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Since long ago Cēsis is known as the town rich with its cultural and historical heritage, art treasures and excellent cultural traditions and it has not been concealed from the eyes of travellers. The values on which the district of Cēsis bases its future is culture, education, tourism and creative entrepreneurship.
Cēsis – it is a celebration – contemporary art exhibitions during Cēsis Art Festival time, medieval activities and knights in Medieval festival, and the warm summer evening concerts on open-air stage in the Castle Park. Cēsis – one of the most beautiful towns of Latvia. In summer it tempts with the unspoiled nature of the Gauja Valley, breath of the Middle Ages and modern art, and in winter – invites us to visit the largest ski centre in the Baltics which impresses with its variety of tracks and the longest descents in the region.
TOP PLACES
Cēsis Castle Complex
Cēsis Castle complex includes Medieval castle that is unforgettable with possibility to climb up to the tower and see the view of the city, as well as climb down to the old prison. New castle introduces its visitors with History and Art museum exhibition, and Exhibition hall is the perfect place for the art admirers.
Cēsis Old Town
During the Middle Ages, around the castle and church of Cēsis, close to each other compacted on all sides, were formed narrow, winding streets with craftsmen and traders’ houses.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church is the second most notable architectural feature in Cēsis (along with the Cēsis castle complex), one of the oldest medieval monuments and one of the oldest cult buildings in the country. The church was built at the beginning of the 13th century as Christianity advanced into the Baltic, to serve the needs of the Livonian Order.
Vidzeme Concerthall “Cēsis”
The Vidzeme concert hall “Cēsis” was opened in the spring of 2014. The historical elements of the concert hall co-exist harmoniously with the contemporary ones. The architectural image of the concert hall was created by restoring the old Cēsis Community Building and adding some contemporary architectural forms to it.
Camel Park “Rakši”
In “Rakši” you will be able to experience what is the feeling to ride a camel, touch an alpaca fur and go for a relaxing walk through the forest with a faithful companion lama.
Active Recreation Complex “Ozolkalns”
Active Recreation Complex “Ozolkalns” is located in Gauja National Park, on the bank of river Gauja, surrounded by pine forest, 5 km from Cēsis city centre. To relax and have an adventurous stay are welcomed adulsts, as well as children – families with children, frien companies, couples -, and it is suitable for every season of the year.
Cīrulīši Nature Trails
The Cīrulīši Nature Trails will introduce you to the evolution of the beautiful Gauja River valley from Ice age to nowadays! The Cīrulīši nature trails at Cēsis reveal the history of the Gauja River and its surrounding nature.
Araisi Archaeological Park
Araisi Archaeological Park offers the insight into the daily life ofancient people, what they ate and what they wore, as well as helps to find out why the Lake Fortress sank and how it revived. Tours and excursions provided by the Archaeological Park offer a look into everyday life and celebrations of people of different centuries.
Ērgļu (Eagle) Cliffs
The mighty, majestic wall that rises straight out of the river Gauja is known as the Eagle Cliffs. It is the most impressive cliff in the valley of the Gauja river with characteristic features of a monolithic sandstone surface.
Zvārtes Rock
This is one of the most picturesque and the most popular outcrops of red sandstone of the Devonian period, which is situated on both banks of the Amata river and is surrounded by woods and meadows.
Nature
Cīrulīši Nature Trails
The Cīrulīši Nature Trails will introduce you to the evolution of the beautiful Gauja River valley from Ice age to nowadays! The Cīrulīši nature trails at Cēsis reveal the history of the Gauja River and its surrounding nature.
“Svētavots” Nature Park
In “Svētavots” (Holy spring) Nature Park each visitor is welcomed as a special guest who learns the story of history and the special values of water. Everyone will be offered a unique opportunity to listen to the legend wrapped in secrets and perform an ancient ritual – to receive strength from Svētavots, which will be unforgettable memories and feelings.
Ērgļu (Eagle) Cliffs
The mighty, majestic wall that rises straight out of the river Gauja is known as the Eagle Cliffs. It is the most impressive cliff in the valley of the Gauja river with characteristic features of a monolithic sandstone surface.
Sarkanās (Red) Cliffs
The Sarkanās (Red) Cliffs are situated on the massif of the right bank of Gauja river, approximately 0.5km from the old Lieplejas, or Raiskuma inn up to the Gauja river. The cliffs stretch for several hundred metres and have a reddish colour which led to naming them “Red” Cliffs.
Zvārtes Rock
This is one of the most picturesque and the most popular outcrops of red sandstone of the Devonian period, which is situated on both banks of the Amata river and is surrounded by woods and meadows.
Līču-Laņģu Sandstone Cliffs
The Līču-Laņģu sandstone cliffs is approximately one kilometre long and is located on the left side of the primeval valley of the River Gauja.Its maximum height is ~30 m. 6km long walking trail is built in the surrounding area. Around 20 springs are flowing out of Līču–Laņģu Cliffs, due to which caves of various length and hollows of various sizes have been shaped.
Ainavu (Landscape) Scarp
This is one of the highest outcrops in Latvia. A truly beautiful view unfolds from the top of this scarp, encompassing the view of the deep old valley of the Amata river. The Ainavu Scarp reveals the huge bank of the river which is more than 500 m long and is comprised of two 46m high outcrops.
History
Exhibition: BURNING CONSCIENCE
Learn the harrowing resistance stories of the courageous individuals at the exhibition set up in an actual Soviet prison.
Cēsis Medieval Castle
With the map and candlelight taken from the tourist information centre of the castle, you can view the Western Tower and dungeon, visit gardener and ancient craftsmen, and try medieval games.
Cēsis New Castle
New Castle is one of the few 18th-century Castle manor houses in Latvia, built into the medieval fortification system – instead of the tower and the gate protection building. Since 1949, the Cēsis History and Art Museum has been established in the building of the New Castle.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church is the second most notable architectural feature in Cēsis (along with the Cēsis castle complex), one of the oldest medieval monuments and one of the oldest cult buildings in the country. The church was built at the beginning of the 13th century as Christianity advanced into the Baltic.
Cēsis Old Town
During the Middle Ages, around the castle and church of Cēsis, close to each other compacted on all sides, were formed narrow, winding streets with craftsmen and traders’ houses.
Pils (Castle) Park
Pils (Castle) Park is the most beautiful park and a favourite resting place all year long. The locals and the guests of the town have the opportunity to see the couple of white swans and to feed the ducks.
Treats
Healthy snacks workshop “Labas saknes”
You are welcome to visit the “Labas saknes” (“Good Roots”) healthy snack workshop in Cēsis!
Bakery “Cēsu Maize”
A small bakery right in the middle of the old town of Cesis. They offer tasting of bread, a short story – basic principles of baking healthy bread. For groups of up to 12 people.
Shop – bakery “Milti un zīle rokā”
Latvian organic grain products, seeds, natural sourdough starter and more.
