Over the centuries, it was sieged and destroyed, rebuilt again, the names changed. The only thing remained unchanged - the wondrous beauty of nature and the desire of the population to live and develop despite all adversity.
Daugavpils fortress
Arriving in Daugavpils, you should definitely see the sights of the city. The visiting card of this place is the Daugavpils Fortress, also called Dinaburg. Its construction began in 1812, when these lands were under the protectorate of the Russian Empire. Therefore, the fortress is an example of a Russian Empire-style fortification.
Time has left almost no trace on the eight ramparts, gates and bridge fortifications. This is one of the preserved unchanged fortresses.
Murmuizhsky castle
If you have visited Daugavpils, the sightseeing map will help you. On it you will definitely find such an old building as the Murmuizhsky Castle. It is mentioned in the chronicles of the sixteenth century. However, it is assumed that it was built by one of the Livonian knights much earlier.
For more than one hundred years, the castle passed from hand to hand, one of its owners was the chancellor of Sweden. The building was constantly being completed and rebuilt, so only the old tower, which was nicknamed the "Tower Cage", remained unchanged to this day.
Attractions in Daugavpils (Latvia)
The inhabitants of Daugavpils are highly cultured and educated people, and this statement is true not only for their contemporaries. This is evidenced by the four shrines of different religions that have survived to this day, located on the famous Temple or, as it is also called, Church Hill. Orthodox cathedral Boris and Gleb was built at the very beginning of the 20th century and is the most spacious in Latvia, the style of its architecture is neo-Russian.
At the same time, the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos was erected for parishioners of the Roman Catholic faith. The Martin Luther Church was built a little earlier. What else can you see on the hill? There is an Orthodox Church of the Old Believers - the Church of the Resurrection, the Nativity of the Virgin and St. Nicholas. In addition to religious buildings on the Temple Hill, in Daugavpils one can get acquainted with the architecture, the history of the emergence of the Alexander Nevsky Church, St. Peter's Church, the synagogue and others.
Zoo
Latgale Zoo is a favorite place for recreation of residents and guests of the city, especially young people. Yielding to the menageries major cities in area, it, nevertheless, surpasses many of them with extraordinary conditions for keeping animals and a variety of representatives of flora and fauna. Visitors are delighted by the very design of the zoo, which resembles a jungle, where you can meet macaques, pythons, caimans, marsupials, many birds and fish.
Not far from the Church of St. Peter, tourists can admire the Sculpture Garden. Among hundreds of different flower beds that form a living carpet of flowers, there are amazing figures - the work of the best Latvian craftsmen.
Lakes and Eglukalns Hill
The marvelous corners of nature are highly recommended for viewing: Small Stropsky Lake, connected by a channel with the Big Stropsky Lake. Picturesque reservoirs, fascinating the eye with incomparable landscapes, will be very attractive not only for tourists, but also for fishing enthusiasts: they are home to a wide variety of fish.
Those wishing to admire the beauty of the nature of Daugavpils from a height should go to the Eglukalns hill, which is eleven kilometers from the city. It was built here twelve years ago observation tower, from where a marvelous panorama of the area opens.
Vienibas Square
In the center of the city there is Vienibas Square, which means "Unity Square" in Russian. It often hosts amazing events: bright parades, noisy fairs, interesting concerts. Rumors about underground passages, which have been preserved since the early Middle Ages, when a fortress stood on this place.
Daugavpils, the sights of which we are considering in the article, is a city that hospitably welcomes fans of various festivals. They take place here three times a year. These are festivals of choral and sacred music, traditional masks, and jazz music.
Sculpture "Cat" and the House of Unity
If a traveler wants to plunge into the atmosphere of Latvia, this small Baltic country, to understand its mentality, then he should certainly wander along Rigas Street. It is unique in that it is completely pedestrian; any traffic is prohibited. And at the same time, it is not overcrowded with retail outlets, cafes or restaurants. Near one of the houses there is a sculpture "Cat", which evokes special affection among children, as is eloquently evidenced by a fairly wiped face made of granite. A quiet, cozy, decorous atmosphere reigns in Rigas, here time seems to slow down, and you can admire the amazing architecture of low buildings in the eclectic style. This is the street of the past and the present. On it is the House of Unity. It is a kind of compact center of the city's cultural, financial and social life. At the same time, it is a monument of the strict and monumental architecture of the thirties of the last century.
