Top 10 Tourist Sites in Latvia • Top 10 Tourist Sites in Latvia • Top 10 Tourist Sites in Latvia

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Rundāle Palace is Latvia’s most outstanding baroque and rococo architectural monument. It was built between 1736 and 1740 as the Duke of Kurzeme’s, Ernst Johann Biron’s, summer residence. It was designed by the Russian Imperial Court architect Francesko Bartolomeo Rastrelli. One can see Rastrelli’s work in Jelgava and outside of Latvia in Saint Petersburg, Russia. 138 rooms are located on the two floors of the Palace. The main central building consists of the duke’s personal living quarters and state-rooms. The eastern wing was for receptions. It contains the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the Grand Gallery. The main western wing was used by the family members of the Duke and members of other ruling families. The museum helps to support and maintain the Palace and houses a large collection of paintings and applied art on display in various exhibitions. A collection of Latvian church art is also on display. A Baroque Era palace is unimaginable without a French garden. The garden, or park, spreads out on the south side of the Palace as part of the original architectural plan. Visitors can spend nearly an entire day viewing the premises and exhibitions and becoming acquainted with the history of the Palace and gardens. 1 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Rundāle Palace Museum p/n Pilsrundāle, Rundāles novads, LV-3921 Tel: +371 63962274 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rundale.net

Opening hours May to October 10:00-18:00 November to April 10:00-17:00

Entrance fee adult LVL 2,50-5,50 student LVL 2,00-5,00 child LVL 1,50-3,50 family LVL 3,00-10,00

Guided tours How to get there? By car From Rīga 67 km on a road A7 to Bauska; then 12 km on a road P103 to Pilsrundāle. Public From Rīga main bus terminal you can take bus transportation Rīga-Bauska. Bus is traveling in average twice an hour. From Bauska take buses Bauska-Rundāle-Svitene, Bauska- Jelgava (via Eleja or Jaunsvirlauka), Bauska-Dobele or Bauska-Bērstele to the Pilsrundāle bus stop. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Bauska) 1:10-1:30 travel time (Bauska-Pilsrundāle) 0:15 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Old Rīga (Vecrīga) is Rīga’s historical and geographical center situated on the right bank of the River Daugava. Old Rīga was once the inner territory of a 13th through 18th century fortification system in which there is a concentration of unique medieval architectural monuments that have, surprisingly, survived two world wars! On the narrow streets one can enjoy the ancient aura of the old city. Here one finds unique complexes of private residences and religious buildings. For example, Rīga’s Cathedral (Doms), whose construction was begun in the 13th century, the gothic St. Peter’s Church, St. Jacobs Cathedral, in which the seat of the Roman Catholic Cardinal is located, the St. Jura Church, called the white stone castle, the beautiful Old Rīga Synagogue, the Holy Spirit Convent, the Dannenstern House, the Three Broth- ers private residence complex, and Rīga’s Castle are all located here. In the Middle Ages Rīga had a busy harbor and belonged to the Hanseatic League, which united the merchants of the Baltic Region and northern Germany. The Big and the Small Guild and the reconstructed Black Heads Building are historical reminders of the Hanseatic Era. In this early period of urban growth these buildings were constructed by the professional craftsmen and art- ist guilds. Old Rīga is a masterpiece of architecture and antiquity and is also well suited to the streams of tourists in the 21st century as it offers comfortable hotels, many restaurants, and many places for relaxation. Old Rīga is as lively at midnight as it is during the day. 2 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Riga Tourism Coordination and Information Centre Rātslaukums 6, Rīga, LV-1050 Tel: +371 67037900, +371 67181534 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigatourism.com

Opening hours Monday to Saturday: 9:00-18:00

Entrance fee Some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours

How to get there? By plane Rīga International Airport (13 km of Rīga City centre) provides services to/from European, Asian and American destinations. (www.riga-airport.com) Public www.rigassatiksme.lv transportation Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia Aglona Basilica

