Tourism
Views of Daugavpils - Latvia 360
Tourism is considered to be one of the most important aspects in economical development of the city. City needs to develop tourism marketing and to popularize sightseeing objects in order to use the complete potential of local tourism, to increase the level of town’s recognition at regional, Latvian and international tourism market, and to increase the number of visitors. Thereby the economic situation for local hotels, restaurants and trading industry employers would be improved.
The most popular sightseeing objects in Daugavpils still are Daugavpils fortress, the Church Hill, Daugavpils Regional and Art museum, and Latgales zoo. In recent years tourists have begun to increasingly attend “Judes in Daugavpils and Latgale” museum, which is situated in a synagogue.
Daugavpils Fortress
The only early 19th century fortress inEastern Europe that has remained virtually unchanged. An outstanding fortification that occupies more than 150 ha. A zigzag line of fortifications is formed by a rampart with 8 bastions, 6 ravelins, 6 counterguards and other protective structures: lunettes, redoubts and a moat. On the left bank of theDaugavaRiver there is a bridgehead. Each detail of the fortress was developed using the construction experience of the best architectural schools of Tsarist Russia andEurope. Inside the fortress was planned as a traditional military town: in the centre there was a parade ground, surrounded by blocks of administrative and residential buildings. All the facades of the buildings represent the Empire style, except Nickolas Gate and the water tower built in the Gothic style.
The territory of Daugavpils Fortress is open for observing and visiting at any time and it is for free, except visiting certain culture institutions and events. We kindly ask you to follow Regulations in Daugavpils Fortress that you can see while entering fortress territory.
Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center
Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre is a multifunctional complex of contemporary art, culture and education situated in the Arsenal building at Daugavpils Fortress. It is the only place in Eastern Europe where the original masterpieces of the famous painter and the founder of the abstract expressionism Mark Rothko can be seen.
Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre offers:
- Mark Rothko paintings
- digital exposition on the artist’s life and creative work
- variable exhibitions of works by Latvian, European and world-known artists in the area of more than 2000 m²;
- guided tours in Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre and Daugavpils Fortress;
- children and youth educational programs;
- workshops and master classes;
- Residence Programs for artists;
- rooms for conferences, seminars and other events;
- Chamber Hall with excellent acoustics (100 seats);
- accommodation in the residence (14 beds).
Working hours of Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center:
Monday closed
Tuesday 11:00-17:00
Wednesday 11:00-19:00
Thursday 11:00-19:00
Friday 11:00-19:00
Saturday 11:00-19:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
To arrange guided tours or other services, please contact us:
Phone: + 371 65430279, + 371 65430273; cell: 371 20364226; e-mail: zanna.muravska@daugavpils.lv
Mihaila Street 3, Daugavpils Fortress, rotkocentrs@daugavpils.lv , www.rothkocenter.com Culture and Information Centre of Daugavpils Fortress
Services:
- Ordering the excursion for Daugavpils (Dinaburg) Fortress observing
- Possibility to observe Water Lifting Building
- Information about the projects in the territory of the Fortress
- Wi-Fi Internet access
- Telephone in case of emergency
Open hours:
Monday 10:00 – 19:00
Tuesday 10:00 – 19:000
Wednesday 010:00 – 19:00
Thursday 10:00 – 19:00
Friday 10:00 – 19:00
Saturday 10:00 – 19:00
Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
Contact information:
Address: 5 Nikolaja Street, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia
Phone: +371 654 24 043,
Mob. +371 28686331
Fax: +371 654 24 042
e-mail: cietoksnis@daugavpils.lv
Facebook: Daugavpils cietoksnis
Twitter: @Daugavpils_fort
Church Hill
Each traveler who wants to get acquainted with Daugavpils should definitely visit the Church
Hill that has gathered the churches of four different confessions. Martin Luther Cathedral designed by V. Neimanis was built in 1893. Roman Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1905, and 4 years later it acquired an organ created by A. Homan from Poland. SS Boris and Gleb Russian Orthodox Cathedral was built in 1905 as a garrison church. Church of the Community of Old Believers was built in 1908-1928.
