Kuldiga

About

First mentioned in 1242, Kuldīga did well for itself as a member of the Hanseatic League, but its golden age came in the 17th century when it was one of the capitals of the Duchy of Courland. Amazingly, the town escaped much of the destruction wrought by the Baltics tumultuous history, leaving it with the only preserved 17th to 18th century ensemble left in the Baltic states. Today, visitors are free to explore the charming cobbled streets and admire the historic homes, all topped with red tiles. The Kuldiga District Museum, housed in a charming building said to have been the Russian Pavilion at the 1900 World’s Fair, showcases rotating exhibits on the ground and second floors, while the first floor is fully furnished as a wealthy turn of the century home, attended by costumed staff. The nearby Venta Rapid is the widest in Europe and a popular bathing spot among locals.