Cēsis Essentials

Cēsis is defined by its 13th-century medieval castle ruins and the adjacent 18th-century New Castle, which houses the local history museum. The town's historic center features the Church of Saint John, one of Latvia’s oldest medieval cult buildings. Beyond the urban core, the landscape transitions into the Gauja National Park, characterized by the Red Cliffs, Mirror Cliffs, and the Svētavots natural spring. Cultural landmarks like the modern Vidzeme Concert Hall and the Burning Conscience exhibition provide insight into the region's contemporary life and 20th-century history.