Online-Card - Cesis

Cçsis – one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Latvia is situated on high hills and at its feet through green forests wrapped in haze the Gauja River meanders on. Cçsis and region attract visitors by varied cultural life and wide possibilities for active recreation. In 2006, Cçsis will celebrate its 800 anniversary. The Stone Castle of the Livonian Order is the most impressive and best preserved set of castle ruins in Latvia, and it is certainly the most popular attraction in the old part of Cçsis. The Cçsis Stone Castle was one of the strongest Livonian Order fortresses. The Castle has suffered all sorts of damage over the course of history. After the damages during the Northern War (1700 – 1721), the castle has not been restored again. In the Cçsis Castle Garden in The Smithy of Ancient Jewellery visitors have an opportunity to get to know more about ancient Latvian jewellers and their work in the past, as well as try ornaments by themselves. Here one can look at replicas of jewellery sets and listen up the narration about meaning and wearing traditions of ancient bronze and silver decorations.

A panoramic view of Cçsis can be enjoyed from the tower of the New Cçsis Castle (18th century). The flag, which flutters proudly above the castle tower, testifies to the fact that Cçsis is the place where the Latvian national flag was born. At present days, the new Cçsis Castle houses the Cçsis Museum of History, where visitors can acquaint themselves with the history exposition of the Cçsis region, as well as take part in different exciting performance excursions. Cçsis Castle Park created in 19th century is one of the most unique parks in North Latvia. The castle ruins and the Riekstu kalns (Nut hill) were well placed in the composition of the park. Riekstu kalns – the castle hill were from 11th till 13th century the castle of Vends was located and it is where the “cradle” of Cçsis was hung.

Cçsis Town is famous for its rich cultural traditions. Season closing performance of the Latvian National Opera in the Cçsis Castle Park, Town Festival and Beer Festival is some of the events that attract thousands of visitors every year. Old town with narrow, cobblestone streets – Lielâ and Mazâ Kalçju Street, Lielâ and Mazâ Katrînas Street, Lielâ Lîvu Street – are still keeping planning from the Middle Ages. Small, one and two story buildings with red tile roofs, noiseless courtyards create the atmosphere of the old town in the most remarkable way. In the beginning of Rîgas Street the Rauna gate – the only surviving part of the Medieval gates to the city of Cçsis – is situated. Already in the 17th century the feet of Cçsis’ residents treaded the paving stones that were found by archaeologists.

The St. John’s Church built at the end of 13th century, became the largest church in the Northern Vidzeme, witnessing the wealth and self-confidence of the burghers of the medieval town. There is a panoramic view of the town from the top of the church tower. In addition to the cultural events and charming old town, Cçsis offers active recreation possibilities all year long. In summer one can rent a bike or boat for active recreation in the nature, but in wintertime there are a couple of possibilities to enjoy alpine or cross country. Only 6 km from Cçsis on the left bank of the Gauja River the Çrgïu (Eagles) cliffs rise. The cliffs are one of the most popular tourism objects in all of Latvia, both because of their beauty and because of their accessibility. The picturesque views of the Gauja and its area appear from various viewing sites. In a picturesque landscape 7 km from Cçsis Âraiði is located. On the top of the hill there is the Âraiði Windmill (built in the middle of 19th century). While in the bay of the Âraiði Lake on a small island there is a reconstruction of Âraiði Lake Fortress, visitors can look at reproductions of the wooden buildings of ancient Latgalians of the 9th century. Next to the Lake Fortress the ruins of 14th century Livonian Order Castle of Âraiði are situated.