Medieval towers and cobblestone streets define this Latvian town, centered around a 13th-century castle. Local restaurants serve smoked ham and game meat specialties.
In northern Latvia, Cēsis invites you to climb the 13th-century castle towers with a candlelit lantern, walk past merchant houses with red-tiled roofs, and follow forest paths to the Svētavots Cave in Gauja National Park. The town's cobblestone streets lead to St. John's Church, built in 1284, while the local brewery, established in 1590, continues making beer using traditional methods.
Exploring the Medieval Castle Complex
The Cēsis Castle ruins stand where the Livonian Brothers of the Sword built their residence in 1214. Take a candlelit lantern to climb the medieval castle's dark staircases, explore the dungeons, and look out over the town from the tower windows. Next to the ruins, a manor house from 1761 contains the Cēsis History and Art Museum, displaying medieval weapons, pottery, and Latvia's first national flag. Walk through rooms with original 18th-century wall paintings and furniture that belonged to the von Sievers family.
Walking Through Cēsis Old Town
The street layout of Cēsis hasn't changed since the 13th century. Walk past the yellow-painted Harmony House from the 1700s and merchant buildings topped with red-tiled roofs. The narrow streets wind between stone-walled courtyards and lead to small market squares lined with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visiting St. John's Church
Built between 1281 and 1284, St. John's Church is the second-largest medieval basilica in Latvia. The church retains its original Gothic windows and vaulted ceiling despite renovations over the centuries. Step inside to see carved tombstones of Livonian Order masters and listen to the church organ during morning services or evening concerts.
Discovering the Castle Park
Count von Sievers created the Castle Park in 1812 beneath the castle walls. Follow paths past stone-lined ponds and wooden gazebos, crossing small bridges over streams. The park's maple and oak trees provide shade for benches where you can rest and view the castle ruins. Walking paths continue from the park toward the Gauja River valley.
Hiking in Gauja National Park
The Cīrulīši nature trails stretch 3 to 6 kilometers through pine forests and along the Gauja River's sandstone cliffs. Stop at the Svētavots Cave, where a natural spring flows year-round – local residents once collected this water for its supposed healing properties. Follow marked paths that connect Cēsis to neighboring towns like Līgatne through forest and riverside terrain.
Getting to Cēsis
Trains and buses run regularly between Riga and Cēsis, with a travel time of about two hours. Catch trains at Riga Central Station or buses at the central bus station. Once in Cēsis, you'll find most sights within walking distance. Rent bikes from shops near the castle to explore the national park trails.
