Daugavpils is the second largest Latvian city. The history of the settlement, located on the Daugava River, goes back to the 80s of the 13th century, when representatives of the Livonian knightly order founded a castle on the river bank. The first name of the castle is Dinaburg. Subsequently, it changed more than once, until finally the city began to be called Daugavpils.
In addition to changing the name of the castle, there was also a change of owners: Lithuanians, then Poles, and then Russians. Different nations, different cultures - all this has given modern Daugavpils a unique charm and atmosphere. The unique location of the city surrounded by green spaces, a variety of entertainment, attractions and reasonable prices attract travelers from different countries to Daugavpils, Latvia.
The bulk of Russian tourists get to Daugavpils from Riga. Relocation options:
Bus
Buses depart daily from the capital of Latvia to Daugavpils. About five flights depart in the morning: from 7:30 to 14:30. In the evening you can leave at 18:05 and 20:20.
In addition to routes directly to Daugavpils, you can use a bus going, for example, to Vitebsk, Gomel or Kyiv. They also have a stop in Daugavpils.
The starting point of the buses is Riga International Station. Travel time is about 4 hours. The cost of a bus ticket to Daugavpils is 9 euros. They can be purchased at the bus station ticket office or online (for selected flights) on the website www.autoosta.lv. Here you can check the current schedule; a Russian version is available.
Train
Rail service on the route Riga - Daugavpils cannot be called convenient or economical. There are several reasons for this:
1. Schedule. The train from Riga to Daugavpils leaves the capital once every two days at 20:20. The train departs from the Riga-Passageriu station.
2. Ticket price – 17 euros. Tickets can be purchased at the station ticket office or on the country's railway website www.ldz.lv.
The journey by train takes 2 hours 45 minutes, which is an hour less than by bus. And this is perhaps the only advantage of this type of move.
Automobile
When going to Daugavpils, you can follow the highways: P 73 or E 22+A 6 or E 22+P 63. The most optimal option in terms of time is the P 73 highway, in this case the distance will be 225 km and can be covered in an average of 3 hours.
Other options for driving by car will take longer, although the trip in this case will be accompanied by picturesque surrounding landscapes and a huge temptation to stop the car and take memorable photographs.
Best time to relax
Holidays in Daugavpils are not associated with the beach season, so you can visit the city at any time of the year. The main thing is to choose the right clothes to prevent freezing or, conversely, overheating.
In the winter months, the average daily temperature is 5 degrees, in summer the air warms up to 20-22 degrees, rarely up to 26. The rainiest months are July and September, the number of rainy days can reach up to 13 per month.
Where to stay?
Daugavpils is a major tourist center. There are hotels of different star levels in the city, there are mini-hotels, apart-hotels, large complexes, including hotels of global chains. Accommodation prices vary, the minimum cost is about 2000 rubles per room.
It is possible to book private apartments. The most convenient way to do this is to use the service www.airbnb.com.
Where to eat?
Numerous restaurants and cafes in the city offer visitors dishes from various cuisines of the world: European, Eastern and others. There are French pastry shops, Italian pizzerias, and fast food establishments. And, of course, there are restaurants that serve exclusively local Latvian cuisine.
City residents say that when in Daugavpils you should definitely try fish in a local cafe. It is better to choose trout or mackerel. Lunch or dinner in an inexpensive restaurant will cost an average of 9 euros per person. Add a cup of coffee or a glass of beer to lunch – 1 euro.
What to see?
The main historical attraction of Daugavpils is the ancient fortress, which, by the way, is the largest in Europe. Built in the 19th century, the fortress was used as a military base and was attacked more than once.
Interesting. Construction of the fortress lasted almost seven decades. In fact, by the time construction was completed, in 1878, it was already considered obsolete. Bastion-type fortresses were no longer erected in Europe.
Today, restoration work is being carried out on the territory of the fortress and in some buildings. The gates, bridge area, arsenal, cannon and a number of other premises have already been restored. Entrance to the territory is free. Within the walls of the fortress there are volunteers - enthusiasts who enthusiastically tell visitors the history of the fortress.
