Cēsis Old Town

Cēsis is situated in the centre of Vidzeme and is one of the most beautiful towns in Latvia. The medieval castle ruins are the symbol of Cēsis and, together with its park, create the romantic atmosphere in the town. The cobbled streets of Cēsis Old Town have preserved the their layout from the Middle Ages, keeping also the old buildings with red tiled roofs, closed yards, and restored facades of the buildings.

Cēsis Castle, which has been rebuilt and extended several times, acquired its present architectural shape at the beginning of the 16th century. Various re-enacted theatrical tours are organised for groups of visitors by prior arrangement, as well as medieval meals and tasting of the local beer from the local Cēsis brewery which is one of the oldest in the Baltics. Cēsis Museum of History and Art is one of the oldest provincial museums in Latvia.

Since its establishment, the museum has developed its collection to broadly reflect the special place and contribution of Cēsis town and district to Latvia’s cultural history. St. John’s Church, built at the end of the 13th century at which point it was the largest church in Vidzeme, is situated close to the Castle.

Various reconstruction works that have occurred over time notwithstanding, the church is still very grand and imposing. The plaques of the tombs of the Masters of the Livonian order are still preserved in the Church, as is an organ which fills the surrounding Old Town streets with music.