Unity House
The dominating structure of the historical centre is the Unity House built during the years of theFirstRepublic(22aRigas Street). The Unity House was constructed at the suggestion of the country’s president Karlis Ulmanis using donations and funds provided by the state. The corner stone was laid in 1936, and on December 19, 1937, the blessing of the building and the opening ceremony took place. The Unity House was designed by the architect Verners Vitands. It was the most modern multifunctional building in Europe.
Andrejs Pumpurs Public Garden
Located opposite the Unity House. Created in the second half of the 19th century. The public garden contains a bust of the poet Andrejs Pumpurs created by I. Krumina in 1966. The most popular meeting place for the residents ofDaugavpils is the fountain “A Girl with a Lily” in the centre of the garden. The garden also contains St. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Chapel and a monument to innocent victims of the Red Terror (by Y. Volkova).
St. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Chapel
Consecrated in 2004. Located in A. Pumpurs public garden (20 Saules Street) on the former site of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1864–1961). In Soviet times, in 1961, the cathedral was closed and in 1969 – demolished. The chapel is a memorial structure that has a symbolic meaning, serving as a reminder of the demolished cathedral.
Daugavpils University Public Garden
Located at13 Vienibas Street, it is rather a small square in front of the education building of theDaugavpilsUniversity. The features of the square are a small fountain, a bust of the poet Janis Rainis (by I. Folkmanis, 1966) and a sundial. The sundial was created in 1910 (designed by A. Yaskov, a teacher of the non-classical secondary school).
Sundial
Located in theDaugavpilsUniversitypublic garden. The sundial was created in 1910 (designed by A. Yaskov, a teacher of the non-classical secondary school). The sundial is affixed to the quadrangular pedestal. The lines of the dial correspond to the geographical latitude ofDaugavpils– 56˚.
Dubrovin Park
Located between Rigas and Parades Streets. The development of the park was actively supported by Pavel Dubrovin (1839–1890), who was the city mayor from 1876 to 1890. The park was named after its creator, and not far from the fountain there is a monument to P. Dubrovin – a bronze figure, about two metres tall (by A. Taratynov, 2007). In the sultry heat of summer nothing is more pleasant than to feel the refreshing coolness of the fountain, while in the evenings one can admire a fantastic play of water and light.
Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum
One of the oldest museums in Latgale, founded in 1938. Located at 8 Rigas Street, in a magnificent eclectic building with the elements of Jugendstil, constructed in 1883. Each entrance is guarded by two sculptures of lions. The museum has the room of the world-famous painter Mark Rothko and the room of the Daugavpilspainter Leonid Baulin. The museum offers cultural, historical and nature displays. www.dnmm.lv
8 Rigas Street, Daugavpils
Phone: +371 65424155
E-mail: museum@daugavpils.lv
WEB:http://www.dnmm.lv/
Monday 10.00 - 16.00
Tuesday 10.00 - 18.00
Wednesday 10.00 - 18.00
Thursday 10.00 - 18.00
Friday 10.00 - 18.00
Saturday 10.00 - 18.00
Sunday 10.00 - 16.00
St. Peter’s in Chains Roman Catholic Church
Located at39 Rigas Street. Built in 1848–1849, rebuilt in 1924–1934. The architecture of the church has certain features of Classicism. It has some resemblance to St. Peter’s Basilica inVatican. The main dome of the white church is supported by four double pillars.
Garden of Sculptures
Located between St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church andMihoelsa Street. The garden is decorated with the works of Latvian sculptors and magnificent carpets of flowers.
Synagogue
Daugavpils synagogue Kadish built in 1850 is located at38 Cietoksna Street. It is a corner building in the central part of the city with the facades facing Lacplesa and Cietoksna Streets. The museum “The Jews of Daugavpils and Latgalia” is located on the 2nd floor of the synagogue that is open to visitors on preliminary request by phone +371 29548760
Museum "Jewish of Daugavpils and Latgale"
38 Cietoksna Street,Daugavpils
GSM: +371 29548760
E-mail: rochko@inbox.lv
Museum working hours: on preliminary applications
The Centre of Russian Culture (Russian House)
Russian House offers unique expositions: “Old Believers in Latvia”, “The Orthodox in Latvia”, “Gzhel Ceramics”, “Khokhloma Ware”. There is also an exposition “Pictures by Pyotr Khudobchenok”, that was created by Pyotr Khudobchenok, a painter and sculptor, whose works were presented to Pope Ian Pavel II, Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush.