Museum of local lore and art
In 1938 the Daugavpils Museum of Local Lore and Art was founded. The building itself is a beautiful monument of Art Nouveau architecture. The museum contains expositions dedicated to the history, nature, culture of this corner of Latvia.
The townspeople are proud of their famous fellow countrymen - and Leonid Baulin, whose work is dedicated to two separate halls. In addition, tourists will be curious to visit the museum "Jews in Daugavpils and Latgale", which is located in the synagogue. Interest is not only caused by subjects related to the cultural and religious traditions of the Jews. Its expositions tell about the life of the entire city, of which representatives of the ancient people were an integral part.
"Bat" and "Turtle"
What else is interesting in Daugavpils? The sights, the photos of which are presented in the article, attract tourists. After all, they are very beautiful here. The townspeople carefully preserve the memorials of antiquity and at the same time bring something new and unusual to the interior of the streets. For example, the sculpture "The Bat" is very interesting. On one of the streets there is an iron figurine of a bat, which weighs only five hundred grams and is slightly more than sixty centimeters wide. This product is an original design solution and organically fits into the architecture of the street. In a short time, it has become an iconic object; people are often photographed near it. Another newest curiosity of the city is the sculpture "Turtle". Made of African light granite, it not only serves as a decoration, but also reminds of the fact that in the territory of Latvia there is the largest range of marsh turtles in Europe.
Monument to Pavel Dubrovin
Residents of Daugavpils know how to love and appreciate people who have done a lot for the development of the city. An example of this is the monument to Pavel Dubrovin. As the mayor of Dinaburg (this is how Daugavpils was called in the nineteenth century), he made a lot of efforts for its prosperity. And he did a lot for his own money. In particular, he bought and drained an impressive piece of land on which an excellent park was laid out.
It is in this park, which Dubrovin donated to the people, that the monument is located. It is made in a non-standard, original manner, depicting the mayor walking with his bulldog.
Tourist opinion
Do people who have visited Daugavpils like sights? Reviews of tourists are a vivid confirmation that the local beauty is to their liking. Local buildings and structures are very interesting. Those who have come to Daugavpils are especially attracted by the main attractions, namely the Daugavpils fortress and the Murmuizhsky castle.
Some interesting places
Tourists should definitely visit local cafes, for example, a cozy restaurant "Vesma", which is located on Rigas Street. In addition to excellent service and a wide selection of all kinds of delicious dishes, you can admire the cat sculpture from the window. The restaurant of European cuisine Gubernators, Chinese cuisine HappyPanda, Italian CiliPica and Restaurant PLAZA, DvinskaSeta are also famous for their dishes. And most importantly, do not forget to visit the Sia Park Hotel Latgola restaurant. It serves Latvian cuisine.
Conclusion
Now you can safely go to Daugavpils. Sights, interesting Facts about the history of the city, the beauty of nature - what else does a tourist need for an unforgettable vacation? All this is present in this corner of Latvia, which means that you will not be disappointed!
If suddenly a part of the territories in Latvia decided to repeat the fate of Crimea, organize a referendum and come under the rule of Russia, then its second largest city Daugavpils could easily become a kind of Sevastopol of these places. These cities have many similarities.
Modern Daugavpils appeared thanks to the Russian military and throughout its history was an important outpost for Russia and the USSR. Before the independence of Latvia, this city experienced its industrial and economic boom, after which decline has been observed for almost three decades, and people still remember the past fat years.
In this city, the vast majority of residents are still Russians, supplemented by Belarusians and Poles, many of whom were previously in one way or another connected with the Soviet military forces and they clearly sympathize with Putin's modern geopolitics.
This city, in fact, has not yet got out of its past, therefore it is not ready for the future, which is already beginning to change it by a little. We visited here at the end of December and the dull chilly weather only intensified the feeling of a gloomy, hopeless real Daugavpils. This city cannot be called beautiful, but it is very interesting and literally filled with unusual, exciting stories. I will try to convey his aura in my today's photo essay ...
2.
Depressed Latvia begins immediately when crossing the border with Lithuania. The quality of the road surface drops instantly, and swamps and peat bogs are spread around to the horizon. Part of the road to Daugavpils began to be repaired on a large scale, but the presence of a huge amount of road equipment so far only scares the drivers, but does not make the trip easier.
3.
The first thing that every visitor will see when entering the city from Lithuania is the huge Griva prison. You can't think of a more original object for starting acquaintance with Daugavpils! But we will return to it a little later.
4.
I think it's worth remembering a little the history of this city. Latvians now emphasize that their Daugavpils is already 740 years old. But it should be noted right away that he old City, founded by the Order of the Swordsmen, was actually located 20 kilometers from modern Daugavpils. At one time, it was repeatedly attacked, robbed, burned by Russians, Swedes, or Lithuanians. To this day, only a few stone foundations on the castle hill have survived from that city.
Modern Daugavpils appeared precisely thanks to the Russian military. These territories went to the Russian Empire after the division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772, and here it was vital for the new government to somehow seriously gain a foothold. That is why it was decided to build a powerful fortress, which would become the guarantor of stable rule in not very calm lands.
The construction of the fortress took 60 years and, as a result, it occupied an area of \u200b\u200b150 hectares. Its construction and further use gave a powerful impetus for the rapid development of a new city in the neighborhood. He got the old German name Dinaburg from the nearby ruins, which the Latvians later remade in their own way in Daugavpils.
The Dinaburg Fortress has been the main focus of this city for over 200 years. Back in 1812, the first battle was fought here for the advancing forces of Napoleon, and then for more than a hundred years it housed the main Russian military base throughout the Baltic region.
8.
The second powerful breakthrough in the development of Daugavpils was received when the most important railway of the then empire from St. Petersburg to Warsaw was laid through it. Russian autocrats and members of their families began to stop frequently in this city. Surrounded by numerous soldiers, they felt completely safe here.
9.
The regiments stationed in the fortress participated in the suppression of two Polish uprisings, and Dinaburg itself became a real stronghold of Tsarist Russia. Then the industry developed rapidly here, beautiful buildings were erected, shops and hotels were opened, a river port was built.
At the same time, by decree of Nicholas II, the city was given a new name - Dvinsk. During the First World War, the Germans broke through here in 1915, but then the front line stood firmly along the same swamps described above for three long years.
Only after the revolution and the beginning civil war the German army managed to occupy the city, however, soon surrendering it to the Red Army without a fight. Then it was captured by Polish troops, but again not for long. In the end, the city became part of Latvia and received its current name.
The second world War turned out to be much more tragic for Daugavpils. During the bombing and fighting, the city was destroyed by 70 percent. A prisoner of war camp was set up in the fortress, and opposite it, on the other side of the river, a Jewish ghetto.
13.
Now here is the same Griva prison, which we saw at the entrance. About 20 thousand Jews passed through this ghetto, and no more than a hundred people survived. Instead of a museum, there is now a prison, which is symbolic in its own way.
14.
In total, more than 160 thousand people were killed in Daugavpils during the war, although only a part of them were local citizens. But in 1944, during the Soviet offensive, Daugavpils briefly became the capital of the Latvian SSR.
15.
As part of the USSR, this city was completely revived and became one of the most important military and transport centers of that huge country. A huge airport was built nearby, capable of receiving all, including the largest military aircraft produced in the USSR.
The fortress was also transferred to military control. One of the country's largest engineering and technical flight schools at that time was set up and a military town was equipped. Many new businesses, factories and residential areas were built.
17.
The population of the city has exceeded one hundred thousand. Tram lines were built in Daugavpils, and in the local river port more than 40 ships were based. Pleasure boats also cruised.
The plans included the construction of the Daugavpils hydroelectric power station, and hence the further growth and development of the city. Daugavpils, by the way, was included by NATO in the list of one hundred objects that must be destroyed in the event of a nuclear war.
19.
At the very peak of this rapid development, perestroika suddenly broke out, and then the collapse of the Soviet Union. Overnight, from a rich and well-to-do center, Daugavpils turned into a backwater, like a poor relative, barely making ends meet.
20.
The fortress turned into a gigantic abandonment, the hydroelectric power station was never completed, many enterprises were closed, and the population was reduced by almost a quarter. Only after 20 years of this crisis, the city began to come to its senses.
21.
The city authorities suddenly remembered that there is a giant fortress in the city and has not yet completely collapsed. Now it is being restored little by little and has even been nominated for the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She alone is already worthy compulsory attendance... I will write a separate report about her.
22.
They also thought about the restoration of the almost completely destroyed airport. It is a pity that the river fleet, completely cut into metal, can no longer be restored, and the long-unclean Daugava is now very shallow.
23.
The fact that the city is gradually developing, I noticed myself, because with my family we already passed it about seven years ago. But still general impression remains depressing.
24.
In Daugavpils, an attentive observer will notice a monstrous mixture of architectural styles.
25.
In the city, some pre-revolutionary buildings have been preserved, which is mixed with the "masterpieces" of Soviet monumentalism, constructivism and rationalism.
26.
This cocktail looks defiantly mediocre and tasteless.
27.
But some objects are worthy of special attention. One of the symbols of modern Daugavpils is the famous White Swan prison.
28.
This legendary fort is already 150 years old. This prison is located almost in the city center, not far from the main city orthodox Church (the largest in Latvia) and a church.
29.
This establishment got its original name in honor of the swan-shaped weather vane, which is clearly visible above the main building, painted in white. By the way, once only after its construction, this building was red.
30.
A walk near this prison is a lot of emotions. Blank walls, barbed wire around the perimeter, towers with machine gunners in the corners - the pictures are unforgettable and instructive.
31.
According to one of the urban legends, the architect of this building later himself ended up in the prison he designed as a prisoner. As you have already noticed, this is already the second old prison in the city, so in Daugavpils it is quite appropriate to do tourist tours, a la "I sit behind bars in a damp dungeon" or "Today is a tourist, and tomorrow is a prisoner."
Many interesting structures can be found in the station area.
36.
Daugavpils bridges are no less interesting. They have their own stories. For example, about how in 1941 the German saboteurs were able to successfully capture them, thereby preventing the bridges from undermining the hastily retreating Red Army. In 1944, they were much less fortunate, and in the post-war years the bridges had to be restored.
37.
We spent almost the whole day in the city, walking along its streets, having lunch at a local restaurant, talking with some of its old residents.
Daugavpils is the second largest and most important city in Latvia, as well as the cultural, industrial and educational center of its eastern province. It is a delightful spacious city with provincial charm. The center of Daugavpils is replete with its architectural diversity, unique facades and beauty of the streets. The Daugavas Loki Nature Park is picturesquely stretched along the banks of the Daugava. It covers the ruins of the 13th century fortress Dinaburg and is home to many monuments that have immortalized significant moments in the history of the city. Daugavpils is unique in that historically, the Latvian population has never been predominant in the city. Daugavpils is a large cultural and educational center of Latvia. Many different festivals are regularly held here.
Region |
Latgale region |
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Population |
102 496 people |
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Population density |
1414.1 people / km² |
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lats, euro, US dollar |
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Timezone |
UTC + 2, in summer UTC + 3 |
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Postal code |
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International dialing code |
Climate and weather
The climate of Daugavpils, unlike other cities in Latvia, is continental. Due to this, the city is much warmer in summer and colder in winter than in other regions of Latvia. The best time to visit is the spring-summer period, when the city is warm and sunny. The highest temperature of the year reaches + 31.4 ° Cand the lowest is -25.1 ° C.
Nature
The nature of the city is amazingly beautiful. Daugavpils is rich in waters - the city has 15 lakes, 8 rivers and streams, large reserves of underground waters. Big Stropsky Lake covers an area of \u200b\u200b417.9 hectares. Microdistrict Mezciems rich in medicinal mud and mineral waters chloride type. Back in the 80s of the IXX century, Count Jan Plater-Sieberg began to use the balneological resources of the Mezciems region. Nowadays it is located here rehabilitation center... Numerous forests and parks adorn the city, their total area is 10 400 hectares. There are about 39 species of mammals and 138 species of birds in the forests. Popular Daugavpils Zoo named after M. Pupins... The city has many natural attractions:
- continental dunes;
- covered oak grove on the Daugava terrace;
- mezciems park, where 22 species of rare trees and shrubs grow;
- Nicgale white stone - the largest boulder in Latvia;
- natural Park Bends of the Daugava;
- Svente nature park with the cleanest lake in Latvia and the adjacent Aukšzeme nature reserve.
sights
There are many attractions in the city. The dominant feature of the historic center is House of Unity... It contains:
- Daugavpils Theater;
- Latgale Central Library;
- Latvian Culture Center and other public institutions.
Interesting is the inspection chapels of St. Alexander Nevsky, which is a memorial structure, symbolizing the previously destroyed cathedral. In the park of the Daugavpils University there is a sundial, created in 1910. Dudrovin park - one of the most beautiful places cities. In summer, here you can hide from the sun's rays, admiring the beauty of the play of light on the water. Along the banks of the Daugava River, you will find another attraction - Protective dam... This is a unique six-meter structure that protects the city from floods. Often visited are Daugavpils Museum of Local Lore and Art Museum... These are some of the most oldest museums Latvia. The hall of the artist Mark Rothko and the artist Leonid Baulin, a native of Daugavpils, was opened here. Also in this cozy Latvian town you will find:
- Sculpture Garden;
- Church of St. Peter;
- Central Park;
- Synagogue;
- Daugavpils fortress and many other sights.
Food
Daugavpils has good cuisine and excellent service. Here you can order not only European, but also oriental dishes. Pizzerias and fast food are common.
Among the best restaurants are:
- Gubernators;
- Taller;
- Lidadis Park.
Popular cafes are:
- Vita;
- Arizona;
- Ukrainska hatka;
- Arabika.
Accommodation
Daugavpils as one of tourist centers Latvia has hotels of different levels. Five Stars" - these are hotels: Fortune days, Shangri-la, Wanda, four "stars": "Park Hotel Latgola", Friendship palace, Join us plaza, three star hotels: Daqing, Power, Green.
Entertainment and recreation
Forests and surroundings Stropsky lake are a favorite vacation spot. Stropu Vilnis is open in summer - “ Stropskaya recreation center". It's a good idea to warm up and sunbathe near water bodies. In winter, you can visit the ski complex " Eglukalns», Which is located near Daugavpils. The Silver Screen cinema, opened in 2009, is in demand. this moment the only one in Eastern Europe equipped with a system for displaying films in Sony CineAlta 4K and RealD 3D. For your leisure time, you can go to the Ice Palace, bowling center (City Center), visit museums or sit in a cafe. Fans of club culture should visit the most popular club in Daugavpils - Banzai, which is located in the City Center - on Viestura street, 8. The second most popular club is Bonus klubs. You can have a good rest by visiting one of the performances at the Daugavpils Theater.
Purchases
There are many shopping centers, among which the most popular are:
- Ditton;
- Solo;
- Maxima;
- Supernetto;
- Mego.
Souvenirs can be bought at showroom Latgaleand Deko Art. There are two active markets: the agricultural market and the green market. Sports and tourism products are sold at Planeta, 100% Sports and Hawaii Express. Shopping for works of art in art galleries is popular, where you can watch the work of the master.
Transport
The city of Daugavpils is an important transport hub between Russia and the European Union. Transport of the city - buses and trams. Is functioning railway transport... At the moment, there are 27 city bus routes and 5 route taxis... The vehicle fleet is represented by Solaris Urbino 15 buses, Volvo B10MA-55 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses. The city has 3 tram lines. In addition, a river tram used to function in Daugavpils. There is an operating airfield Griva-Zapadny. Work is underway to open the Daugavpils international airport.
Communication
Communication in the city is carried out through postal services, an established city telephone network, mobile communications and the Internet. Internet access can be provided by the hotel, you can also use the services of numerous Internet cafes. For mobile communication, it is better to use special tourist mapsprovided by mobile operators.
Security
Do not endanger your valuable documents and money, do not carry them with you in crowded places, keep an eye on them in the markets and in transport. Remember that smoking in public places is prohibited and fines are imposed for violations. Drinking alcohol on the streets of Daigavpils is also prohibited. It is undesirable to appear in the city drunk - this will be followed by a fine. In the dark, you can't go outside without flickers. Only hold picnics in designated areas.
Business climate
The construction of the first power plant in the Baltics is planned. The banking area is well developed. In addition to the branch of the National Bank of Latvia, there are ten branches of Latvian commercial banks in the city.
The property
Renting an apartment in the city center will cost you 2-3 times more than in the suburbs. Low prices for real estate in the districts of Kryzhi and Lociki.
- In Daugavpils, as in other cities of Latvia, the most convenient currency is the euro.
- Remember that selling alcohol from 22:00 to 8:00 is prohibited in the city.
- In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 5-10% of the bill.
On picturesque shores the Daugava river, surrounded by pine forests and fifteen lakes, the second largest city in Latvia - Daugavpils is located. It is located in the southeast of the Baltic country, not far from the borders with Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Fans of travel by train will definitely like a trip here - to get to Daugavpils by railroad you can from Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vilnius.
Town
The first mentions of the city are contained in the chronicles of the Middle Ages. At that time, the German knights-crusaders took over these lands. Dinaburg Castle was founded in 1275 by the Master of the Livonian Order Ernst von Ratzburg.
The place was chosen for a reason. The famous river Daugava waterway "From the Varangians to the Greeks." A trading settlement was soon built near the castle.
Later, this Baltic city became important for another reason - in the 19th century, they began to carry out rail link with other states. By decree of Alexander III in 1893 the city was renamed Dvinsk. At the turn of the century, it became the largest industrial center in the North-West of Russia.
After the Great Patriotic War, the city quickly recovered, new districts appeared, enterprises grew, and goods from here were exported to fifty other countries. Educational institutions and museums have opened their doors. After the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia in 1991, its development began under new conditions.
sights
It is better to choose the Tourist Information Center on Rigas Street as the first point on the travel route in the Baltic city. Here you can get acquainted with the poster of the most interesting events planned for the near future, as well as learn more about Daugavpils itself and the places that you should definitely visit.
Fortress
Tourists from different countries they begin their acquaintance with the city from the main attraction - the Daugavpils Fortress. Despite the fact that it was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century, this fortress remains the largest in Europe to this day.
Many wars fell to the lot of this architectural structure. Time seems to have no power over this place - the fortress has practically not changed after two centuries. Therefore, walking along it is like traveling in time - when you find yourself near the gate, you seem to be transported into the past.
How to get there
So far, the city does not have an airport, but tourists do not have serious problems with how to get to the Baltic city. You can get from Riga to Daugavpils by train, the journey will take only four hours... Buses run not only from the Baltic capital, but also from other cities and even countries. You can get here from Rezekne, Aglona, \u200b\u200bGomel, Vilnius and St. Petersburg.
Architecture
Here you will see buildings erected at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Brick buildings with unusual decoration of facades are made in the style of Latgalian Baroque.
Be sure to check out the House of Unity. This building was multifunctional. A theater, swimming pool, printing house, hotel and shop successfully coexisted under one roof. The house was built in 1936 with donations local residents money.
In the Baltic city you can see churches and cathedrals of different confessions. Not far from each other are the Lutheran Church of Martin Luther, the Cathedral of Princes Boris and Gleb, the Old Believer Church of St. Nicholas and the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, inside which is an ancient organ that amazes tourists with its beauty and grandeur.
Museums
You can get acquainted with the history and architecture of the city not only by reading books and walking around the Baltic city. Tourists will be interested to look into the museums of Daugavpils.
More than 88 thousand unique exhibits can be seen in the Local History and Art Museum, which has been operating since 1938.
There are two regular exhibitions dedicated to the history of the city and local nature.
Those who know the Latvian language will like the Naujene Museum of Local Lore - there is a rich library, as well as a large collection of household items and tools.
Dubrovin park
A favorite place for walking among city residents and tourists is Dubrovin Park. It is named in honor of the head of the city, Pavel Dubrovin, who came up with the idea to build a new vacation spot in this Baltic city. At the end of the nineteenth century, to the delight of the inhabitants, the territory of three hectares was ennobled. Over the years, this park has not lost its popularity.
Daugavas Loki
Another park, beloved by the locals, is located on the way from Daugavpils to Kraslava.
On its territory you can get acquainted with a model of an ancient fortress, from which the history of the city began.
Not far in the forest is Siguldina's Pilskalnes Park, which is famous for its stunning landscapes, informative hiking trails and unusual wooden figures.