Art Center named after. Mark Rothko
On the territory of the fortress, in the arsenal building, there is a Marco Rothko art gallery. The museum is small. There is a permanent exhibition of works by Rothko himself; in parallel, temporary exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other areas are organized. There are interesting interactive art objects.
Studying the permanent exhibitions is accompanied by quiet music; a nice bonus is the well-groomed museum grounds. By the way, in addition to the art center, there is a cafe and a hotel in the building. Entrance to the art center is paid; a ticket for a family of 4 people will cost 14 euros.
City museums
The M. Rothko Art Center is not the only one in Daugavpils. While walking along the streets of the city, you can visit the following museums:
1. Local history and art museum. The name speaks for itself: the halls of the museum contain exhibits telling about the history of the city. If finances allow, pay for the services of a guide; with him, visiting the museum will be truly educational and will allow you to form a holistic picture of the emergence and development of Daugavpils. By the way, not only the museum exhibits are interesting. The building itself, built at the end of the 19th century, has a unique openwork pattern on the front doors, and the facade is decorated with multi-colored tiles.
2. Shmakovka Museum. Shmakovka is a local strong drink, which the guide or interactive screens at the exhibits will enthusiastically tell visitors about. In addition to learning about the history of the drink and the manufacturing process, museum guests can taste the shmakovka itself (for a fee).
3. Museum of military equipment and Sventie manor. It’s interesting that all the equipment is on the move. You can climb into the exhibits, put on helmets and take memorable photos. The estate located next to the museum is interesting for its interior decoration and interiors. Both properties are located in a small village surrounded by nature.
Cityscapes
The central street of Daugavpils is Rigas. There are about 80 architectural monuments along it. Thus, at the junction of two streets Rigas and Saules, the House of Unity was erected, where most city events are organized today, a theater, a library, shopping boutiques and cafeterias operate there.
The so-called Church Hill, rising in the heart of the city, is interesting. It houses an Orthodox cathedral, a Catholic church and a Lutheran church. All buildings date from the late 19th – early 20th centuries.
Parks and recreation areas
Daugavpils is the only Latvian city bordered by a large number of reservoirs and forests. There are also park areas in the city that deserve attention.
1. Dubrovina Park. At the end of the 19th century, city mayor Pavel Dubrovin allocated 3 hectares of land for a park area. Today it is the most popular leisure place for city residents.
2. Recreational area by the lake Lielais Stropu.
3. National park Daugavas loki. It is located on the route from Daugavpils to Kraslava, directly on the banks of the Daugava River. A model of the Dinaburg fortress is installed here.
4. Landscape forest park Pilskalnes Siguldina. It is located near Daugavpils in the town of Pilskalne. The park lands are equipped with walking trails and thematic figures and wooden signs have been installed.
Visiting local natural areas and parks is a great opportunity to escape from the bustle of the city.
How to have fun?
Do you have some free time and don’t want to visit museums or stroll through parks? Daugavpils offers a number of standard city pastimes:
1. Visit to the Renaissance cinema.
2. Bowling in one of two bowling clubs.
3. Skating at the ice palace.
4. Swimming in the outdoor pool, available in summer.
5. Skiing. A suitable place is Mount Eglyukalns near Daugavpils, suitable for vacationers in winter.
What should I bring?
Those wishing to purchase memorable items and souvenirs should visit one of the city’s art studios. Visiting them is an opportunity to see the process of creating a masterpiece, observe the refined actions of a master or artist and, of course, purchase the work you like. Daugavpils has pottery studios, sculpture workshops and art galleries.
It must be said that the city authorities support such studios and local artists. Exhibitions of local artists and craftsmen are periodically organized, including at the M. Roscoe Art Center.
By the way, the pottery studio is worth a visit for travelers with children. In some, under the guidance of a professional, each family member can make a unique product, which will further remind of an educational trip to the Latvian city of Daugavpils.
