Best travel destinations in Latvia
The Historical Centre of Kuldīga
The historical centre of Kuldīga started developing as far back as the 13th century and has preserved urban planning elements dating back to periods from the 13th to the 19th century.At present, the old town of Kuldīga and the red-brick bridge across the river Venta are candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. The town is also famous for the widest waterfall in Europe.
A work shop, where colourful blankets and beautiful headscarves with national designs are woven, is located near the Tourist Information Centre. In spring and autumn, an interesting phenomenon can be observed at the waterfall as spawning fish try to get over the waterfall by jumping through the air.
The historical centre of Kuldīga started developing as far back as the 13th century and has preserved urban planning elements dating back to periods from the 13th to the 19th century.
Narrow streets, peculiar one-storey houses with a chimney in the middle, and red roof tiles are still preserved in the historical centre. In 1368 Kuldīga became a Hanseatic City. Kuldīga town had neither modern roads, nor a railway which would change its architecture, so the town has preserved the provincial style typical of it, which has also granted to it the status of cultural historical heritage.
The historical buildings of the town and its nature create a unique, harmonious ensemble, incomparable to anything found in Latvia or elsewhere in Europe. Historically the Venta River and Venta waterfall have played a significant role in the development of Kuldīga.
The Alekšupīte River flows directly along the walls of many buildings which is why Kuldīga has been called the Venice of Latvia. Initially the buildings of the town centre were constructed as the suburb of Kuldīga. In 1701, during the Great Northern War, the Swedish army invaded Kuldīga Castle and in 1709 it became uninhabitable, but in the 19th century the castle ruins were relocated.
Old Riga
The so-called Old Town of Riga is (naturally) the city's historic and geographic centre, located on the right bank of the Daugava River. Only remnants of the fortification wall remain that enclosed the city from the 13th to 18th century. But the narrow streets of cobblestone, and a multitude of Medieval architectural wonders are still standing, first and foremost being the churches and their steeples – making for a solely unique skyline.
Old Riga
Churches
Thus, the most popular sightseeing sight is the most awe-inspiring of the churches – Riga Dome Cathedral – the seat and the Archbishop's headquarters of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, whose cornerstone was placed in the early 13th century. Not far is St. Peter's Church, and the tallest steeple spire, and St. Jacob's - the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. The church utilised most often for sacred music concerts, especially on religious holidays, like Easter, is St.
John's.
The many striking landmarks include St. George's Church, known as the White Stone Castle, the Synagogue, charming Konventhof, Mentzendorff House (its permanent exposition gives an idea of how wealthy merchants lived in Riga in the 17-18th century), the old tri-dwellings known as the "Three Brothers", Riga Castle, Gunpowder Tower (Pulvertornis), etc.
Middle Ages
Back in the Middle Ages, Riga was a member of the trade route known as the Hanseatic League. The Great Guild and the nearby Small Guild reflect the prosperity of these days, not to mention the ornate House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams), with the statue of Knight Roland – symbol of the freedom of the city in front. The Hanseatic League linked together a considerable number of cities and non-member foreign trading postss, known as kontores.
What to do in Old Riga
Old Town is certainly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of city planning of yore, - sturdy enough to withstand even the tourist throng in the 21st century. Something for everyone here – museums, art galleries, restaurants/bars/clubs, hotels, souvenir shoppes. On Christmas, Easter, Līgo!/Midsummer Night, both Dome and Līvu squares are transformed into huge fairs or outdoor markets. Here one feels true atmosphere of the holiday at hand, and suffice it to say that the colourful vendors in their booths sell anything you require for your festivities at home or elsewhere.
When visiting Old Town, remember to bring along two items – a camera and a map – even locals lose their way on the myriad of streets short and long, winding and straight.
When the sun goes down and the moon rises, man yourself with an adventurous attitude and a good mood – be prepared to flow with the crowd. The busiest and noisiest by far is Kaļķu Street, THE prime location. From the Freedom Monument, it's forward march to the Daugava, with "watering holes" and relief for the famished all along the way for all tastes (and price ranges).
The legend
Old Town Riga (and its silhoutte) seemingly remains the same, but, actually, through the years, it has gradually changed and evolved, and still is "in process". That's good, because Riga "cannot ever 'be ready", as the legend has it. Elderly folk tell the tale of a gentleman in a tailcoat or a pale female apparition, sometimes just a voice in the dark, appearing from time to time to ask: "Is Riga ready yet?" "No, it is not ready," we respond. Otherwise, as the legend has it: Riga and its inhabitants will sink and disappear under the water.
