Approximately 6 km to the south-west of Iecava is the home of the father of author Edvarts Virza (born Jēkabs Eduards Liekna, 1883-1940), Billītes. The author and his wife, Elza Stērste, moved to the house in 1901. Virza was one of Latvia’s most outstanding 20th century authors, poets and prose writers, as well as publicist and translator. He wrote many poems at Billītes, and in 1933 he produced his masterpiece, “Straumēni,” which depicts the life of a Latvian farmer. A museum dedicated to Virza is at the house today. It was opened by his children and grandchildren. Contact the museum in advance for a tour.
Interesting objects at the farm include an Italian-style kitchen garden and flower garden that were restored by Elza Stērste. The wisteria that are at the home may be the only one in Latvia that blooms outside during warm years. A very old and large apple tree may represent the Avenarius type of trees. Dating back to the 1930s is a Manchurian walnut tree, which has produced many shoots, ancient lilacs, a rare Kazdanga cherry three and hazelnut trees. The willows are 400 years old, and Latvia’s largest horse chestnut tree (circumference of 4.4 m) dates back to the 1870s.
