Daugavpils

About

Starting as a castle built by the Livonian Order in the 13th century, the town of Daugavpils wasn’t officially recognized until the 16th century. Surrounded by woods, rivers, and lakes, it’s hard to believe this is Latvia’s second-largest city. Daugavpils was the birthplace of Mark Rothko, and its Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre is the only place in Eastern Europe with his work on display, which is supplemented by interactive installations. This modern art complex is housed in the historic Daugavpils Fortress, the only unaltered 19th-century fort in Northern Europe, making for a captivating double-feature. On the aptly named 'Church Hill,' visitors will find four churches, each representing a different denomination, making for an amazing architectural ensemble, dominated by Latvia’s largest Orthodox cathedral.