The most impressive ruins in Latvia500 years ago the castle was the mightiest medieval fortress in Livonia, but today – the most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia.
Cēsis - the symbol of Latvian historyIn the thoroughly renovated historical interiors of Cēsis Castle manor house a modern and exciting exhibition is set up, which tells the story of Cēsis special role in Latvian history.
The castle complex with its historically romantic environment is a special fascination for both Cēsis people and visitors to the town. More than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meets here, each with its own time, aura and message for today and the future.
The castle complex is located in the very centre of the city, where in a small area a number of uniquely different historical areas intertwine. One of the most mysterious monuments of pre-crusader times is Riekstu Hill, a ancient hillfort once inhabited by Vendi tribe – the cradle of present day Cēsis. Right next to Riekstu Hill the castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Teutonic order is located. In the middle Ages it was one of the most important footholds for the Teutonic Order in the Baltics, but nowadays – most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia. In its turn, the castle manor complex dominated by the manor house together with May and Castle Park manifests the Romanticism movement of the 18th and 19th century.
Since 2004 the castle complex had been managed by the municipality’sagency “Cēsis Culture and Tourism Centre”, whose mission is to preserve and develop Cēsis castle complex and integrate it in to an active tourism business. The Agency is also responsible for Cēsis History and Art Museum, the Tourism Development and Information Centre and Cesis Cultural Centre.
