In the heart of the Baltic states, this amazing land of coniferous forests and amber, there is a small Latvia. Our site has already addressed the topic of sights of the Latvian capital, and in this article, we will slightly expand our geography and present the main sights of Latvia, both man-made and unique natural sights.
1
Rundale Palace
We start the journey from the small town of Bauska, and get acquainted with the ingenious creation of the outstanding architect Francesco Rastrelli by the Rundale Palace.
A magnificent monument of architecture, made in the Baroque style and decorated with Rococo decorative elements, became an adornment of Zemgale, the central cultural and historical region of the Baltic state.
138 rooms are located on two floors of the palace, and the castle itself is surrounded by a magnificent park. It is noteworthy that the park was built in the XVIII century, and since then its layout has never changed.
2
Gauja National Park
It takes more than one day to get acquainted with the beauties of the largest national park in Latvia, because this unique natural wonder occupies an area of 917.90 km².
It was founded in 1973 and spread over 11 territories in the picturesque valley of the Gauja River. Almost 50% of the park is covered by forests. He is famous for his sandy cliffs, whose height reaches 90 m.
Several cultural and historical monuments also entered the territory of the park, and the administration of the amazing natural reserve is located in the town of Sigulda.
3
Ventspils castle
The historical name of this monument of medieval architecture is Vindava Castle and now it is one of the main attractions of Ventspils.
Built just a kilometer from the Baltic coast, the castle became an important stronghold of the knightly order, and for a long time it was the residence of Komtur. It began with a small area, and then the chapel, refectory, and assembly hall were built. The walls of the castle were also strengthened, and high 10-meter towers were built around the perimeter.
The castle, founded in 1290 by the knights of the Livonian Order, has now been restored and turned into a museum.
4
Jurmala Open Air Museum
Visiting interesting places in Latvia, one cannot fail to glance at the open-air museum, which comfortably blends into the picturesque surroundings of Jurmala.
The museum itself is located at the foot of the Raga dune, and today it is one of the largest museums in Europe, telling about the life and life of fishermen in the Baltic.
It was opened in 1970, and in addition to a theoretical acquaintance with marine life, here you can learn to knit sea knots, prepare gear, and most importantly go out to sea with all the winds and sea waves salted by fishermen.
5
Cliff Sietinyiesis
In the vicinity of Valmiera, on the high right bank of the Gauja River, there are the highest deposits of white sandstone, an amazingly beautiful natural monument Utes Sietiniezis.
The lower part is covered with shrubs and is almost invisible from the side of the river, and next to the cliff there is the Devil's Cave and a 15-meter post, called the Devil's Heel.
The cliff is surrounded by coniferous forests, and the name of the rock formation comes from the Latvian word "sietiņš", which means "sieve" in Latvian.
6
Mitava Castle
This Renaissance architectural monument is also called the Jelgava Palace, as it is located in the Latvian city of Jelgava.
The city has long been the capital of Courland, because here in the XVIII century, according to the project of Rastrelli, there was a luxurious residence of the Duke built. The palace was built for 50 years, since Biron, who began its construction, fell into disgrace, and work was suspended for several years.
Many experts note that this is not the best creation of Rastrelli, but in its own way, the castle is original and striking in its splendor of its external design and interior decoration.
7
Turaida Museum Reserve
In the reserve, in addition to the wonderful nature, there are monuments of architecture, history and archeology. They have been witnesses to the historical events of Latvia since the 11th century.
One of the main attractions of the country is the Turaida Castle, founded in 1214 by personal order of the Roman Bishop Albert.
After visiting the majestic halls of the castle, you can stroll through the picturesque Latvian Folk Songs Park, where unique sculptural compositions are exhibited.
8
Caves of Riežupe
Unique sand caves near the town of Kuldiga, with a total length of 2 km, are the work of human hands, and three generations of the Stofregen family dug them.
Only 460 m is available for exploring the wonderful labyrinth of caves, but this is enough to be charmed by this underground splendor. Tourists are led through three halls with the romantic names Love, Faith and Hope.
An interesting fact, but in the caves the same temperature is + 8 ° C all year round, and the sand from the caves was once used to make glass.
But if you want to see a lot of amazing caves, then most-beauty.ru published for you an interesting article about caves with many photos.
9
Cesis
Considering the main sights of Latvia, one cannot ignore the ancient city of Cetis, where the past meets modernity.
In the heart of the city stands a magnificent castle, the former residence of the Master of the Livonian Order. In the middle of the XIV century, the city entered the Hanseatic League and became the main trading center of northeastern Europe.
In addition to the castle, you can stroll through the magnificent parks of a small and cozy town, as well as visit the old church of St. John, from the observation deck of which you can see picturesque views of the whole city and its surroundings.
10
Dinaburg Castle
In the photo: model of the Dinaburg castle
At the end of the 13th century, a castle was built in the beautiful city of Daugavpils, which in Russian chronicles was called Nevgin, and was an important stronghold on the right bank of the Western Dvina.
It is located in the wonderful Daugavas Loki park, and, in fact, the history of Daugavpils began with this castle. German knights built huge walls. Which could protect them from the attack of local tribes and military campaigns of the Russians.
During the Livonian War, part of the fortifications was dismantled by order of Ivan the Terrible, and after the Northern War it was almost completely dismantled.
On the site most-beauty.ru you can also enjoy the most beautiful castles in the world by clicking on the link.
11
White dune
Arriving in Saulkrasti you should definitely visit the magnificent White Dune, which offers wonderful views of the Vidzeme coast and the mouth of the Inčupe River.
The name of the city is translated as "Sunny Beach", and the dune itself is one of the most beautiful places on the Latvian coast. An observation deck has been built on the dune for the convenience of tourists, and along the shore there is a hiking trail with a total length of 3.6 km.
This route along the seashore with crystal clear sand was romantically called the “Sunset Sunset Path”.
12
Zviedru Skansts
The Swedish fortress, built in the XVII century for defense against the Poles, is located near the town of P Пavinias. Skansts are well preserved, and now you can see the rampart and the bastions.
For a long time it was the border between Polish and Swedish possessions, and the medieval fortress itself was a witness and a participant in many bloody battles.
Near the fortress is the Friendship Park and another natural attraction - the magnificent Skanstupit waterfall.
13
House of Peter I
One of the most beautiful and oldest buildings in Liepaja is called the “House of Peter I”, and this is where the young king stayed here during his trip to Europe.
Peter's choice was due to the fact that it was the only hotel in the city where the toilet was inside the building. During his stay, the king went around the whole city, looked at all the trading shops and pharmacies, and also visited the church of St. Anne.
The building in the center of the city acquired its present form in 1797, and not far from it is the “House of Artisans”, where the Swedish King Charles XII's adversary stayed.
14
Jurmala
We will complete our journey through Latvia in the only official resort of the country, the most beautiful Jurmala, which can rightfully be considered the pearl of the Baltic.
In addition to the magnificent beaches, here you can visit the historical museum, where you can admire the unique exhibits of the history and life of the Latvian people.
One of the main attractions of Jurmala is the Dzintari Concert Hall, where until recently KVN festivals and an international song contest were held.
Latvia miraculously combines the ancient architecture of medieval castles and palaces with cutting-edge business centers and city skyscrapers. Despite the relative isolation, the Latvians are courteous and tactful, very hospitable and sacredly keep centuries-old national traditions.
Article author: Valery Skiba