HomeWhat to seeNatureLielā Ellīte (Devil's Oven)

Lielā Ellīte (Devil's Oven)

Lielā Ellīte also known as Velna ceplis (Devil’s Oven) are the only natural sandstone with arches in Latvia. It consists of a 23m long cave, arcade and natural spring. There are three arches next to each other, which are combined to create an arcade. The total floor area of the cave is 55 m².

Lielā Ellīte could be formed around 6,5-7 thousand years ago. The cave and the spring were once an important holy places. Spring has created unique rock formation. Groundwater is collected over a watertight, flat clay basin, and then flows through layers of sandstone that filters and purifies water.

Lielā Ellīte is a natural geological monument, and is located in the Gauja National Park.

Photos from Cēsis TIC and Priekuļi TIC archive