Visit Daugavpils
You are now at the eastern edge of Latvia. Daugavpils is a city of brick and spirit that stands apart from the coast. The Daugavpils Fortress is a massive 19th century site that feels like a city within a city. It is home to the Mark Rothko Art Center which brings world class art to this quiet corner of the world. The city sits on the banks of the wide Daugava river and is surrounded by many lakes. You can walk the high ramparts of the fort for a great view of the water.
The Church Hill is a unique spot where four different Christian cathedrals stand together on one hill. You can see the different towers and bells in one single view from the street. The city is full of red brick buildings that give it a warm and sturdy look. It is a place that feels calm and solid even as the world moves fast. You can find a lot of space and peace here among the old parks. Many old workshops have been turned into art spaces for local creators to work.
Daugavpils is a great addition to any regional trip through the Latgale Lake District. It gives you a look at a different side of the country far from the busy capital of Riga. You can follow the blue lakes and find quiet spots to camp or rest by the water. The roads are peaceful and the nature around the city is raw and beautiful. It is a place for travelers who love to find hidden paths and quiet towns.
Top sights to visit
- Daugavpils Fortress Park your car inside this massive 19th-century fortification which is the size of a small town. You can explore the old ramparts and stone gates that remain almost perfectly intact today. It is one of the last fortresses of its kind in the world.
- Mark Rothko Art Center Visit this world-class museum located inside the old artillery building of the fortress. It holds original paintings by the famous artist who was born right here in the city. The contrast of modern art inside a stone fort is stunning.
- Church Hill See four different Christian cathedrals standing side by side on a single hilltop overlooking the city. You can see the towers of the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Old Believer churches in one view. It is a rare symbol of local peace.
- Daugavpils Lead Shot Factory Take a tour of the oldest ammunition factory in Europe that still uses its 28-meter high lead casting tower. You can see how lead drops were turned into perfect spheres using gravity. It is a unique industrial gem for every road trip.
- Dubrovin Park Walk through this leafy park in the city center that features a large fountain and a memorial. It is the best place to find shade and quiet after a long day of driving. The paths are wide and lead to the main shopping streets.
- The Latgale Zoo Explore this small and friendly zoo that focuses on reptiles and exotic insects in a forest setting. You can see caimans and turtles in a space that feels like a tiny jungle. It is a fun and fast stop for families and nature fans.
- The Clay Art Center Watch local masters work with red clay to create traditional Baltic pottery and ceramic art. You can try the potter’s wheel yourself or buy a handmade piece to take home. It is located in a beautiful historic brick building.
- Daugava River Banks Drive along the promenade that follows the wide river through the heart of the city. There are many spots to pull over and watch the sunset over the water and the fortress walls. It is a peaceful and scenic way to end your day.
- Stropi Lake and Beach Drive to the edge of the city to find this large blue lake with a clean sandy beach and wooden piers. It is a popular spot for a swim or a forest walk in the summer heat. The pine forest around the water smells fresh and clean.
- The Shmakovka Museum Learn the history of the traditional local drink of the Latgale region in this modern museum. You can see the old copper stills and learn about the secret recipes used for generations. It is a fun look at the local farm culture.
- Russian House (Centrs) Visit this bright wooden building to see the colorful folk art and costumes of the local community. It is a hidden gem that feels like a living museum of local traditions and crafts. The garden is full of carved wooden statues.
- Unity House This massive white building is the heart of the city’s culture housing a theatre and a library. It was the most modern building in the Baltics when it was built in the 1930s. It stands as a grand landmark in the main square.
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History of Daugavpils
Daugavpils began as a strategic fort on the banks of the wide Daugava River. Because it sat on the border of many empires, it was fought over by the Swedes, Poles, and Russians for centuries. In the 1800s, the massive Daugavpils Fortress was built to protect the western edges of the Russian Empire. This giant brick city-within-a-city is so large that it remains one of the best-preserved fortifications of its kind in the entire world.
The city was a major hub for the railway and industry, bringing in people from all over the region. This created a unique skyline where four different cathedrals—Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Old Believer—all stand on Church Hill. It is also the birthplace of the famous artist Mark Rothko, whose creative spirit is still celebrated in the fortress today. The city has survived many wars and changes, always remaining a strong and steady center for the east.
For travelers, Daugavpils offers a rugged and authentic look at Baltic history. The red-brick architecture and the massive stone walls of the fort create a powerful atmosphere. It is a city of lakes and forests that feels solid and full of stories. It is the perfect place to explore the eastern edges of the country and find a side of Latvia that most tourists never see.