The Most Interesting Places in Latvia and in Riga

For the majority of foreign people the image of Latvia is strongly associated with its capital - Riga - and the historical part of the city - Old Rga. Yet these are not the only places worth seeing in Latvia. There are many places of interest all over the whole country, which are important cultural and tourism objects.
The Rundale Palace - the most outstanding palace of Latvia, designed by the creator of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg F. B. Rastrelli as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland Ernest Johann Biron. The palace is an 18th century Rococo building, where nowadays visitors can observe the parade rooms, the duke's private apartments and the duchess's boudoir. The Rundale Palace is the brightest pearl of Latvian architecture. In 1966 there was also established a museum where various exhibitions take place.
Location: Pilsrundale, the District of Bauska
The Medieval Castle of Cesis - this is a 16th century castle, where in servant clothes dressed guides will tell you the history of the medieval castle of Cesis. Listening to the exciting legends and holding an old candle lantern, you will have a possibility to reach the medieval western tower of the castle. In the garden of the castle a medieval merchant will tell you about the ancient trade roads and trade rules. He will also offer you to buy goods that were sold in the 16th century Cesis. Currency - Cesis shilling.
Location: the city of Cesis
Gulbene Steam Train "Banitis" - runs in the historic Aluksne - Gulbene railway line (~33 km long), the last still operating narrow gauge railway in Latvia. Because of its more than 100 years long history, the railway was recognized in 1998 as a cultural monument of national importance. Three trains provide regular daily passenger traffic between the two cities - Aluksne and Gulbene - according to the timetable. For the passenger service there are used diesel locomotives and diesel carriages built in the2 21960s - 1980s. The railway has become especially popular among tourists since it runs through a picturesque scenery and landscapes, also providing an access to the sites of nautar and historic importance.…