By the end of the 17th century the Dominican Order had already established a convent in Aglona and built a wooden church. When the church burned down in 1699, the stone convent and current church were constructed from 1768-1780. Aglona Basilica is built in the late baroque style and flanked by two impressive 60 m towers. Interior decoration dates from the 18- 19th centuries. The pulpit, organ prospect, organs, confessional and pews were made at the end of the 18th century but the side altars are later, being added in the 19th century. The church has a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects including its icon ‘Miracle-worker Virgin Mary of Aglona’ (17th century), which is uncovered only during religious celebrations. Many people believe that the picture has healing properties. Visitors can also see portraits of the patrons and founders of the church: Eva Justīne and Dadzibogs Shostovick. Every year on 15th August thousands of pilgrims visit Aglona to celebrate Ascension Day. Pope John Paul II visited Aglona in 1993. In honour of his visit, extensive restoration works were carried out throughout the church and grounds. 3 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Aglona Basilica Cirīšu iela 8, Aglona, Aglonas novads, LV-5304 Tel: +371 65381109, +371 29472155 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.catholic.lv/aglona, www.visitaglona.lv

Opening hours make arrangements in advance Entrance fee adult LVL 0,70 child LVL 0,50

Guided tours How to get there? By car To reach Aglona from Rīga, take Highway A6 to Līvāni - distance 170 km. Then drive 36 km further on Highway P63 from Līvāni to Preiļi and then 27 km on Highway P62 to Aglona. Public From Rīga main bus terminal you can take bus transportation Rīga-Aglona. You can also take the bus Rīga-Preiļi and transfer at the Preiļi bus depot on to the Preiļi-Aglona, Preiļi-Jaunaglona or Preiļi-Borovije-Krāslava bus to the stop at Aglona. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Aglona) 4:00 travel time (Rīga-Preiļi) 3:30-4:00 (Preiļi-Aglona) 0:30

Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Jūrmala is the largest seaside and balneotherapy resort in the Baltic States and, as a resort area, it has a long history. This resort city is located 25 km from the capital city of Rīga and 15 km from the Rīga International Airport. The city of Jūrmala is proud of its unique natural resources, such as, its curative mineral waters, medi- cal healing mud, pine forests, healthy seaside climate, sand dunes, and a beach that that is 32,8 km long. The beach is covered with white quartz sand, and the blue flag, which indicates high quality in cleanliness, safety, and facilities, flies above the beaches of Majori and Jaunķemeri. These beaches are also suitable for people with special needs. It is an excellent place for relaxation together with the entire family. Jūrmala’s medicinal facilities and spa centres offer a wide variety of different SPA and curative treatments. The city of Jūrmala is also proud of its unique wooden architecture, which, since the 19th and early 20th century, has been a unique char- acteristic of the city. Here Classical, Art Noveau, national romantism, and functionalism buildings harmoniously coexist. 414 buildings are included in the list of architectural monuments, more than 4000 buildings correspond to the status of the city’s historical buildings. The city of Jūrmala also offers the opportunity to relax in one of the largest aqua-parks in northern Europe, “Līvu Akva- parks,” which has over 45 attractions for children and adults. “Līvu Akvaparks” is open to visitors seven days a week year round. The city of Jūrmala invites each and everyone to return over and over again. 4 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre Lienes iela 5, Majori, Jūrmala, LV-2015 Jūrmala Tourism Information point (in Priedaine at the permit point entering the city) Tel: +371 67147900, +371 67147902, +371 67147905 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jurmala.lv Skype name: jurmala_tic

Opening hours Monday to Friday: 9:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00-17:00 Sunday: 10:00-15:00

Entrance fee some tourist attractions charge entrance fees Motor vehicle permits for entering Jūrmala good for 24 hrs – LVL 1,00 (for tourist buses entering the city of Jūrmala is free and for guests with reservations at Jūrmala’s overnight tourist accommodations the entrance pass for motor vehicles is provided by their hotel)

