Cēsis, Medieval town in Gauja Valley, Latvia
The town extends across several ridges above the Gauja River, surrounded by dense forests and natural formations at 119 meters elevation.
German crusaders of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword began building a castle near the Vends tribe settlement on Riekstu hill in 1206.
The medieval stone walls, St. John's Church from 1281, and castle ruins represent the architectural development through different periods of European influence.
The Tourist Information Center at Baznicas Square 1 provides maps, accommodation details, and guidance for exploring regional landmarks in multiple languages.
During the Livonian War of 1577, the local garrison deliberately destroyed their own castle to prevent its capture by Ivan the Terrible's forces.
Location: Cēsis Municipality
Inception: 1206
Elevation above the sea: 119 m
Address: Cēsis, Cēsu pilsēta, Cēsis Municipality, LV-4101, Latvia LV-41(01-03) Cēsis
Website: https://cesis.lv
GPS coordinates: 57.31306,25.27472
Latest update: October 21, 2025 09:38
Latvia offers a diverse range of sites combining medieval history and Baltic nature. The country brings together different periods and landscapes: the Old Town of Riga with its Art Nouveau buildings, the castle of Cēsis, the beaches of Jūrmala and the extensive forests of Gauja National Park. Latvian cities preserve evidence of German, Swedish and Russian rule. Beyond the capital Riga, places like Liepāja with its military port or Kuldīga with its waterfall invite exploration. The coastal region extends for several hundred kilometres along the Baltic Sea. The natural landscapes include extensive forests, wetlands and lakes. Gauja National Park protects river valleys with sandstone cliffs and historic castle ruins. Rural areas display traditional wooden architecture and agricultural structures that have shaped life in the Baltic regions for centuries.
Cēsis Castle
278 m
Church of Saint John the Baptist in Cēsis
191 m
Rucka manor
602 m
Riekstu mound
371 m
Cēsis New Castle
200 m
Vidzeme Concert Hall "Cēsis"
105 m
Raiskums Red Cliffs
3.4 km
Church of the transfiguration of Christ in Cēsis
465 m
Cēsu apriņķa skola
232 m
Cēsu apriņķa skola
232 m
Gaujas iela 6
581 m
Fragments of Wolter von Plettenberg's gravestone
207 m
Gravestone of Otto Schenking
207 m
Fasādes dekoratīvā apdare
177 m
Tēlnieku K. Jansona un A. Jansona dzīves un darba vieta
2.7 km
Merchants' House in Cēsis
177 m
Cēsis New Castle Barn
198 m
Fragments of city fortification wall of Cēsis
55 m
Historical center of Cēsis
268 m
Cēsu viduslaiku pils drupas ar 3 priekšpiļu nocietinājumu mūriem
198 m
Medieval Burial Ground of Convent Square
47 m
Lielā Līvu iela 9
413 m
Mittelalterlicher Friedhof der St.-Johannes-Kirche
199 m
Cēsis Old Town Hall
111 m
Altāris
207 m
Princesses' House in Cēsis
476 m
Harmony House in Cēsis
256 m
Komponista A.Kalniņa dzimtās mājas
256 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes