The most beautiful tourist attractions in Latvia Riga Secondary School No47,LATVIA

Rundale Castle Rundāle Palace is an example of Baroque and Rococo architecture of outstanding brilliance. It was built between 1736 and 1740 as summer residence for Ernst Johann Biron, Duke of Courland. The palace is a two-storey building with a total of 138 rooms. The main central part housed the duke’s personal living quarters and state-rooms. The main western wing was used by the family members of the duke and members of other ruling families. Now the palace has been converted to a museum and houses a large collection of paintings and various exhibitions of applied art, also a collection of Latvian church art. As the Baroque Era tradition goes, the palace has a French garden. It spreads out on the south side of the Palace as a part of the original architectural plan.

Old Riga Old Riga (Vecriga) is the historical and geographical centre of the capital city Riga and it lies on the right bank of the River Daugava. Old Riga was once the inner territory of a fortification system, lasting from the 13th to the 18th century. As old towns go, it features a high concentration of unique medieval architectural monuments, and these have been lucky enough to have survived two world wars. Go for a stroll down the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the ancient aura of the place and the unique complexes of private residences and religious buildings. Old Riga is a masterpiece of architecture and antiquity and is also well suited to the streams of tourists in the 21st century as it offers comfortable hotels and a wide array of restaurants and places for relaxation and partying. In fact, Old Riga is just as lively at midnight as it is in daytime.

Aglona Basilica The first building on the site where Aglona Basilica - the most important Catholic church in the country - now stands was a wooden church built by the Dominican Order at the end of the 17th century. After the church burned down in 1699, a stone building for the current church were constructed between 1768 and The church has a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects, Miracle-Worker Virgin Mary of Aglona icon (17 th century) among them, usually veiled and only uncovered during religious celebrations. It is widely believed that the icon possesses healing properties. The most magnificent event at Aglona Basilica is the 15th of August each year, when thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate Assumption of Mary.

Gauja National Park Established in 1973, the Gauja National Park was the first such initiative in the country. Covering 91,745 hectares of land, most of the park is thickly forested and interspersed with rivers (the largest being the Gauja, Amata and Brasla) and lakes large and small. Opportunities for tourism and recreation are almost limitless here - canoeing and rafting are very popular, as well as cycling, horse riding, bird watching and observing nature. With around 900 plant species, 149 kinds of birds and 48 varieties of wild animals it is a true nature lover’s paradise. The park houses some of the most famous attractions in Latvia, such as the Sigulda and Turaida castles, museums in Araiši and Turaida, the ferry across the River Gauja, Ligatne Nature trails, Straupe Castle, Ungurmuiza Manor and striking geological features - the Zvarta rock and Ergli cliffs.

Kuldiga’s Old Town and the waterfall “Ventas Rumba” Kuldiga is a charming little town particularly beloved by painters and poets. The 17-18th century town centre is still rich in traditional wooden buildings and narrow winding streets with the Aleksupite stream flowing through backyards and alleyways. Bright accents in the face of the town are traditional workshops weaving colourful blankets and scarves with folk patterns. The famous Duke Jacob of Courland was born in Kuldiga and was baptized and married in St Catherine's Church. The church still stands, beautifully renovated, and offers an amazing view of the town from a platform in the church steeple. The Kuldiga old town and the 19th century red brick bridge across the River Venta are in the process of joining UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is also famous for the widest waterfall in Europe - Ventas Rumba, stretching for 249 m in width.

Turaida Museum Reserve - a specially protected cultural monument The Turaida Castle Museum Park covers 42 hectares of land and encompasses items of natural, cultural and historical importance. The most prominent feature is the soaring red brick tower of the restored 13 th century Turaida castle, providing a breathtaking view across the Gauja river valley from its very top. There is a folk music park with 26 sculptures by Indulis Ranka located throughout its premises. Another highlight of the park is a charmingly simple wooden church dating from 1750 and a memorial spot for Turaida Rose, a local beauty described in a legend surviving from the 17th century. This is a popular destination for newlyweds, a symbol of their everlasting love. The two caves mentioned in the Turaida Rose legend - Gutmanala and Viktora ala can be found nearby, in the ancient Gauja river valley.

Cesis Old Town and Castle Cesis is located in the very centre of Vidzeme region and is an unrivalled gem of the province. Its romantic atmosphere owes much to the ruins of a medieval castle surrounded by a park. Having been rebuilt and expanded numerous times, the Cesis castle gained its best known appearance in the beginning of the 16th century. Enjoy a medieval banquet and taste the local beer from the Cesis Brewery, one of the oldest in the Baltics, or see a theatrical programme in the castle ruins! Another must-see in Cesis is St John’s church, first built at the end of the 13th century as the largest church in the region. Inside the church lie the gravestones of the masters of the Livonian Order, and the church organ fills the surrounding streets with its music. The cobbled streets and alleyways of Cesis old town retain their original medieval plan and are lined by delightful old buildings with traditional red tiled roofs, hidden courtyards and restored facades.

Liepaja It has been over 750 years since Liepaja has been an important settlement on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea on a strip of land between the sea and Lake Liepaja. It is traditionally regarded as a town of music and culture. International Piano Stars Festival, International Organ Music Festival are just some of the names, and then there are music clubs with their own events to enjoy. Walk the labyrinths of the Northern Fort, discover the nature of Karosta (Naval Port) architecture or spend a night at the former prison, marvel at Art Nouveau buildings in the town centre and the distinctive wooden architecture at the Seaside Park. On sunny days the Blue Flag beach, the Seaport promenade and Avenue of Fame of Latvian musicians are obvious attractions, while on cloudy days the best alternatives are either bowling alleys or art galleries, as well as the Liepaja Symphonic Orchestra or the Liepaja Theatre.

Ventspils The town of Ventspils offers all kinds of recreation. Everyone will love the well-equipped Blue Flag Beach and Waterpark Ventspils.Those who prefer active recreation will always find something to do at the Olympic Centre Ventspils. The Ventspils Adventure Park has a skiing hill, a challenge trail,summer tubing, a BMX track, as well as trampolines, swings, slides and a whole lot of other attractions. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the cobbled lanes of Ventspils Old Town, the Livonian Order Castle (1290) and the port district Ostgals, and stop by the Anchor Trail to admire see a 6 m high 23-ton anchor. A ride on the narrow gauge railway Mazbanitis in the Seaside Open-air Museum and a trip throug Ventspils Harbour on the excursion boat ‘Hercogs Jekabs’ will be an unforgettable impression. Thanks to the huge amount of flower sculptures Ventspils is also considered to be the floral capital of Latvia – be amazed by Underwater World, Bobsleigh Team, Ladybirds, Family of Ducks and the Flower clock, a unique display of flowers.

Come to visit Latvia!