How to get there? By car To reach the city of Jūrmala from Rīga, take highway A10 - distance 23 km. Public • From Rīga by train take the Rīga-Dubulti, transportation Rīga-Sloka or Rīga-Tukums lines. (www.ldz.lv) • From downtown Rīga - take minibuses Rīga-Dubulti, Rīga-Sloka, Rīga-Jaunķemeri. Minibuses depart every 15-20 minutes across the street from the main train station/shopping center “Origo” in Rīga. You can buy tickets from the drivers as you board the bus. • From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses destined for Kabile, Kandava, Kuldīga, Kolka, Liepāja, Mazirbe, Roja, Talsi, Tukums, Vandzene, Vāne, Valdemār- pils or Ventspils. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Jūrmala) 0:30 travel time Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Gauja National Park

Established in 1973, Gauja National Park was the coun- try’s first. Covering 91745 hectares, most of it is thickly forested, interspersed with rivers (the largest being the Gauja, Amata and Brasla), lakes large and small and almost limitless opportunities for tourism and recreation. Canoeing and rafting is popular, as are cycling, horse riding, bird watching and observing nature. With around 900 plant species, 149 different birds and 48 varieties of wild animals it is a nature lover’s paradise. The park plays host to some of Latvia’s most famous attractions such as the castles at Sigulda and Turaida, museums at Āraiši and Turaida, the ferry across the River Gauja, Līgatne Nature trails, Straupe Castle, Ungurmuiža Manor and striking geological features such as the Zvārtes rock and Ērgļi cliffs. Accommoda- tion includes hotels in the larger towns of Sigulda, Valmiera and Cēsis, rural guesthouses, rental cottages, farmhouse hospitality and campsites. Walking trails are well marked and maps are available from local tourism information centres.

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Contact information Gauja National Park Visitors Centre Baznīcas iela 7, Sigulda, Siguldas novads, LV-2150 Tel: +371 67800388, +371 28334331 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gnp.gov.lv

Opening hours November to April 9:00-17:00 May to October Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00 Saturday and Sunday 10:00-19:00

Entrance fee some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

How to get there? By car To reach Sigulda from Rīga, take Highway A2 - distance 51 km. Public • From Rīga by train take the Rīga-Sigulda, Rīga-Lugaži, transportation Rīga-Cēsis, Rīga-Valmiera lines to the Sigulda Station. (www.pv.lv) • From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses destined for Alūksne, Ape, Āraiši, Balvi, Baltinava, Bērzkrogs, Cēsis, Drusti, Druviena, Gulbene, Ineši, Jaunpiebalga, Lizums, Madona, Naukšēni, Palsmane, Rauna, Sigulda, Smiltene, Saint Petersburg, Vecpiebalga, Viļaka to the Sigulda bus stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Sigulda) 1:10 travel time Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Kuldīga is a charming little town particularly beloved by painters and poets. The 17-18th century town centre is still rich in traditional wooden buildings making up narrow streets with water flowing through stone culverts and basements. Workshops weaving colourful blankets and scarvess with folk patterns can be discov- ered next door to the Tourism Information Centre. At the moment the old town, along with Kuldīga’s 19th century red brick bridge across the River Venta, is in the process of joining UNESCO’s world heritage list. The town is also famous for possessing the widest waterfall in Europe – Ventas Rumba (249 m), over which salmon can be seen leaping in spring. The famous Duke Jacob of Kurzeme has born here as well as being baptised and married in St Catherines Church. The church has nice wooden decor and a viewing platform in the steeple. Many events take place in Kuldīga and one of the big- gest events is the city festival “Dzīres Kuldīgā.” 6 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Kuldīga Tourism information centre Baznīcas iela 5, Kuldīga, LV-3301 Tel: +371 63322259, +371 29334403 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.visit.kuldiga.lv

Opening hours May to September Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00 Saturday 10:00-16:00 Sunday 10:00-14:00 October to April Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00

