Dižstende

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Earlier: Stendes muiža. In 1528 Order Master Walter von Pletenberg bequeathed Stendes muiža (6 km south of Talsi, on the banks of the Stende River) to Philip von der Brigen (von der Brüggen), who enjoyed special favour from the Livonian Order. Stendes muiža remained the property of the Brigen (Brüggen) family until 1920. The manor’s old, 16th century dwelling house and 18th-19th century centre (the new dwelling house, wheel house and stables in Classicist style) are architectural monuments, while the well-tended park (18 ha) is a natural protection object. Since 1922 Stendes muiža has housed the State Stende Plant Breeding station. The building work and finishing of Stende Lutheran Church (first half of the 18th century) were performed by craftsmen and artists invited from Konigsberg.