Daugavpils (Latvian: Daugavpils) is the second largest city in Latvia after its capital Riga. It was founded on the site of Dinaburg Castle, which belonged to the Livonian Order, the first mention of which dates back to 1275. The city at different times belonged to Lithuanians, Poles and Russians, which was also reflected in its names Dinaburg, Borisoglebsk, Dvinsk, until in 1920 it acquired its name Daugavpils.
Sights of the city of Daugavpils with photos and descriptions
Historically, Daugavpils has always been a multinational city, even today more than half of its population is Russian. The abundance of cultures was reflected in the appearance of the city and its attractions. Unfortunately, many of the architectural monuments were damaged during the Second World War.
Daugavpils Fortress
Daugavpils FortressThe most famous landmark of this city is undoubtedly its fortress, founded in 1810. This defensive structure occupies an area of more than 150 hectares and includes in its structure 8 bastions, 6 counterguards, 6 ravelins, a fortress moat and rampart, a front square and residential buildings.
This object, erected by the best architects of Tsarist Russia, became the last bastion-type fortress in Europe and the only one of its kind that has survived to this day without changes.
Today, entrance to the fortress and sightseeing is available at any time and absolutely free. The exception is cultural events taking place on its territory. Also here is an interesting art center for tourists, the famous progenitor of abstract expressionism, artist Mark Rothko.
Architecture of Daugavpils
The main architectural sights of Daugavpils are located in its historical center. Most of the city's architectural monuments were erected in the 19th – early 20th centuries in the unique Latgalian Baroque style – red brick buildings with original facade decorations.
- The House of Unity, the main architectural object of the historical center of Daugavpils, was built in 1936. The building was built thanks to the initiative of President Kārlis Ulmanis, using funds donated by city residents and designed by architect Verners Vitands. This is one of the first multifunctional buildings in Europe; it housed a theater, a printing house, a swimming pool, a hotel, a department store and other institutions.
- Dinaburg Castle is the building from which the history of the city began. It was built in 1275 by the Master of the Livonian Order Ernest von Raitzeburg and over the years of its existence it was destroyed three times by enemies and rebuilt again. After the last fall of the fortress at the hands of Ivan III in 1577, it was finally razed to the ground, and a new one was built 19 kilometers downstream of the Daugava River on the site of present-day Daugavpils. Today, archaeological excavations are being carried out here and a model of the structure, interesting for tourists, has been installed.
- Daugavpils City Council - this building was erected in 1889 as a premises for the Divisional Assembly. Today officials of the city of Daugavpils, headed by the mayor, are meeting here.
Religious buildings
The iconic architecture of Daugavpils was influenced by the abundance of different peoples who lived in this city and their cultural and religious worldviews.
Did you know? Daugavpils is the center of three bishoprics: the Orthodox Church, the Autonomous Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
- Martin Luther Church is a Lutheran church built in Daugavpils in 1893 under the leadership of architect V. Neimanis. The building was erected in the neo-Gothic and neo-Romantic style and has asymmetrical features. The temple often suffered from fires and was restored only in 1990.
- The Cathedral of Princes Boris and Gleb is an Orthodox church, built back in 1905 for the needs of the local garrison, and in 1925 it became the place of service of the new bishop. The building was built in neo-Russian style and is the largest among Orthodox churches in Latvia.
- The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic church, the construction of which began in 1902. One of the towers of the church, built in the Latgalian Baroque style, was destroyed by a strong gust of wind, but was restored in 1986. Inside, tourists are primarily interested in the ancient organ installed by the Polish master A. Homan shortly after the construction of the church.
- The Old Believer Church of St. Nicholas was built from 1908 to 1928. and is the main Old Believer temple of Daugavpils. The building, built in modern style, was very badly damaged during the Second World War, but was restored by the parishioners. More than 600 icons and books from the monastery from the period of the 17th-20th centuries are today part of the artistic heritage of the republic.
Cathedral of Princes Boris and Gleb Did you know? These four places of worship of different faiths are part of the “Church Hill” architectural ensemble.
There is also a functioning synagogue in Daugavpils, built in 1850 and restored by April 11, 2006. Tourists can find this attraction at the address: st. Tsietokshnia, 38. Visiting the museum is available upon prior request.
