Wooden Doors in Penkule        https://youtube.com/shorts/F61ANx2xRiM?si=F64bkEIaBxYRYY2d

We are Alise, Gerda and Lauris from Penkule parish, located in Dobele municipality in the Zemgale region of Latvia. Our home area may seem small and quiet, but it is rich in cultural and historical heritage. One of the most visible yet often overlooked elements of this heritage is traditional wooden rural architecture. In this project, we focus on old wooden doors, because they are everyday objects that tell meaningful stories about people, craftsmanship and European history.

Overview of the Heritage Topic

Historically, wooden doors in rural Penkule were most often made from pine, oak or maple, and more rarely from birch. These materials were locally available and well suited to the Latvian climate. The simplest doors were constructed from vertical wooden boards, reinforced with Z- or X-shaped wooden braces on the inside. This construction was especially common in barns and farm buildings, as it helped prevent the doors from warping over time.

Some doors were built using a diagonal plank or “herringbone” construction, which improved stability and durability. Door hardware such as hinges, bolts and locks was usually hand-forged by local blacksmiths. Each blacksmith had a recognisable style, making even small metal details historically valuable.

In wealthier farmsteads and manors, doors were more decorative. They often had wooden frames with panels, carved ornaments, mouldings and symmetrical designs. Above many entrance doors there was a small window called a fanlight, which allowed daylight into the hallway. In the 19th century, many doors were made without modern screws, using wooden pegs and forged nails instead. This shows a high level of traditional craftsmanship.

Traditionally, rural doors were often left in their natural grey wood tone, shaped by weather and time. To protect them from moisture and insects, doors were treated with oil or varnish, and sometimes painted using natural pigments, most commonly red or brown.

What does heritage mean to you?

To us, heritage means a living connection between past and present. It is not only famous monuments, but also ordinary objects created for everyday life. Wooden doors carry the marks of hands that made them and generations that used them. Heritage helps us understand who we are, where we come from, and why it is important to preserve traditional skills and knowledge for the future.

What do you know about European heritage?

European heritage is rich, diverse and interconnected. Across Europe, people used similar materials such as wood and metal, adapting building techniques to local conditions. Traditional wooden architecture and blacksmithing can be found in many countries, showing shared knowledge and long-standing cultural exchange. European heritage also reflects sustainability, as older buildings were designed to last and use resources wisely.

What European story can you find in the heritage around you?

The wooden doors of Penkule tell a European story of rural life, craftsmanship and sustainability. Similar door constructions can be found in other parts of Europe, showing how people solved practical problems in similar ways. These doors connect our local heritage to a wider European tradition of handmade, durable and meaningful objects.

What is the most interesting part of your local heritage?

The most interesting part of our local heritage is that even the simplest objects have deep meaning. A plain wooden door can reveal social differences, historical periods and individual craftsmanship. Each door is unique, yet all belong to a shared cultural landscape that links Penkule with Europe.

Conclusion

Wooden doors are more than building elements. They are silent witnesses of history, connecting Penkule parish to the broader story of European cultural heritage and reminding us that heritage can be found right at our doorstep.