Sluts
The village of Slutishki is located in the Daugavas Loki park. Here you can get acquainted with different household items of Old Believers. The site was chosen by the Old Believers who fled from Russia for security reasons.
On one side it was protected by hills, and on the other - by a river. Nowadays, only one Prokhovsky family lives in the village all year round. A festival of folk art is held inside the house and next to it, which annually attracts guests from different countries to Daugavas Loki.
What to see in 1 day
If you only have one day of sightseeing, don't be discouraged. This time is quite enough to see the most interesting things.
- Be sure to visit the fortress and take a look at the local art center located on its territory.
- See the temples of four confessions and visit the House of Unity.
- Take a walk in Dubrovin Park.
- A visit to the local theater will round off your day.
Daugavpils is a great city to explore Latvian culture. It will appeal to lovers of long walks - to all those who are interested in the history of the Baltic country and prefer to learn it not from books. Picturesque nature and memorable architecture will not leave tourists indifferent for many years.
Daugavpils from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Daugavpils.
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The second largest Latvian city Daugavpils has been renamed four times in its history. And although its history originally originated from the Dinaburg fortress, which belonged to the Livonian Order, later the city passed "from hand to hand" now by the Lithuanians, now the Poles, now the Ross. The fusion of stories, cultures and destinies has created a special atmosphere and charm in modern city Latgale region.
Search for airline tickets to Riga (the nearest airport to Daugavpils)
How to get there
4 trains run from Riga to Daugavpils every day (4 hours on the way) and 8 buses (every 2 hours, 3 hours 30 minutes on the way; www.autoosta.lv). You can also get there by bus from Rezekne (every 7 hours, 2 hours on the way) and Aglona (3 flights daily, 1 hour 30 minutes). Route schedule from Daugavpils can be viewed on the official website www.buspark.lv. Trains also run from Gomel, St. Petersburg and Vilnius (3 trains daily, 3 hours on the way).
The nearest airport is in Riga, but the Latvian authorities promise to soon open air traffic in Daugavpils itself.
The road from Riga by car will take about 3 hours. There is also an international highway E262 going from Lithuania (Kaunas) to Russia.
Popular hotels in Daugavpils
Entertainment and attractions of Daugavpils
The main pearl of Daugavpils is its fortress, which today is the largest in all of Europe. This architectural structure was built at the beginning of the 19th century to fortify the borders of the Russian Empire and has seen and survived many wars and military battles in its lifetime.
All buildings in historic center the cities are referred to as "Latgale Baroque" - the buildings are distinguished by their original form and red brick facades with various elements of decoration. For example, the building of the city local history museum with an openwork pattern on the arch of the front doors, which was built in the 2nd half of the 19th century using multi-colored tiles. In the center, you can also see the Jaunbūve church ensemble on Cerchovny Hill, consisting of an Orthodox cathedral, a Lutheran church and a Catholic church (all buildings of the late 19th - early 20th centuries). The central street of Daugavpils is Rigas, along which there are 80 architectural monuments. In the 80s of the last century, it became the first pedestrian street in Latvia. In the middle of the 20th century, the House of Unity was built between Rigas and Saules streets, which today houses a library, theater, shops, cafes, and a bank. All major city events take place here.
For detailed information “what to see and where to go”, as well as about all events and performances in the city, go to the Daugavpils Tourist Information Center: Rigas Street 22a.
At the end of the 19th century, the head of the city, Pavel Dubrovin, created a 3-hectare park in the center of the Daugavpils - today this park bears the name of its founder and is a favorite resting place for all citizens. In the northeastern part of the city, Stropi, in the area of \u200b\u200bLake Lielais Stropu is a popular recreational area. Daugavpils is also proud of its sports complex with the Ice Palace and the largest open-air pool in the Baltic states.
On the way from the Daugavpil to Kraslava on the picturesque banks of the Daugava river settled down national park Daugavas loki. On its territory a model of the Dinaburg fortress of the 13th century was built, which marked the beginning of the history of the city. Also not far from the Daugavpils, in the town of Pilskalne, there is a forest landscape park Pilskalnes Siguldina with educational trails and themed wooden figures.
In general, Daugavpils, like no other Latvian city, is surrounded by water and forest resources: 15 lakes, 8 rivers, countless streams and 10,000 hectares of forests and parks.