Museums of Daugavpils
Daugavpils has a large number of wonderful museums that will tell tourists about the history and culture of the Republic of Latvia and this city:
- The Local History and Art Museum is one of the oldest and largest institutions dedicated to the history of Latgale, located in the city of Daugavpils and was founded in 1938. Its funds contain more than 88 thousand items dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, bonistics, art and archival documents. Visitors can see two main exhibitions dedicated to history and nature, as well as visit an exhibition of paintings.
- The Naujena Museum of Local Lore is one of the best in Latvia. There is a rich library, an underwater diorama, as well as exhibitions telling about the history of the Nauensky region in the years 1259-2005. The ethnographic collection of labor tools and household items of the inhabitants of Latgale is also very interesting for tourists.
Nauensky Museum of Local Lore Other interesting museums and exhibitions in the city:
- Museum of Jews in Daugavpils and Latgale;
- center of Russian culture;
- Latvian House;
- pottery art center;
- Shot Foundry Museum;
- exposition of historical outfits;
- shmakovka museum.
Packing things in a suitcase is a very important part of packing. to avoid misunderstandings at the airport, which arise quite often?
In fact, packing a suitcase in accordance with all airline rules and at the same time convenient for yourself is not at all difficult. All you need to do is follow some simple guidelines:
What to see in Daugavpils in 1 day
Despite the fact that Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia, one day is enough to see all its best attractions. For an optimal excursion, use something like this plan:
- Start your walk by visiting the main attraction of Daugavpils - its fortress.
- In addition to contemplating the architecture of the fortress, you will also visit the Mark Rothko art center located on its territory.
- Next, find the “Church Hill” and visit the churches of four denominations located on it (Lutheran, Catholic, Old Believer and Orthodox).
- In the historical center of the city you will see the House of Unity and Andrei Pumpur Square, which houses the Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky.
- If you take a tour on Wednesday or Friday, be sure to visit the Latvian House Museum at Rigas Street 22a, which is open only on these days.
- It is best to end the tour with the Daugavpils theater, where you can purchase tickets for an evening performance.
In addition to a tour of the city, you can also see the beautiful natural park in its surroundings " Daugavas loki", which contains many archaeological sites.
What to see in Daugavpils with children
There are not many attractions for children in Daugavpils. But still, the city can offer several interesting places to a tourist with a child:
- The Latgale Zoo will surprise your child with a large number of exotic animals.
- The Pottery Center will introduce you to the process of processing clay and creating ceramic products.
- Art Center named after. Mark Rothko will provide a special room for young artists.
- The holiday park on the Esplanade will delight children with a number of trails for various vehicles. There is also a special children's area.
Video review of Daugavpils sights
Especially for those who are planning, we have selected for you a short but informative video about the attractions Daugavpils, the second largest city in the country.
Perhaps our readers would like to add to the list of attractions of the city of Daugavpils? Be sure to write about them in the comments!
Daugavpils, Latvia: the most detailed information about the city of Daugavpils, main attractions with photos and descriptions, location on the map.
City of Daugavpils (Latvia)
Daugavpils is a city in the southeastern part of Latvia on the Daugava River. It is the second largest and most important in the country after the capital - Riga. Daugavpils is a modern city, an important educational, tourist and transport center of Latvia.
Geography and climate
Daugavpils is located in the southeast of Latvia near the border of Lithuania and Belarus. The Daugava River (Western Dvina) flows through the city. The climate is temperate, but more continental than on the Latvian coast. It is a little hotter in summer and colder in winter.
Story
The foundation of Daugavpils is associated with the construction of the Livonian castle Dinaburg in 1275. After some time, the castle was taken and destroyed by the Lithuanians. At the beginning of the 14th century, Dinaburg was restored. Later, the castle was significantly expanded and four towers were added to it. At the end of the 15th century, during the Russian-Livonian War, the fortress was taken by Russian troops.
In the second half of the 16th century, Dinaburg first became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, but was soon transferred to Poland. In 1577, the castle was taken by the troops of Ivan the Terrible, but then again transferred to Poland.
