Cesis

Cesis is an ancient, little town in northern Latvia, 90 km from Riga. In 2006 Cesis will surprise visitors with the numerous festive events it has scheduled for its 800th anniversary celebration.

Cesis is popular with tourists because of its unique medieval atmosphere, wide range of festivals, outstanding recreation opportunities, and the wonderful nature to be found around the town.     

Local sights and attractions

• Livonian Order Castle: The best-preserved Livonian castle in Latvia, dating back to ancient times. The castle was partly destroyed during the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and has not been restored since.
• New Castle of Cesis (18th Century): This castle houses The Museum of History and Art.
• St John’s Church (13th Century): The largest church in northern Latvia. The church tower provides a beautiful panorama of the town.
• The Old Town: Narrow cobblestone streets have retained the original medieval town plan. Tile-roofed houses, souvenir shops and a cafe with a fireplace create an atmosphere of old times and cosiness.

How to get there

By train: Riga-Cesis; Riga-Valmiera; Riga-Lugazi trains leave three times a day – see the schedule on the train station link (LV, EN, RU)

By bus: Buses leave every hour from Riga – see the bus schedule on the bus station link (LV, EN, RU, DE)

By car: The drive takes an hour and half

Tourism Information

Cesis Tourism Information Centre

Pils lauk. 1, tel: +371 412 18 15, fax: +371 410 77 77

info@cesis.lv

• Official Cesis Website (LV, EN, RU, DE)
• Cesis Tourism Website (LV, EN, RU, DE)
• Map of Cesis