ISSP takes place at the village of Franapole near Ludza, in the region of Latgale.

Latgale, the region closest to the Russian border, is one of the most authentic and much unexplored in Latvia, - a great setting for artistic discovery. The small town of Ludza, situated among 5 lakes, is home to about 11,000 people. Inhabited since pre-historic times, Ludza used to be a gate between Europe and Russia. It is also officially the oldest town in Latvia, dating back to 1177. It boasts plenty of wooden architecture specific to the region, a fairytale orthodox cathedral, an impressive catholic church, ruins of a medieval fortress, etc. It is also the home of the legendary ghost Lucia, who appears to the lucky ones at certain special times of the year. For centuries, Ludza has been the centre of traditional arts and crafts of the region, its recently established Arts&Crafts Centre reviving the old artisanal traditions. The town is surrounded by a countryside, with agricultural lands, lakes, forests, and some forgotten pieces of soviet industrial heritage here and there. For more information on the town see www.ludzaspils.lv

The ISSP is housed at Ezersala Boarding School, located 5 km west of Ludza in the tiny village of Franapole, population 34. The campus is free of its constant inhabitants who return home during the summer. It includes a school building with classrooms (darkroom and PC lab are constructed for ISSP needs), a dining hall for common meals, a boarding school house as living quarters, an evening relaxation space (aka The Bar), a washing house (soviet style sauna), a park featuring several local dogs and cats, a football field, and an access to the lake with a swimming place abt 500m away – all surrounded by wild countryside. The school and the living quarters feature some authentic design with many rooms and walls painted by the children themselves, and the staff is incredibly forthcoming. The remoteness from civilization, tranquility and authenticity of the location and its proximity to a beautiful small town to explore have been among the greatest ISSP assets.

The living conditions are basic but comfortable; the rooms are spacious and include all necessary amenities. The only real drawback is lack of showers, but with the help of the ’sauna’ and the lake we have no problems keeping ourselves reasonably clean. Every year we try to arrange our own cook to help in the kitchen, therefore quality of food has been on the list of ISSP excellence points.

A daily bus connection between Franapole and Ludza is organised for the ISSP participants, so you will have ample opportunities to explore different locations around Ludza and the district. The most freedom-loving souls are advised to bring along their bicycles.

How to get there

Ludza is located 270 km away from Riga. It is reachable by private car or daily public trains or buses. If coming from Riga by car, take road A6/E22 direction Rēzekne, driving time ~ 4 hours.

The Ezersala boarding school is about 5 km away from Ludza. From the centre of town, take P49 direction to Karsava and make a first right turn to Cibla. The Ezersala boarding school shall appear at your right hand side after about 4km - look behind the big park trees!

The Map of How To Find ISSP in Ludza District can be downloaded here.