In the 17th century, Dinaburg changed hands several times from Russia to Poland. The city became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. In the 19th century it turned into one of the most important cities in the Baltic states. By decree of Emperor Alexander III, the city was renamed Dvinsk. The historical name Daugavpils was returned in 1920, which means “castle on the Daugava”.
How to get there
The nearest airport is located in Riga. Currently, a project for the construction of an international airport is being implemented in Daugavpils. Railway connections are developed with Riga, Gomel, Vilnius, and St. Petersburg. You can get to Daugavpils by bus from the capital and other major cities of Latvia. The highway connects the city with Riga, Lithuania and Russia.
Sights of Daugavpils
The historical center of Daugavpils represents the architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostly historical buildings are made of red brick. The symbol of the city is the fortress of the same name. This is a unique monument of military architecture, which is one of the last bastion-type outposts in the world.
The Daugavpils Fortress was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Russian troops to protect the western borders. The fortress is a complex system of fortifications, which has survived virtually unchanged to this day.
One of the main attractions of the city is the temple hill. This is the site where four religious buildings are built.
Cathedral of St. Luther was built at the end of the 19th century in pseudo-Gothic style from brick.
Next door is the Roman Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built 100 years ago in classicism and baroque style.
The Orthodox Church of Boris and Gleb is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Latvia, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Orthodox Church of the Resurrection located next door was built in the 1920s in Art Nouveau style. Here you can look at a rich collection of icons from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Church of St. Petra in Daugavpils Church of St. Peter's in Daugavpils is similar to the main Catholic church in the Vatican. It was built in the mid-18th century. Later rebuilt in the first half of the 20th century in the classicist style. Located on the central street of the city - Rigas.
- Ammunition factory open to tourists. The plant boasts the oldest still operating shot casting tower in Europe.
- Regional Museum
- Rigas Street is the main street of the historical center.
- Dam on the Daugava
- University
- Sculpture Garden
- Unity Square - the central square of the city
Video - city of Daugavpils
Useful information for tourists about Daugavpils in Latvia - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Daugavpils is a city located in the southeast of Latvia, the second largest after Riga. This is a city with a rich and diverse history, which has changed its name several times: Dinaburg, Borisoglebsk, Dvinsk, Daugavpils (since 1920). The city is located on the Daugava River (Western Dvina), 25 km from the border with Lithuania and 33 km from the border with Belarus.
The population of Daugavpils is more than 100 thousand people, more than half of which are Russian. Historically, the city was formed as a multinational city, which was also reflected in its architecture, art and traditions. The climate in Daugavpils is more continental compared to other cities in Latvia. Air temperatures are higher in the summer months and lower in the winter months than in other regions of the country.
The history of the city dates back to the times of the Livonian Order, when a castle was founded here by the Master of the Livonian Order Ernst von Ratzburg in 1275. The Dinaburg castle strengthened its position so much that it became a threat to the lands of the Polotsk and Lithuanian principalities, so Russian and Lithuanian troops made repeated attempts to capture the castle. In turn, the Livonian Order spared no expense to strengthen the castle, since it was of great strategic importance.
In 1577, the troops of Ivan the Terrible captured the castle. During the many years of the Livonian War, the Dinaburg castle and trading settlement were destroyed. By this time, the castle had stood for 300 years and had lost its military significance. Ivan the Terrible began construction of a new fortress 19 km downstream of the Daugava River from the old castle, the city today stands on this very spot. According to a peace agreement in 1582, the city passed to the Poles, who continued construction. Later, the city was captured either by the Swedes or by Russian troops.
The city suffered great destruction during the Northern War. In 1710, the plague raged. The war destroyed and ravaged the city, and the epidemic killed almost the entire population. The city and fortress fell into decay. In 1772 the city was annexed to Russia. In connection with the threat of an attack by Napoleon, in 1810 the construction of a new Dinaburg fortress began, which, although not completed by the beginning of the war, played a role in protecting the northwestern borders of Russia. Construction work was finally completed in 1878.