Entrance fee some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Kuldīga from Rīga, take highway A10 till Kandava turnoff - distance 75 km and then take highway P130 - distance 64 km. Public From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses transportation that go via Kabile, Kandava, Saldus, Tukums, Vāne, Vārme or destined for Kuldīga and Liepāja to the Kuldīga bus stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Kuldīga) 2:30-4:00 travel time Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Covering 42 hectares, Turaida Castle Museum Park encompasses items of natural, cultural and historical importance. The most obvious feature is the soaring red brick tower of the restored 13th century Turaida castle, from the top of which visitors have a breathtaking view across the Gauja river valley. Also in the park is a charm- ingly simple wooden church dating from 1750 and the memorial place of the ‘Turaida Rose’, a local beauty of the seventeenth century who is the subject of an endur- ing legend. Newlyweds visit the site as a symbol of their everlasting love. In the museum reserve one can see the old center of Turaida’s economy, as well as, the folk music park with its 26 Indulis Ranka sculptures. Not far from Turaida’s Castle, in the ancient Gauja river valley, one finds the Gutman and Victor caves, both of which are mentioned in the legend of Turaida’s Rose.

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Contact information Turaida Museum Reserve Turaidas iela 10, Turaida, Siguldas novads, LV-2150 Tel: +371 67971402 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.turaida-muzejs.lv

Opening hours November to April: 10:00-17:00 May to October: 10:00-18:00 (the outdoor expositions, the castle tower, and main castle building are open in the summer season from 9:00 to 20:00)

Guided tours

Cēsis is located in the center of Vidzeme and is one of the prettiest cities in Latvia. The symbol of the city is the ruins of a medieval castle, which, together with the park, creates a romantic atmosphere. Having been rebuilt and expanded numerous times, Cēsis castle gained its current appearance in the beginning of the 16th Century when the master of the order, Walter von Pletenberg (1494-1535), in order to improve castle de- fence, built northern and southern towers, accommodat- ing castle fortification to the new demands of firearms. The approach to the castle was hindered by protective trenches and a strong surrounding wall enclosed by three wide castle-fronts. For groups, upon request, various theatrical programs are organized, in which it is possible to enjoy a medieval banquet and taste the local beer from the Cēsis Brewery, which is one of the oldest in the Baltics. Close to the castle is St John’s church, first built at the end of the 13th century, when it was by far the largest church in Vidzeme. Its size and design remain imposing to this day, despite frequent rebuild- ing as a result of Cēsis’s role in major battles throughout history. Inside are the gravestones of the masters of the Livonian Order and an organ that fills the surrounding streets with its music. The Old Town’s cobblestoned roads and alleyways retain their original medieval plan and are lined by delightful old buildings with traditional red tiled roofs, hidden courtyards and freshly painted facades. 8 Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

Contact information Cēsis Tourism information centre Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, LV-4101 Tel: +371 64121815, +371 28318318 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourism.cesis.lv Skype name: cesu_tic

Opening hours September to May Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00 June to August 10:00-18:00 Entrance fee the castle complex (entrance Pils laukums 9) adult LVL 2,00 student LVL 1,00 child LVL 1,00 family LVL 4,00

Guided tours How to get there? By car To reach Cēsis from Rīga, take Highway A2 - distance 67 km to the Cēsis turn off and then go 10 km on Highway P20 to Cēsis. Public • From Rīga by train take the Rīga-Lugaži, Rīga-Cēsis transportation or Rīga-Valmiera lines to the Cēsis Station. (www.ldz.lv) • From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses that go via Āraiši and Straupe or destined for Madona, Naukšēni, Palsmane, Rūjiena to the Cēsis stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Cēsis) 2:00 travel time Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia Liepaja

