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Town and municipal centre in Vidzeme, Latvia
Photo: Greifen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Vecpilsēta
Various wooden buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still standing.
Complex with the Medieval Castle, the New Castle and the Cēsis History and Art Museum. The most famous building of Cēsis is the castle, for which construction began in 1209. Before, there was a wooden castle of the Venden people here. The castle became the residence of the Order of the Sword Brothers. It was destroyed in 1577, rebuilt, and destroyed again in 1703. At the end of the 18th century, part of the ruins where used as country house of Count Sievers, the then owner of the castle site. One of the towers was included in his country house. Nowadays, the included city museum is located in that building. The rest of the castle is still mostly in ruins.
Svētā Jāņa baznīca
Built in the 13th century (1281-1284) with the spire built in 1853. It is now a Lutheran church. Climbing up in the tower provides a nice view over the Old Town and surroundings, including an exhibition. But the view at the top is partly blocked by a fence, which is OK for a smartphone but not a regular camera. It provides a view of the nearby castle complex. One tombstone commemorates the bishop Andrzej Patrycy Nidecki.
Rožu laukums
Do not expect any roses though.
Vienības laukums
Contains the Victory Monument, commemorating the Latvian Warriors who were killed during the Independence War (1918-1920). During the Soviet occupation, the monument was blown up but later in 1998 rebuilt.
Līvu laukums
Has a fountain that is illuminated at night.
Maija parks
Cēsu alus darītava
Erected in 1878 on the grounds of the older brewery.
Cecīļu dabas taka
Cēsu Pils Viduslaiku diena
Mākslas festivāls Cēsis
Authentic local style inexpensive bite. Salads, meat, fish, cake – all self made.
Pizzas. Daily bistro. Summer terrace.
Budget.
By bus
Many bus routes exist in the region. Direct connections between Cēsis and other nearby large cities such as Riga and Valmiera exist and departures are fairly frequent - usually once an hour.
By train
There are some train routes going through Cēsis, connecting major cities such as Riga (€3.50), Sigulda (€2), Valmiera (€1.55) and Valga, Estonia (€2.90).
By car
Getting into Cēsis by car is fairly simple.
By taxi
Local taxi companies exist and are reasonably priced making them a viable method of getting around.
By bus
Local public transport exists, but the count of bus departures throughout the day is fairly low making walking to the destination often a much more viable opinion.
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