In the mid-19th century, due to the construction of railways, the city's economic development took place. Gradually, Daugavpils becomes the largest industrial and cultural center of the North-Western region of Russia. After the liberation of the city during the First World War, the city received its modern name - Daugavpils. During World War II, in 1941, the Soviet occupation was replaced by the Nazi occupation. On July 27, 1944, Red Army units entered Daugavpils.
In the post-war years, the city was actively restored and developed. New industrial enterprises were built. New educational institutions were opened. New microdistricts appeared. After the restoration of the independent Republic of Latvia in 1991, the development of the city began to continue under new conditions.
In the Daugavpils Ice Palace you can enjoy winter sports all year round. At the paragliding club you can ride a special tandem paraglider or motorized hang glider, as well as learn how to ride these aircraft yourself.
Daugavpils Fortress is considered one of the main symbols of the city. The beginning of its construction dates back to 1810. The breath of several centuries can still be felt in the Fortress. The corners of the fortress are fortified with 8 pentagonal bastions. The internal territory of the fortress has a rectangular shape, divided into quarters. In the center there is a front square, and around it are administrative and residential buildings.
In Daugavpils, you should definitely visit the Temple Hill - a place where churches of 4 faiths side by side: the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Boris and Gleb, the Lutheran Cathedral Church of Martin Luther, the Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the prayer house of the 1st New Construction Old Believer community.
The busiest street in the city is Rigas Street, which was one of the first pedestrian streets. It houses a network of shops, offices, banks, and cafes. On this street is the Daugavpils Museum of Local History and Art, which is one of the oldest and largest museums in Latvia. The museum, founded in 1938, instills in society a love and respect for cultural heritage and traditions.
Daugavpils was founded in 1275 as the castle of the Dinaburg Swordsmen. For three centuries, the fortification was subject to sieges, was damaged, rebuilt and passed from hand to hand. Until, in 1577, it was finally destroyed by the troops of Ivan the Terrible. By order of the Russian Tsar, a new fortress was founded 19 km upstream. Further, the new Dinaburg again took part in wars, until in 1772 it became part of the Russian Empire. Currently, Daugavpils is the second city in Latvia in terms of population (about 100 thousand people).
Having settled into the carriage of the Minsk - Riga train, I went out onto the platform. The talkative conductor clearly did not fit into the established stereotype of silent Latvians. The chatterbox is a godsend not only for a spy, but is also of particular interest to a traveler.
- It seemed to me that the tickets were too expensive. I'm not wrong?
- No. The fact is that today there is a Latvian train. Tomorrow there will be a Belarusian one, tickets for which are almost two times cheaper.
- How can we explain this?
- Here, in Latvia, everything is more expensive. Products, coal, services...
- That's how... I hope you are an experienced conductor and understand that the same products could be bought in Minsk at low prices, and sold to passengers at higher prices, as if they were bought in Latvia. We don’t care what kind of sugar is in the tea you bring. Get a salary increase...
- No, we don't do that. By buying Latvian goods, our citizens support the economy of their country.
Because The lady was constantly joking, it was difficult to determine whether she herself was one of those conscious citizens. But did she give away the secret of the backbone of the Latvian economy? If everything is expensive, then there will be money in the country’s budget. Whether they will remain in the hands of the residents is less important...
The monument to the soldiers of the revolutionary 5th Army from the Komsomol members of Daugavpils in the 1960s is located at the station. 
The hostel I booked started checking in after 12 o'clock. Consequently, I had a time train at my disposal. The bright sun promised midday heat, but so far the weather was super comfortable, promising to turn cycling around the city into a long-lasting pleasure. We can say that the city was waking up before my eyes.
I took a ride towards the bus station. Having bought a ticket to Kaunas the next morning, I found a cozy place in the park opposite and took out a thermos. I haven’t smoked for a long time, and a few sips of hot tea (regardless of the outside temperature) probably replaces a cigarette for me.
After resting a bit, I headed out into the city. Who was already waking up. But he did it slowly, without the rush typical of megacities, where in the morning, within an hour, roads, sidewalks and bus interiors are filled.