Stroll through historic Old Town "virtually": www.riga.lv
Cēsis Old Town
Cēsis is situated in the centre of Vidzeme and is one of the most beautiful towns in Latvia. The medieval castle ruins are the symbol of Cēsis and, together with its park, create the romantic atmosphere in the town.
Cēsis Castle, which has been rebuilt and extended several times, acquired its present architectural shape at the beginning of the 16th century. Various re-enacted theatrical tours are organised for groups of visitors by prior arrangement, as well as medieval meals and tasting of the local beer from the local Cēsis brewery which is one of the oldest in the Baltics.
Cēsis Museum of History and Art is one of the oldest provincial museums in Latvia.
Since its establishment, the museum has developed its collection to broadly reflect the special place and contribution of Cēsis town and district to Latvia’s cultural history.
St. John’s Church, built at the end of the 13th century at which point it was the largest church in Vidzeme, is situated close to the Castle.
Various reconstruction works that have occurred over time notwithstanding, the church is still very grand and imposing. The plaques of the tombs of the Masters of the Livonian order are still preserved in the Church, as is an organ which fills the surrounding Old Town streets with music
- See more at: http://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/cesis-old-town#sthash.VCmN16Nz.dpufGauja National Park
The territory is established to protect the ancient valley of the Gauja River and the unique natural values of its environs. One third of all Latvian natural preserves and more than 500 cultural and historical monuments can be found here. The Park is located in Amata, Cēsis, Inčukalns, Krimulda, Līgatne, Pārgauja and Sigulda Regions.
Gauja National Park (GNP) was established in 1973 and it occupies a territory of 91 745 ha. The most picturesque part of the Gauja ancient valley is from Valmiera to Murjāņi, where the valley is 20 metres deep at Valmiera and 85 metres deep at Sigulda, while the river span at times exceeds 2.5 km.
This 95.3 km long section of the Gauja is distinguished for its impressive diversity of nature and the availability of cultural and historical monuments.
GNP is a “Natura 2000” territory which is established to protect the ancient valley of the Gauja River and the unique natural values of its environs, simultaneously ensuring both recreational and nature protection in the territory. There are also several detached areas that have special biological value – the areas of Nurmižu Gravis, Roču forest, Inciems ancient banks and Sudas marsh reservation.
Every year the distinctive landscape of the Gauja ancient valley, the largest Devonian rock exposures in Latvia, sandstone steeps, rocks (Raven Gorge, Devil’s Cave Rock, Spriņģu Rock, Fine Clay Rock, Zvārtes Rock, Maiden Rock, Ķūķu Rock, Eagle Rock, Riddle Rock) and caves (Gūtmans Cave in Sigulda is the widest and the highest cave in the entire Baltic region!), as well as its cultural and historical wealth rich with legends and tales, attract thousands of visitors.
All of the natural and historical values of Gauja National Park can hardly be counted. There are so many of them and, besides, they are concentrated in a relatively small territory, and, one way or another, one day will not be enough to enjoy the magic of all of the GNP’s natural attractions. More than 500 cultural and historical monuments are located in the National Park – hill forts, stone castles, churches, watermills and windmills, as well as other archaeological, architectural and artistic monuments. The chief tourist destination is Sigulda, which is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Vidzeme”, and Turaida Castle, as well as Cēsis, but this is not all.
The true lover of nature should not miss the Ligatne nature trails, where one can see all sorts of wild animals; those who are fond of ancient times will be interested in visiting a settlement of ancient Latgalians (the 9th - 10th century) at Āraišu Lake Castle; fans of military heritage will gain an unforgettable experience from a visit to the Ligatne secret underground bunker which was built for the Soviet Latvia Leaders in case of a nuclear war. And a unique opportunity for fans of extreme entertainment is the vertical wind tunnel “Aerodium” where one can enjoy free flight. By the way, “Aerodium” also is participating in Expo 2010, and there is also the Sigulda toboggan and bobsleigh track that offers rides both in winter and in summer. Many champions and participants of the Olympic Games have had their training at this track.
Sigulda and its environs are especially beautiful in spring when, during the blooming period of bird-cherries, the Gauja River ancient valley becomes almost entirely white. In summer, the Gauja has a lot of boatmen, and in autumn, when leaves of the trees become golden and red, everyone goes there to enjoy the "golden autumn", and in winter Sigulda turns into a skiing centre – there are several ski runs on the steep slopes of the Gauja ancient valley.
GaujaNational Park has routes offered for car tourists, hikers, cyclists, as well as camps and overnight accommodation for water tourists on the banks of the Gauja, Amata and Brasla Rivers. Further information about Gauja National Park is available at the Sigulda Tourism Information Centre.
- See more at: http://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/gauja-national-park#sthash.2Iu9VQti.dpuf
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