Address: 14 Varšavas Street, tel.: +371 65437936
Phone: +371 65413237
E-mail: rusdom@inbox.lv
WEB: http://www.russkij-dom.lv/
Monday 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday 10:00 – 17:00
Friday 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Daugavpils Clay Art Centre
18 Novembra Street, Daugavpils
GSM: +371 29241488
GSM: +371 28340514
Monday closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 12.00 - 18.00
Thursday 12.00 - 18.00
Friday 12.00 - 18.00
Saturday 12.00 - 18.00
Sunday 12.00 - 16.00
Every Thursday 12.00 - 14.00 - master class by potters
Latgale Zoo
Here, in the artificially created jungles, a visitor can see spotted pythons, spectacled caimans bathing in the sun, red koi carps swimming in the ponds, playful macaques and sugar gliders jumping in the lianas and other swimming, whistling, crawling, hopping and flying tropical creatures. Children can stroke a furry rabbit, play with touching guinea-pigs and feed exotic fishes in the pond. Latgale Zoo is open for visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Monday and Tuesday.
27 Vienibas Street, Daugavpils
Phone: +37165426789
E-mail: latgales.zoo@gmail.com
WEB: http://latgaleszoo.biology.lv
Monday closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 10.00 - 18.00
Thursday 10.00 - 18.00
Friday 10.00 - 18.00
Saturday 10.00 - 18.00
Sunday 10.00 - 18.00
Latvian House
22a Rigas Street, +371 29461765
You can explore the handicrafts, rustic tools, household items of Daugavpils district of 19 and early 20 centuries, look at weaving and spinning, as well as look at an apartment of Daugavpils resident of the prosperous middle class of the 20 century. Knowledgeable storytellers will meet you. The entrance from Saules Street
Latvian House is open on Wednesdays (10:00 – 18:00) and Fridays (10:00 – 17:00).
Daugavpils Lead Shot Factory
The only one available for tourists ammunition plant in the Baltic States, where is the oldest shot tower inEurope, that still works. Examination of historical devices of the lead casting, with which molten lead gets the ideal bullet shape, falling from a height of 40 meters. There is the historical exposition of hunting ammunition. After the excursion everyone can try products in the factory dash. Note: excursions are not conducted during the runtime of the factory orders.
Address: 28 Varsavas Street,Daugavpils
E-mail: info@dsr.lv
Phone: 2-77-666-55
www.dsr.lv
The exposition of historic costumes "The chest of memories"
Here everyone can look at the costumes and accessories of the early 19th century. Visitors can feel the atmosphere of the time of Napoleon.
Address: Nicholas Gates, Daugavpils Fortress
Phone: +371 22425156
Email: hello.itei@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iteidesign
Entry costs:
For adults – 1.50 Eur. For students and seniors – 1.00 Eur. For children up to 5 years old – free entrance, from 5 years old – 0.50 EUR.
The future town’s game
In the beginning of 2011 within the project framework was organized The game of the Future City “Recognition and development of tourism in Daugavpils”. The project has been organized by British Council and an innovation society “ZINIS”. Its’ aim is to promote tourism industry as well as the recognition level of the city, to improve the collaboration between representatives of branch industry, different partners and different sectors (social, private, artistic and cultural). Also, the game’s aim is to provide all the necessary information, knowledge and the ability to sum up creative ideas to those concerned persons in order to develop city’s recognition and tourism branch, thus motivating positive changes in Daugavpils and its’ region.
The ideas, offered during the game, were truly different, creative and practically implemented. To achieve the maximal effect, closer cooperation among the regions should be created, as well as educational representatives, businessmen and the EU programs funds’ co-financing should be involved. Elaborated ideas helped to comprehend the current situation and were taken in consideration when the conception of tourism development in Daugavpils was created. The descriptions of developed during the game ideas are accessible at the British council’s and Daugavpils city Council’s homepages - http://old.daugavpils.lv/lv/117.
