The second largest Latvian city of Daugavpils for its history was renamed four times. And although his story originally originated from the fortress of Dinaburg, which belonged to the Livonian Order, later the city passed from hand to hand to Lithuanians, Poles, then Russians. The fusion of stories, cultures and fates gave rise to a special atmosphere and charm in the modern city of Latgale region.

How to get

Every day from Riga to Daugavpils there are 4 trains (4 hours in transit) and 8 buses (every 2 hours, 3 hours and 30 minutes en route, www.autoosta.lv). The bus can also be reached from Rezekne (every 7 hours, 2 hours enroute) and Aglona (3 flights daily, 1 hour 30 minutes). The schedule of routes 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 open an air service soon in Daugavpils.

The road by car from Riga will take about 3 hours. Also there is an international route E262, going from Lithuania (Kaunas) to Russia.

Climate

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Daugavpils

The main pearl of Daugavpils is its fortress, which is by far the largest in Europe. This architectural structure was built in the early 19th century to strengthen the borders of the Russian Empire and in its time has seen and experienced many wars and battle battles.

All the buildings in the historical center of the city are referred to as "Latgalian Baroque" - the buildings are distinguished by a peculiar form and facades of red brick with various elements of ornaments..For example, the building of the local history museum with an openwork pattern on the arch of the front doors, which was built in the second half of the 19th century using multi-colored tiles .In the center you can also see the church ensemble Jaunbūve on the Church Hill, consisting of an Orthodox cathedral, a Lutheran church and a Catholic church (all built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries). The central street of Daugavpils is Riga, along which there are 80 monuments of architecture. In the 80s of the last century it became the first pedestrian street in Latvia. Between Riga and Saules street in the middle of the 20th century the House of Unity was built, in which today there are a library, a theater, shops, a cafe and a bank. All major city events take place here.

At the end of the 19th century, the head of the city Pavel Dubrovin created a park of 3 hectares in the center of Daugavpils - today this park bears the name of its founder and is a favorite resting place for all citizens. In the north-eastern part of the city, Stropi, in the area of ​​Lake Lielais Stropu is a popular recreational area. Daugavpils also prides itself on its sports complex with the Ice Palace and the largest open-air swimming pool in the Baltic States.

On the way from Daugavpils to Kraslava, Daugavas loki national park is located on the picturesque banks of the Daugava River. On its territory was built a model of the 13th century Dinaburg fortress, which laid the foundation for the history of the city. Also near the Daugavpils, in the town of Pilskalne, there is the forest landscape park Pilkalnes Siguldina with educational trails and thematic wooden figures.

In general, Daugavpils, like no other Latvian city, is surrounded by water and forest resources: 15 lakes, 8 rivers, countless creeks and 10,000 hectares of forests and parks.

Photo of Daugavpils (9)