This eastern Latvian city has a 19th-century fortress, Russian-style Orthodox cathedral, and art museums. Its streets reflect both Baltic and Slavic cultures.
Daugavpils lies along the Daugava River in southeastern Latvia as the country's second-largest city. You can view original Mark Rothko paintings at the art center inside a 19th-century fortress, walk among Art Nouveau buildings in the city center, or climb Church Hill to see four different churches representing the city's main religions. The streets lined with red brick buildings tell stories of the city's industrial and military past.
Exploring the Fortress Complex
The Daugavpils Fortress spans over 150 hectares, making it Eastern Europe's largest fortress of its kind. Inside the Arsenal building, you'll find the Mark Rothko Art Center with several original works by the abstract expressionist painter who was born in the city. As you walk through the fortress grounds, you'll see red-brick walls, defensive gates, and military buildings that combine Imperial Russian and European architectural styles. The fortress is open daily from 7:00 to 22:00, and you can join guided tours in English, Russian, or Latvian.
Religious Architecture on Church Hill
On Church Hill, you can visit four churches representing different Christian denominations. The St. Peter-in-Chains Catholic Church (built 1845-1848) has a distinctive central dome resting on four double columns, similar to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Each church building on the hill reflects its denomination through specific design elements - from the Orthodox church's golden domes to the Lutheran church's simple spire.
Museums and Cultural Spaces
At the Shmakovka Museum, you can learn about the local moonshine-making process through hands-on exhibits and see historical distilling equipment. Latgale Zoo houses tropical animals including spotted pythons, spectacled caimans, and macaques in climate-controlled environments. Children can pet rabbits and guinea pigs in designated areas of the zoo.
Getting Around
Buses and trams run throughout the city. You can ride on a restored 1950s tram car, manufactured at the Riga Carriage Works. Regular trains connect the central station to Riga and other major Latvian cities.
Local Culture and Demographics
Russians make up about 54% of the population, with significant Polish and Belarusian communities adding to the city's cultural mix. This influences the local food scene, where you'll find Russian borscht and pelmeni served alongside Latvian grey peas with bacon and kotletes in local restaurants and cafes.