Liepaja [ pronounced Liepaya – see Language Tips ] is termed the city where "the wind is born". The third largest city of Latvia is located in the southwest, on the Baltic Sea coast. The first written information on Liepaja dates back to 1253. In May 2003, the city celebrated its 750th anniversary.
Liepaja is situated 200 km from Riga and only 50 km from the Lithuanian border.
Local sights and attractions
 Beautiful white sand beach: Liepaja was awarded the EU Blue Flag which guaranties high water quality, safety, and good beachside service. - Seaside Nature Park: The biggest seaside park in Latvia stretches 3 km along the Baltic Sea coast. There are more than 170 species of bushes, shrubs and plants growing there. The park features a tennis court, several mini-golf courses, a bowling club, summer concert stage, and cosy park and beachside cafes.
- St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral: This cathedral is the pearl of Liepaja. Built in 1900-1903 on military harbour grounds, the first brick was laid by the Russian Tsar Nikolai II. Gradually the church is being renovated from the donations of church-goers.
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 Tirgonu Pedestrian Street
: Here one can find the most popular cafes in town, including Latvia's only rock-cafe, as well as interesting shops and more.
- St Anne's Lutheran Church: The oldest church in Liepaja, which was mentioned in chronicles as early as 1508.
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Military Harbour (Karosta) : Liepaja's best kept secret is its big military harbour, which dates from the beginning of the 20th Century. At that time, it was a strategically important Baltic Sea port for the Russian Empire. The once military village, now a city suburb, used to be an independent and closed area, not accessible to outsiders. Karosta only opened to the public after Latvia regained its sovereignty. Following the withdrawal of the Soviet army, the city suddenly became deserted, becoming a ghost town. Now the former military base has been converted into a tourist attraction. In the old fort labyrinths, partly preserved from tsarist times, such outdoor activities as paintball fights are offered.
- Garrison prison (LV, EN): How about a reality show set in a prison? "Behind Bars" is for those who like extreme adventures. Customers are arrested, interrogated, medically examined, and locked-up in a real prison cell. For an extra fee you can stay in the cell until the following morning.
How to get there
By bus: Buses leave every half an hour - see the schedule on the bus station link (LV, EN, RU, DE)
By car: The drive takes 3 hours
By ferry: Ferries operate between Karlshamm, Sweden and Rostock, Germany - for more information, see on the ferry operator link (LV, EN, RU)
By plane: Charter-flights to Switzerland, Denmark and other countries operate from the Liepaja airport (LV, EN)
Tourism information
 Tourism Information Centre
Liela iela 11, tel/fax +371 348 0808
ltib@apollo.lv
Places to go Liepaja
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