After two previous attempts, we finally made it to Cesis, the charming quaint town about 90 km northeast of Riga, renowned for its majestic medieval castle. A train ride of one hour and fifty minutes from Riga whisked us away to this tranquil destination.
Accommodation in Cesis – AirBnB in Priekuli Village
We initially planned for a two-night stay, but Cesis’ charm quickly persuaded us to extend our visit by another night. Our cosy Airbnb in Priekuli Village, just a short 11-minute bus ride from Cesis, became our home away from home.
The self-check-in was a breeze, with a key box outside the door, and the apartment was well-equipped with everything we needed—cooking utensils, a television, fridge, oven, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, bathtub, and even a washing machine. It’s also pet-friendly!
While the accommodations were great, there is still room for improvement, such as providing a microwave and upgrading the quality of the towels.
A mere 11-minute walk from the apartment, the Aibe supermarket offered convenient shopping for supplies. We discovered that the bus from Cesis heading towards Rozas that stopped in Priekuli town conveniently stopped right outside the supermarket, allowing us to stock up on goodies before walking towards the apartment.
Our visit coincided with the Līgo festival, Latvia’s most important celebration. Līgo, also known as Jāņi, is a Latvian tradition that celebrates the summer solstice, the shortest night and the longest day of the year. This celebration originally served as a festival for pagan farmers, existing long before the arrival of Christianity.
Despite our initial excitement, the persistent rain dampened the spirits of the celebration, prompting us to stay in the cosy confines of our apartment.
Rožu Square
Cesis town itself was a delight. We spent leisurely afternoons savouring cold beer in Rožu Square, where children playing with the fountain nearby and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church stood on the opposite.
The stalls surrounding the square offered a delightful selection of local crafts and produce, and a unique stall offered a Flower crown (wreath) was set up in conjunction with the Ligo festival.
Monument of Victory
The Monument of Victory was erected in its place to honour Latvian and Estonian soldiers who fought for Latvia’s freedom. However, the square’s centrepiece was demolished in 1952 and replaced with a statue of V.I. Lenin. The Lenin statue stood until 1990 before it was removed and replaced in 1998 with the present-day monument.
Cafe FLM
A short stroll from the town square led us to a quaint handicraft shop, where a welcoming server invited us inside.
The shop’s interior boasted a unique charm, showcasing handmade jewellery crafted by the server’s mother, a selection of clothing, and Korean-made goods. The server, who had lived in South Korea for over a decade, explained the origin of these items. Our tables were another highlight, repurposed from vintage sewing machines, adding a touch of artistry to the space.
Having just arrived from Riga, we were hungry, and the server informed us that this was their inaugural day offering burgers. We were lucky, and so were they, because the burger was delicious! We ended up ordering two more to take home. The only thing missing were fries. The total for four burgers, a beer, and two Cidonijas ciders came out to 54 euros.
Jewish Genocide Memorial
Remembrance of the Victims of the Jewish Holocaust
Monument tribute to the memory of the Jewish community of Cesis. A solemn reminder of the tragic events that occurred in this town.
On the ominous night of August 10th, 1941, the lives of approximately 200 Jewish inhabitants of Cesis and its vicinity were brutally extinguished, and their remains were left in the desolated woods near Lake Ninieris.
Cesis Castle
Built around 1214, Cesis Castle once housed the Knights of the Livonian Order. Despite its historical significance, we couldn’t tour the inside due to our tight schedule.
The 10 € entrance fee didn’t seem worthwhile with our upcoming bus departure to Riga in under an hour. However, if you have the extra time, please explore the interior.
Our trip to Cesis was a soothing escape, filled with the tranquil beauty of the Latvian countryside. While we regret missing the vibrant atmosphere of Ligo and touring the medieval castle, we embraced the opportunity to unwind and soak in the quiet charm of this captivating town.
Travel Date: 22nd June – 25th June 2024
