Daugavpils inovāciju centrs🏛 museum
Daugavpils Innovation Centre has interactive exhibitions on science and technology.
🌐 dic.daugavpils.lv🕒 Tu-Su 12:00-18:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tower
The Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower is a unique industrial monument and the only factory of its kind in Europe that remains operational today. Founded in 1885, the facility is famous for its 28-meter-high casting tower situated on a hill, which, combined with a 31-meter-deep cooling shaft, utilizes a total height of nearly 60 meters for the production process. The manufacturing of lead shot here follows the traditional drop method, where molten lead is poured through a sieve and falls into the depths, forming first-rate spheres during free fall. Visitors can tour the historic production site, see the ancient machinery in action, and even climb the tower to enjoy views over the city of Daugavpils. The factory is not only a technical curiosity but also a vital part of Latvian industrial history, preserving the continuity of manufacturing traditions for over a century.
- Location: Latvia
- Top sights: Daugavpils inovāciju centrs · Svēta Pētera ķēdēs Romas katoļu draudzes baznīca · Museum of Shmakovka
- Nearby: Ilūkste (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -6 | -1 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 1 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 43 | 45 | 46 | 71 | 85 | 96 | 89 | 60 | 71 | 62 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower is a historic industrial monument, typically not open for interior visits. The exterior is always accessible from the outside.
Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours. You can view the tower anytime during daylight.
Photography
Photography is possible anytime from the street and adjacent grounds. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the tower.
Time needed
A quick stop for photos and information takes about 10-15 minutes. If you explore the surroundings, allow 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Daugavpils Fortress grounds and the fortress museum. The city center of Daugavpils with its Russian Orthodox churches is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The tower is located in the industrial area of Daugavpils, reachable by car or bus. Follow signs to the historic port area.
Insider tip
Visit the tower in the late afternoon when the light emphasizes the industrial architecture. Inquire in advance about special openings on Heritage Day.
Geography
Facts
- The factory was founded in 1885
- The visible tower stands 28 meters tall
- The underground cooling shaft reaches a depth of 31 meters
- The only operational lead shot tower remaining in Europe
- Produces lead shot for hunting and sporting ammunition
- Located in the historic district of Daugavpils
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower (10)
Museum of Shmakovka🏛 museum
The Museum of Shmakovka showcases the production and history of Latvian herbal liqueur.
🌐 smakovka.lv🕒 May 1-Sep 30 Mo-Su 11:00-19:00; Oct 1-Apr 30 Tu-Su 11:00-19:
Latgales zoodārzs
Latgale Zoo in Daugavpils houses regional and exotic animals.
Svētā Aleksandra Ņevska pareizticīgo kapela
St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Chapel in Daugavpils is a small religious building.
Ebreji Daugavpilī un Latgalē🏛 museum
The museum documents the history of Jews in Daugavpils and Latvia.
Daugavpils sinagoga
Daugavpils Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship in the city.
Dubrovina parks🌳 park
Dubrovina Park in Daugavpils is a green area with paths and trees.
Vienības tilts
Vienības Bridge is a road bridge over the Daugava River in Daugavpils.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower?
It is the oldest lead shot factory in Northern Europe that is still operational today.
How does shot production work in the tower?
Molten lead is dropped from a height, causing it to become perfectly round in mid-air.
Can the factory be visited?
Yes, there are guided tours where you can see the production facilities and the tower.
Is it allowed to climb the tower?
Visitors can see part of the tower and learn more about the physical process.
Where exactly is the tower located?
It is located at Varšavas iela 28 in Daugavpils, about a 20-minute walk from the city center.
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower: where is it located?
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower is located in Latvia.
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Daugavpils inovāciju centrs, Svēta Pētera ķēdēs Romas katoļu draudzes baznīca, Museum of Shmakovka.
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Daugavpils Lead Shot Tower is a unique industrial monument and the only factory of its kind in Europe that remains operational today.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Latvia →
Nearby cities
Lielupe
Lielupe is an upscale coastal neighborhood in Jūrmala where the Lielupe River meets the Baltic Sea, offering river and sea recreation.
Priedaine
Priedaine is a residential area near Jūrmala.
Asari
Asari is a charming, historic part of Jūrmala, known for its strawberry-growing heritage and peaceful sandy shores.
Vaivari
A peaceful seaside neighborhood in Jūrmala, renowned for its rehabilitation center and white quartz sand beach.
Kaugurciems
Kaugurciems is a tranquil coastal neighborhood in Jūrmala, offering wide sandy beaches and a peaceful Baltic Sea atmosphere.
Buļļi
Buļļi is a tranquil coastal area on the Latvian Baltic coast, known for its wide sandy beaches and peaceful, natural atmosphere.
Sigulda Town
The town area of Sigulda is situated within the Gauja National Park.
Sigulda Tourism Hub
Sigulda functions as an important economic node for the tourism industry.
Ludza
Ludza is located in eastern Latvia and is considered one of the oldest towns in the country.
Carnikava
A gateway to the Piejūra Nature Park, famous for its lamprey delicacies and the mouth of the Gauja River.
Krustpils
Krustpils is a historical part of Jēkabpils on the banks of the Daugava River.
Madona
Madona is a town in the eastern Vidzeme region.
Alūksne
Alūksne is located in northeastern Latvia on a scenic lake.
Balvi
Balvi is a town in northeastern Latvia and the administrative center of Balvi Municipality.
Kārsava
Kārsava is located in eastern Latvia on the border with Russia.
