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Cēsis Castle
Cēsu pils
Latvia · Vidzeme · Near Riga
Built 1214 · Livonian Gothic
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Extended to 20:00 Friday and Saturday in summer. Closed Mondays year-round.
- Tickets from
- €8
- Duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- May to September
- Nearest city
- Riga
Highlights
- ✦One of the largest and best-preserved Livonian Order castles
- ✦Atmospheric ruined towers and walls to explore
- ✦Candlelit medieval experience tours available
- ✦Adjacent 18th-century New Castle houses the Cēsis History Museum
- ✦Charming castle park and lake setting
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Cēsis Castle is one of the most significant and atmospheric medieval castle ruins in the Baltic states, its broken towers and red-brick curtain walls rising above the charming town that grew in its shadow. Founded by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1214 and later the seat of the Masters of the Livonian Order, Cēsis was among the most powerful fortifications in medieval Livonia. The castle was partially destroyed in the Great Northern War (1700–1721) and has remained a romantic ruin ever since. A unique feature of the visit is the candlelit interior experience: visitors receive a lantern and explore the darkened medieval halls by their own light — one of the most memorable castle experiences in the Baltic region. The adjacent 18th-century New Castle houses the Cēsis History Museum.
History
The castle was founded by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (later the Livonian Order) in 1214 as the stronghold of their Latvian territories. It became the seat of the Order's Masters from the 15th century and was repeatedly expanded. During the Livonian Wars (1558–1583) the garrison famously chose to blow up their own powder magazine rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible's forces. The castle was badly damaged in the Great Northern War and never fully rebuilt. The ruins became a romantic destination in the 19th century and restoration began in the 20th century.
How to Visit
Cēsis is 90 km north-east of Riga on the A2 highway. Trains and buses run regularly from Riga (1–1.5 hours). The castle is in the town centre, a short walk from the bus and train stations. Cēsis itself is one of Latvia's most attractive towns, with a well-preserved old town centre worth exploring alongside the castle. Combine with nearby Sigulda (30 km south) for a full Gauja Valley day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors are given a hand lantern to carry as they explore the unlit medieval tower interiors, creating an atmospheric and slightly eerie experience unlike any standard castle visit.
Location
Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, LV-4101, Latvia
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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Entry from
€8/ adult