Things to do in Latgale

Latvia’s most important Catholic pilgrimage centre: an Italian Baroque basilica built in 1768–1780 and consecrated in 1800. In August thousands of pilgrims come for the feast of the Assumption; the grounds are large and include a spring.

A bread museum in Aglona where the hostess greets you in Latgalian folk dress with songs and a welcome in the Latgalian dialect. You hear about the history of bread and how rye bread is made, try milling grain, taste freshly baked bread and Latgalian dishes, and bake your own rye loaf to take home. Programmes €10–20; arrange your visit by phone.

An unrestored manor on the Dubna river in a historic park that keeps its original look; guests stay in the “gentlemen’s rooms”. On the riverbank is an old-style smoke sauna.

The main Orthodox church of Daugavpils, with room for 5,000 people. It stands on Church Hill in the Jaunbūve district next to Catholic, Lutheran and Old Believer places of worship — four faiths side by side is a Daugavpils hallmark.

An early-19th-century fortress whose construction began in 1810 by order of Tsar Alexander I ahead of Napoleon’s invasion. It is the only fortification of its kind and age in Northern Europe to survive without significant changes; the Mark Rothko Art Centre is within its walls.

Sports complex with two pools and a spa area, a gym, a CrossFit hall, a multi-purpose sports hall and a football pitch. Café and free parking on site.

An adventure park by Lake Lielais Stropu: rope courses with 102 obstacles up to 12 m high, a separate net park and a 100 m zipline. Little ones (3–6) have a kids’ park; the red and black courses require age 10+ and a height of 140 cm. Gift cards available.

A theatre in Unity House, built in 1937 in central Daugavpils. Performances in Latvian and Russian.

Official bathing site on Lake Kovšu. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

The Latgale liberation monument “United for Latvia” in central Rēzekne, unveiled in 1939; it was made by sculptor Kārlis Jansons to a design by Leons Tomašickis. The Soviet authorities pulled it down and it was restored in 1992; it is a symbol of Rēzekne and of all Latgale.

A concert hall and culture centre in Rēzekne, opened in 2013: concerts, shows and festivals in the capital of Latgale.

A small municipal zoo in central Daugavpils, laid out as an artificial jungle: pythons, caimans, koi carp in the pond, macaques and sugar gliders among the lianas, plus rabbits and guinea pigs that children can stroke. Wed–Sun 10–18, closed Mondays and Tuesdays; cash only.

Official bathing site on Lake Lielais Stropu in Daugavpils. Awarded a Blue Flag for 2026. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

The only surviving manor complex in the Daugavas loki nature park. For families there are swings, a playground, a climbing wall and outdoor fitness equipment, with morning coffee and Latgalian dishes. The manor also rents touring kayaks (for 2–3 people) for trips down the Daugava, such as Krāslava–Lielborne (15 km) or Lielborne–Elerne (25 km); transport for the boat and paddlers to and from the manor is included in the price.

A glassblowing workshop at the Latgale Art and Craft Centre, where glassblower Aleksandrs Logvins makes objects and sculptures from molten glass and visitors can blow into the pipe themselves (€4 per person, by appointment). Glassblowing in Līvāni is on Latvia’s intangible cultural heritage list, and the centre also houses the Līvāni Glass Museum.

The ruins of a Gothic Livonian Order castle in the centre of Ludza, built on the site of an older Latgalian wooden castle as an eastern outpost guarding trade routes. Impressive fragments of wall survive, one of them three storeys high, and the hill looks out over Ludza’s lakes.

An Art Nouveau manor built in the early 20th century near Rāzna National Park, originally conceived as a place for art and music; it later served as a school, military headquarters, parish office and library. Today it hosts exhibitions and tours, and rooms can be rented.

An art centre in the artillery arsenal of Daugavpils Fortress, devoted to the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, who was born in Daugavpils. It is the only place in Europe where original Rothko paintings, on loan from his family, are permanently on show; there are changing contemporary art exhibitions too.

A modern pub on Rīgas iela in central Daugavpils with an industrial loft interior: classic European beers and bold Baltic flavours, plus tastings, masterclasses, theme nights and gigs. Closed on Mondays.

Official bathing site on Lake Rāzna. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

A ski base in the Augšzeme highland about 20 minutes from Daugavpils: a family run and a blue slalom run with a lift, a tubing run and floodlights in the evening; equipment rental available.

A Latgale culinary heritage centre in Unity House, devoted to šmakovka, Latgale’s home-distilled spirit. An interactive exhibition across three halls with authentic equipment and more than 200 exhibits (the oldest from 1890), tastings (€1.50 for one, €3 for three) and a one-hour guided tour for €16 per group. Adults €6; April–October daily 11–19, closed Mondays in winter.

Official bathing site on Lake Lielais Stropu in Daugavpils. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

A café inside the Embassy of Latgale GORS concert hall, with views over Rēzekne and a summer terrace. Everyday and festive dishes — a handy place to eat before a concert or show.