The original monument was demolished by Soviet authorities within months of the 1940 occupation.
The bronze figure of the woman is locally referred to as 'Māra', representing the mother of the land.
The original head of the statue was famously hidden by a local resident during the Soviet era to prevent its destruction.
Kārlis Jansons, the sculptor, is the same artist who created the iconic monument in the Bauska Castle ruins.
The base of the monument contains inscriptions acknowledging its original 1939 unveiling and the 1992 restoration.
Vienoti Latvijai (United for Latvia) is the central monument in Rēzekne, dedicated to the liberators of the Latgale region. Originally unveiled in 1939, the monument was destroyed during the Soviet occupation in 1940 and reconstructed in 1992 following Latvia's independence. It features a bronze female figure holding a cross and a sprig, symbolizing the region's spiritual and territorial unity with the rest of Latvia. The sculptor Kārlis Jansons designed the original work, while his son Andrejs Jansons led the recreation process. The monument stands on a high pedestal in the city center, serving as a primary site for state commemoration ceremonies. It anchors the historical narrative of Latgale's struggle for sovereignty.
From the opposite side of Atbrīvošanas Aleja to capture the monument framed against the blue sky or the municipal buildings.
Visit the adjacent Rēzekne City Council building to view the architectural context of the square.
Walk the full length of Atbrīvošanas Aleja to see how the monument serves as a visual axis for the city.
Combine this visit with a trip to the nearby GORS embassy of Latgale for a contrast between historical and modern architecture.
Do not treat the pedestal as a seating area or climbing structure.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as this is a site of national historical significance and a war memorial.