Daugavpils Ist International Tourism Conference
Daugavpils city council has nominated tourism as one of prior development branches. On the 23-24th of February 2012 Daugavpils city council organized I international Tourism Conference to get ready for touristic season, get acquainted to the trends of tourism branch’s development. Its’ aim was to promote qualitative tourism in Daugavpils and to get new ideas for branch’s developing.
The conference was attended by representatives of Latvian Ministry of Economics, Latvian tourism development agency, Latgales planning council and Latgales regional development agency, commonwealth cities, embassy and Latvian municipalities’, and by tourism branch’s specialists – representatives of regional touristic centers, touristic companies and providers of hospitality services. Participants of the conference took part in IX International mask festival and visited some sightseeing objects, including Daugavpils fortress, the Church Hill etc.
During the conference was organized work in groups – “City Tourism”, “Quality and qualitative tourism product”, “Innovations and marketing in tourism”. In this way during the conference every concerned person had a chance to exchange the ideas, current information, achieve new cognitions and get known to Daugavpils tourism. offers.
The presentation of Tourism conference and group activities’ summaries are available at the following link:
http://old.daugavpils.lv/lv/326
Video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwymu4lwu5k
The conception of tourism’s development in Daugavpils
The conception includes common analysis of current situation in tourism. Daugavpils tourism’s development’s vision has been defined as well: Daugavpils is a demanded and internationally recognizable goal in travelling.
The conception of tourism’s development in Daugavpils provides:
- Saving the multicultural environment and cultural heritage;
- Providing qualitative living and resting conditions to the residents and guests;
- Organizing international festivals and other activities;
- Establishing of new touristic products;
- Production of new informational materials about Daugavpils and its’ new touristic products;
- Tourism branch’s development and coordination of its’ activity;
- Developing international tourism.
Unique sport sphere touristic products in Daugavpils are also offered – Speedway and Fencing competitions (the only in Baltic countries), and some other services offered by Daugavpils Multifunctional Sports Center.
Also the conception includes city’s microdistricts’development possibilities – developing the infrastructure of relaxation and recreation in Mezciems, Rugeli (along Daugava river) and Jaunstropi microdistricts. City’s maps were installed in different places in order to improve the development of tourism. These maps include references to tourism objects.
Tourism’s concept
Daugavpils Tourism Information Centre
Rīgas street, 22a
Phone: +371 65422818, +371 26444810
E-mail: turisms@daugavpils.lv
Homepage: www.visitdaugavpils.lv
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Daugavpils.Travel
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DaugavpilsTIC
Instagram: www.instagram.com/daugavpils.travel
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/daugavpils
Shmakovka Museum
The largest and most contemporary Shmakovka Museum in Latvia. The museum offers modern and attractive story about the oldest Latgalian alcoholic beverage refined in the course of many centuries – shmakovka, which is an integral part of the culinary heritage. It is possible to learn
the process of shmakovka production with the help of the latest technologies. Everyone can see genuine and impressive production equipment. Souvenirs and shmakovka tastings are available for visitors.
Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 11.00 - 19.00
Thursday: 11.00 - 19.00
Friday: 11.00 - 19.00
Saturday: 11.00 - 19.00
Sunday: 11.00 - 17.00
Entry costs:
Individuālajam apmeklētājam - 3,50 EUR
For an individual guest – 3,50 EUR
For a pupil (18-year old), student, senior, person with special needs - 2,50 EUR.
The price for a group (10 - 25 people) with quide service:
for 1 person (adult) - 3,15 EUR
for 1 person (a pupil (18-year old), student, senior, person with special needs) - 2,25 EUR
Address:
22a Rigas Street, Daugavpils
+371 65422818
+371 26444810
Esplanade Rest Park 
Esplanade Rest Park is the first bike park in the Baltics covering an area of 4 hectares in the urban environment. This park includes a variety of areas - a skatepark, an asphalted cycling track, an adventure trail and a children's area. The park is multifunctional and is adapted for 8 different vehicles - mtb, bmx, street, balance bike, skateboard, longboard, roller skates and scooter.
