Latvia's sights

Dinaburg Castle (19 km from Daugavpils)
The beginning of the Latvian town, which has repeatedly changed its name (Dinaburg, Nevgin, Dvinsk, Borisoglebsk, Daugavpils) was marked by Dinaburg Castle, built in 1275 by order of Master Ernest Ratzeburg of the Livonian Order.
This Latvian landmark has had a complicated history - since its construction, the castle has been fought over several times and constantly passed into the hands of Lithuanian, Polish and Russian authorities.
In 1772 Dinaburg castle was given to Russia and the construction of the castle began. The current appearance of the castle is the fourth in the history of Dinaburg.
In 1810, active construction of defensive structures started here. The ramparts reached a height of 11 metres. The fortification works were so well done that even a three-day siege by Napoleon's army did not allow the fortress to be captured.
In 1813, the construction of the fortress was resumed and barracks, dwelling houses, four fortress gates were built.
In 1827, a hospital for five hundred men was completed.
In general, improvements to the fortifications continued until 1878, but by the end of the 19th century the fortress had lost its defensive purpose and had acquired the status of a storage fortress, which served as a workshop for the manufacture and storage of shells and gunpowder.
After World War II, an aviation school began operating here in 1947. The castle grounds were gradually repaired, sports grounds were built and the area was landscaped.
Today Dinaburg fortress is an example of fortification art. In spite of numerous tests of time, some forts and ramparts have been preserved in their entirety. In time, the Daugavpils authorities hope to turn this complex into a modern cultural centre.

Bauska Castle (Bauska)
Bauska is a town in central Latvia, in Zemgale region. Founded back in the 15th century by German knights, Bauska today is rich in historical monuments and preserves centuries of history, so you're sure to find something to visit in Latvia if you find yourself in this town. For example, Bauska Castle, built at the confluence of the Musa and Memsele rivers for the Knights of the Livonian Order, is a testament to this.
The castle was surrounded by a system of fortifications, and later parade halls and living quarters were erected.
Soon after the construction of the castle, a craftsmen's and fishermen's settlement was formed around the castle, which later became the town of Bauska.
The castle was owned by the Livonian Order until 1561, when it began changing hands regularly, and the ducal court and chancellery moved in.
In 1625 the castle was seized by the Swedes and at the beginning of the 18th century it was blown up by order of the Russian Emperor Peter I.
The castle was remembered again only in the 20th century, when in 1970 the surviving ruins underwent a long and thorough restoration, after which a museum was opened within its walls. The castle regularly hosts events, concerts and festivals to attract visitors.
The castle complex includes the ducal palace, which houses the exhibition, as well as the ruins of the Livonian Order castle with its observation tower. Court life in the Middle Ages, celebrations and routine, customs, habits and traditions - all of this is graphically and realistically portrayed in Bauska Castle.

Turaida Castle (Sigulda)
Just 50 km from the Latvian capital is the beautiful country town of Sigulda. Its landmark is the venerable 13th century Turaida Castle. Once a bishop's residence in the Middle Ages, it was home to the Livonian Order and even served as a garrison for Swedish soldiers. Today, the castle has a vestige of antiquity, which is why it has become a museum complex, and a reserve museum has been established on its premises.
The museum complex includes not only the castle but also a number of surrounding historical buildings - there are a total of 37 such structures. The castle itself was founded in 1214 by the Bishop of Riga on the right bank of the River Gauja. Unfortunately, the castle has not retained its original appearance from those times, and therefore it has undergone many reconstructions, but it has not lost its look. Numerous legends about the castle and its inhabitants have survived, as has the name of the castle, which literally means "Divine Garden".
The key and the oldest part of the castle is the main tower. Today, there is an observation platform on its upper level and a museum exhibit on the lower level. In addition to the tower, exhibitions are also held in the southern and western wing of the castle. Archaeological excavations continue unabated and new artefacts are being unearthed to add to the museum's collection.
Today, Turaida Castle has become a popular tourist attraction - in addition to guided tours, festivals, exhibitions and concerts of classical and contemporary music are regularly organised there.

City of Kuldīga (150 km from Riga)
Kuldīga is a beautiful small town on the Venta River in the heart of Kurzeme Region. It is rightly considered one of Latvia's most picturesque cities, as this small area offers a plethora of outstanding sights such as a flying fish, Europe's largest waterfall, a cave labyrinth and ancient palaces.
Today it's hard to believe that just a few centuries ago this was an important trading post, where ships were built and grapes were grown and wine was even shipped to neighbouring countries.
What to see in Latvia if you're visiting or just passing through Kuldīga?
Kuldīga Castle - the first castle in Kuldīga, which was completed in 1245. The castle was placed in a very beautiful location near a waterfall, and within less than a hundred years, the town of Kuldīga had grown around the castle. The fortress is in a dilapidated state - medieval wars and time have played their part. Today, an attractive city park spreads out around the ruins of the fortress.
One of the most enjoyable and fun summer activities in Kuldīga is swimming under the Ventas Rumba waterfall. Everyone is welcome to go for a swim under the waterfall's jets, especially as there are special pools on the right bank of the Ventas River.
During the period from April through May, Kuldīga offers the spectacle of flying fish on the Ventas River. Numerous fish swim upstream when they come to spawn, rising up to 2.5 metres out of the water and attempting to take the Ventas Rumba waterfall as a barrier.
The Kuldīga City Museum holds thousands of unique exhibits that tell the story of Kuldīga's rich historical past.

Gauja National Park (Gauja Valley)
Visiting some of Latvia's sights is worthwhile if you take a multi-day trip at once. One such is Gauja National Park, spread out over 900 square kilometres in the valley of the Gauja River - here you'll find something to see in Latvia.
It is the largest protected park in Latvia, and it features a variety of landscapes, numerous springs, cliffs, caves, rocks, outcrops of polychrome sandstone, and unique natural and cultural monuments.
In total, there are over 500 different sites in Gauja National Park, including ancient settlements, castles, churches, mills, manor houses and many other archaeological, architectural and historical monuments.

Jurmala (20 km from Riga)
The resort city of Jūrmala is the jewel of Latvia on the coast of the Gulf of Riga. The first resort villages began to be formed here in the 18th century, and in the 19th century most of the districts of the city acquired the status of a resort. For more than two centuries now, Jūrmala has remained a destination of excitement, and you're sure to find something to see in Latvia if you visit this exceptionally beautiful city.
The list of attractions in Jurmala includes more than 400 buildings of various kinds. A typical architectural feature of the buildings is their facades, which are lavishly decorated with lacewood carvings. The choice of attractions is vast, and the list is endless.

House of Blackheads (Riga)
The House of Blackheads in Riga is one of the symbols of the Latvian capital and a popular sightseeing place in Latvia. Regular cultural events, concerts, exhibitions and guided tours are held there. The house has also become the temporary residence of the Latvian president due to the renovation of the Rīga Castle.
The establishment of the House of Blackheads dates back to 1334. Various meetings and events of Riga's societies have been held here since its foundation. At the end of the 15th century, the building was rented to the Blackheads Society, after which it was later named.
Who were the Blackheads? They were a brotherhood of young merchants under the patronage of St George, but later the brotherhood's patron was Saint Maurice, whose symbol in the shape of a black head was imprinted on the brotherhood's coat of arms.
The House of Blackheads was significantly damaged during the Second World War and in 1999 it was rebuilt almost from scratch. Today, it is home to a museum and a concert hall that often hosts classical music concerts.