Cesis

About

In the early 13th century, German crusaders known as the Livonian Brothers of the Sword blazed a trail into pagan Latvia and built a hilltop fort as their stronghold. Shortly after, a marketplace and church were built, creating the foundations of Cesis. Today, the cobbled streets and historic buildings make the town one of the cutest in the country, which is presided over by the 12th century St. John’s Church - one of Latvia’s oldest and largest medieval monuments. At the heart of the village visitors will still find the ruins of the medieval castle, which is now the centerpiece of the town’s beautiful park. In the 18th century ‘New Castle’, visitors can admire elegant rooms while learning about the town’s history.