Liepāja - an important settlement on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea located between the sea and Lake Liepāja, where people have lived for more than 750 years. Liepāja is a town of music and culture. Participate in Liepāja’s music festivals “International Piano Stars’ Festival”, “International Organ Music Festival” and “Baltic Beach Party” or other musical events that are offered at the town’s music clubs. Walk the labyrinths of the Northern Fort; discover the nature of Karosta’s (Naval Port) architecture or the former prison; look at Art Nouveau buildings in the town centre and distinc- tive wooden architecture at Seaside Park. On sunny days the Blue flag beach and Seaport promenade and Fame Avenue of Latvian musicians, are obvious attractions, while in cloudy weather bowling alleys, art galler- ies, Liepāja Simphonic Orchestra or Liepāja Theatre offer alternatives. Liepāja is a town that inspires; with high class service in the cozy hotels, stylish cafes and cheerful taverns.

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Contact information Liepāja Regional Tourism Information Office Rožu laukums 5/6, Liepāja, LV-3401 Tel: +371 63480808, +371 29402111 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.liepaja.lv

Opening hours May to September Monday to Friday: 9:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00-18.00 Sunday: 10:00-15:00 October to April Monday to Friday: 9:00-17:00

Entrance fee some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours How to get there? By car To reach Liepāja from Rīga, take Highway A9 - distance 215 km. Public • From Rīga by train take the Rīga-Liepāja transportation line to the Liepāja Station. (www.pv.lv) • From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses to the Liepāja stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Liepāja) 3:00-3:30 travel time Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia

The Ventspils city - popular tourism centre offers recreation on the wonderful well-equipped Blue Flag Beach and Aqua Park “Ventspils”. Kids will be delighted with the playgrounds in two Children’s Amusement Parks. Those who prefer active recreation will be welcomed in the Olympic Centre “Ventspils”. Ventspils Adventure Park offers Skiing Hill, the Challenge Trail, summer tub- ing, BMX track, as well as trampolines, kiiking swings, slides, and other amusement. Tourists are welcome to walk the cobbled lanes of Ventspils Old Town, the Livonian Order Castle (1290) and Ostgals. On the Anchor Trail one can see a 6 m high, 23-tonne anchor. A ride on the narrow gauge railway “Mazbānītis” in the Seaside Open-air Museum and a trip on Ventspils Harbour on the excursion boat “Hercogs Jēkabs” will leave a special impression. Ventspils is also considered to be the ‘Floral Capital’ of Latvia. Here you will find unique, flower sculptures - “Underwater World”, “Bobsleigh Team”, “Ladybirds”, “Family of Ducks” as well as the Flower clock - the only one in Latvia. Ventspils is an excellent place for family holidays.

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Contact information Ventspils Tourism information centre Dārza iela 6, Ventspils, LV-3601 Tel: +371 63622263 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourism.ventspils.lv

Opening hours May to September: Monday to Friday: 8:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00-17:00 Sunday: 10:00-15:00 October to April: Monday to Friday: 8:00-17:00 Saturday and Sunday: 10:00-15:00

Entrance fee some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours How to get there? By car To reach Ventspils from Rīga, take Highway A10 - distance 189 km. Public • From Rīga main bus terminal you can take buses transportation that go via Tukums and Talsi to the Ventspils stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. (www.autoosta.lv) • From Rīga by train take the Rīga-Ventspils line to the Ventspils Station. (www.ldz.lv) Approximate (Rīga-Ventspils) 2:45-4:00 travel time Latvia

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Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia • Top 10 tourist sites in Latvia Latvian Tourism Development Agency Brīvības iela 55, Rīga, LV-1519, Latvia Tel: +371 67229945 Fax: +371 67358128 [email protected] www.latviatourism.lv

© Latvian Tourism Development Agency, 2010 Photos: Līga Eglīte, Inese and Edvīns Cibuļski, Mārtiņš Silis, Varis Sants, Māra Gudrike, Vita Balckare, Pēteris Buks, from the archives of the Tourism information centres of Zemgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale and from: www.rundale.net, www.turaida-muzejs.lv, www.cesis.lv

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