Cēsis Facts for Kids

"Cesis" redirects here. For other uses, see Cesis (disambiguation).

"Kieś" redirects here. For other uses, see Kies.

Quick facts for kids

Cēsis

Town

Cēsis skyline

Flag	Coat of arms

Cēsis

Location in Latvia

Country

Latvia

Municipality

Cēsis Municipality

Town rights

1206

Area

• Total

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• Land

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• Water

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Elevation

119 m (390 ft)

Population

• Total

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Time zone

UTC+2 (EET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+3 (EEST)

Postal code

LV-410(1-3)

Calling code

+371 641

Number of city council members

Cēsis is a charming town in Latvia, a country in Northern Europe. It is located in the northern part of the Vidzeme Upland, a hilly region. Cēsis sits in the beautiful valley of the Gauja River, built on ridges that look over the forests below. This historic town was even considered to be the European Capital of Culture in 2014.

Cēsis: A Historic Town in Latvia
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See also

Cēsis: A Historic Town in Latvia

Cēsis is known for its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. It is a great place to explore ancient castles and enjoy the outdoors. The town has a unique charm that comes from its old buildings and peaceful atmosphere.

The Ancient Castle

Ruins of the Cēsis Castle

The oldest part of Cēsis is a hillfort on Riekstu hill. This was a strong wooden castle built by an old tribe called the Vends. You can still see parts of this 18-meter-high mound and its old defenses in the Castle Park. This early settlement was important because it was near big trade routes, controlling the area around it.

German crusaders, known as the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, started building a stone castle called Wenden in 1209. This new castle was made bigger and stronger over time. It became the home for the leader of the Order.

In 1577, during a war called the Livonian War, the castle's defenders destroyed it. They did this to stop it from falling into the hands of Ivan the Terrible. Later, in 1598, the area became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1620, Sweden took over Wenden.

The castle was rebuilt but was destroyed again in 1703 during the Great Northern War by the Russian army. After that, it was left in ruins.

A Look at the Castle Park

From the late 1500s, parts of the old castle were used for the Cēsis castle estate. In 1777, Count Sievers built his new home on the site of the castle's eastern side. He connected his house to one of the old castle towers.

Since 1949, the Cēsis History Museum has been located in this new castle. The museum's Exhibition Hall is in what used to be a granary and a stable. Next to the granary is Cēsu Alus, Latvia's oldest brewery. It was built in 1878, but its history goes back to the time of the Livonian Order.

The Cēsis castle park was created in 1812. It has a romantic style with walking paths, interesting exotic plants, and a pond. The pond's water reflects the old castle ruins, making it a very picturesque spot.

Exploring Cēsis Town

View of Cēsis in 1793

The town of Cēsis was planned in the second half of the 13th century. The main marketplace and a church were in the center. The stone castle of the Livonian Order, with its three strong towers, was also a key part of the town.

The town was surrounded by a strong stone wall with eight towers and five gates. Some old buildings from the Middle Ages still stand. These include St. John's Church, built between 1281 and 1284. You can also see parts of the old castle and fortification walls.

Even today, you can find old road networks and building plots from medieval times. Many old buildings were destroyed, with the last one in 1748. However, you can see 18th-century buildings at 16 and 25 Rīgas iela. Houses from the early 19th century are at 15 and 47 Rīgas iela, and 6 Gaujas iela.

How the Town Grew

In 1621, the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus took over Cēsis during the Polish–Swedish War.

In the late 1800s, Cēsis grew much faster. This was because a highway to Rīga and Pskov was built in 1868. A railway line from Rīga to Valka was also built in 1889. Raunas iela, a wide street leading from the railway station to the Old Town, was developed. Important buildings like the Latvian Society House and the Regional Court were built here.

A very important event for Latvia was the Battle of Cēsis (1919) in June 1919. In this battle, Estonian and Latvian forces defeated the Germans. This was a key moment in the Latvian War of Independence.

Cēsis also became a popular health resort. Many nice summer houses and health centers were built near the Gauja River. One famous spot is 'Cīrulīši' near the Svētavots (Holy Spring) Cave. People believe this spring has healing powers.