Location: Cesis
Top Things to do in Cesis
The 10 Best Things to do in Cesis, Vidzeme Region
Cēsis (Latvian pronunciation: [tseːsis] ( listen)), (German: Wenden, Livonian: Venden, Estonian: Võnnu, Polish: Kieś) is a town in Latvia located in the northern part of the Central Vidzeme Upland. Cēsis is on the Gauja River valley, and is built on a series of ridges above the river overlooking the woods below. Cēsis was one of the candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture 2014 (Riga was the Latvian city that won the title).
Restaurants in Cesis
1. Burning Conscience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Learn the harrowing resistance stories of the courageous individuals at the exhibition set up in an actual Soviet prison. The exhibition's multimedia displays provide deep insight into the local community's patriotism and motivation. A timeline covers major events from 1939 until 1957 and extracts from local newspapers draw parallels between propaganda of Nazi and Communist regime policies.
Reviewed By 954sanderv - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amazed by how this modern small scale history museum tells the story of the occupation and the Latvian resistance in such a strong, personal, well curated and beautifully (awarded) designed way. Of all things to see in Cesis, Burning Conscience is at the top of my list and I would highly recommend visitors to walk through the gate onto the courtyard and step into Elīna’s exhibition to learn everything about the recent history of Latvia and Cēsis in particular.
2. Cesis Medieval Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By VolkerG62 - Cologne, Germany
It takes (by train) 1 1/2 hours from Riga, but the visit to Cesis Castle is absolutely worth the effort. On the compound there are three attractions, the new castle, the medieval castle and the castle park. The old castle was built in the 13th century by the Livonian Order, but later fell into neglect and disrepair. In the late 18th century the groundsd were acquired by a Baltic-German Noble, Count Sievers, who had the new castle built. Later in the area below the castle the park was constructed. Today the ruins of the old castle and a museum inside the new castle can be visited for an entrance fee. Inside the ruins of the old castle it is possible to climb the western tower, from where on has an impressive view. I have done that during my first visit to Cesis in 2018. On this second occasion I spent most of my time in the castle park (no entrance fee) from where one can admire the castle from below, either walking around or while sitting on one of the numerous benches. On the grounds of the castle park one can find also the orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ, built in the 1840s.
3. Araisi Lake Dwelling Site
4. May Park
5. Svetavots
6. Raksi Park
7. St. John’s Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Navrix - Riga, Latvia
This medieval Gothic style church is worth to visit - to feel the breath and spirit of medieval history. You are lucky, if you have a chance to hear the old church organs playing. For a symbolic donation you are allowed to climb up in to the church tower until the church bell level and even touch the old bell.
8. Erglu Cliffs
9. Camping Zagarkalns
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Beautiful and peaceful RV and tent camping by river Gauja. Kayak. canoe, raft and SUP rent and organised trips. Hiking and bicycle trails and equipment rent. Peaceful, quiet and beautiful holidays in the heart of Vidzeme. Go on a beautiful boating adventure on river Gauja, play sports in our well prepared courts, enjoy sauna, go for a hike in the woods or just rest and do nothing - all that and much more can be enjoyed in camping "Žagarkalns".
10. Rozu Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By sfrancesc2016 - Bovingdon, United Kingdom
A very nice town squares with very picturesque architecture. A good variety of cafes for coffee, a drink and some lovely pastries or cakes. A very relaxing setting.
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