historical sources as far back as the mid-13th century, but the founding year for the establishment of the town is considered to be 1856, with the settlement gaining town rights in 1917.
Saldus | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Saldus | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
| Nickname(s): Medus piliens Kurzemē 'A drop of honey in Courland' | |
Saldus Location in Latvia | |
| Coordinates: 56°40′N 22°30′E | |
| Country | Latvia |
| Municipality | Saldus Municipality |
| Town rights | 1917 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Māris Zusts |
| • City council | 11 members |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.11 km2 (3.90 sq mi) |
| • Land | 9.70 km2 (3.75 sq mi) |
| • Water | 0.41 km2 (0.16 sq mi) |
| Population (2019) | |
| • Total | 9,937 |
| • Density | 980/km2 (2,500/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | LV-3801 |
| Calling code | +371 638 |
| Climate | Dfb |
| Website | https://www.saldus.lv/ |
The town is located in between Riga and Liepāja (slightly closer to Liepāja (100 km) than Riga (119 km). The Ciecere River flows through Saldus, and it is a tributary to one of Latvia’s biggest rivers, the Venta.
The city is often referred to as "the Bowl of Courland" because of a famous quote by Māris Čaklais: "A drop of honey in the bowl of Courland". The reasoning behind the quote is the fact that from a high point, the city looks like a crater.
As of January 2019, Saldus is the 17th-largest city in Latvia according to population data. In 2019, the town had a population of 9,937.