It was still as quiet in the courtyards.
There was a sign near this house warning that it was private property. It became interesting what restrictions this circumstance imposes on pedestrians and me, including. A woman was walking towards me.
- Please tell me, it says that this is private territory. Why can’t you go to it?
- I don’t know, I only walk on roads and sidewalks, and therefore I don’t pay attention to such inscriptions...
Well, that's reasonable. It will be necessary to follow her example.
Next begins the area, which was called, immediately after its birth, at the end of the 19th century, New Structure. Almost immediately we find ourselves on Church Hill, which brings together churches of different faiths on its territory. Boris and Gleb Cathedral (1905). It can accommodate up to 5 thousand people and is considered the largest Orthodox church in Latvia.
It looks like a pre-revolutionary educational building.
Lutheran Church of Martin Luther (1893). Its spire burned twice. Last restored in the 1990s.
The water pump is also a necessary structure.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (1905).
Temple of the Old Believer Community (1928). The sun had already risen quite high, and I decided to come to this area in the afternoon and photograph all the temples from a different angle.
The building of another educational institution.
Hotel "Villa Ksenia" is located in an old mansion built in 1876. Named after the owners’ daughter.
Another interesting building attracted attention with the Polish flag fluttering in the wind. Poland is actively present in those territories that were previously part of it.
An attempt to delve deeper into the New Building showed that this area is of little interest to tourists, and the development of its attractions is unprofitable.
There are also new houses. This one was recently completed.
Memory of the Great Patriotic War.
When I went on this trip, a significant part of which was a trip to the countries of the former Soviet Baltic states, I was not sure that I would be able to communicate with the natives without problems. I even put pieces of paper in my pocket so that, on occasion, I could draw the object I needed. But in Daugavpils everyone spoke Russian. One of the reasons is that about half of the city is Russian. Of course, some of them have problems. For example, my compartment neighbor who was traveling with me from Minsk, who was born here or has lived here since early childhood, was not a citizen, because cannot learn Latvian. But overall, it didn’t seem to me that the Russians were somehow oppressed here.
A woman with an enlightened face was walking from the church. It was clear that a better interlocutor could not be found.
- Tell me please, is this church old or recently built?
- Oh, it’s old... I don’t remember from what year, but it’s been there for a very long time. These houses around it were built under Soviet rule. And before, all the land here was church land. The priest had a vegetable garden here, he grew vegetables on it.
- What about father now without a garden? He's starving, I guess?...
- Why does he need a garden now? He goes to the store. As everybody. He is, after all, the same as us...
Assumption Church (1877).
Soon I was back on the viaduct over the railway tracks. I was just driving on the other side. I got off it as soon as I found myself on the opposite side of the road.
The city center is located between the Daugava and the railway. It makes sense to take a closer look here.
Former synagogue. At the end of the 19th century, the share of Jews among the city's residents was close to half.
In 1810, the construction of the Dinaburg fortress began. They began to build it on the site of residential areas, and the city itself, the one we see today, began to be rebuilt nearby. Work began in 1826, according to a pre-drawn plan. Therefore, a significant part of the streets of the city center intersect at right angles. This circumstance makes the city convenient for exploring. The main thing is not to end up on the same street several times. And it’s not surprising for a visitor to get confused here, because there are not two or three streets in the center.
There are quite interesting buildings.
The City Council building was built in 1889 for the Divisional Assembly. From the very beginning, important premises for service were allocated there: a buffet and a room for playing cards.
The former cinema theater "Daugava" was built according to a standard design.
A Stalinka building with a spire stands at one of the intersections.
University building (1956).
Monument to Writers.
Janis Rainis. He studied in Daugavpils.
And Andrey Pumpurs. He served in the city (then Dvinsk) at the end of his life.
Temple-chapel of Alexander Nevsky (2000).
Fragment of the House of Unity (1937). This grandiose building houses many useful institutions. In the part we see now there is a library.
A fragment of urban development nearby.
I have a serious problem. The fact is that while in Belarus, I rode a bicycle in shorts (I tried clothes that were new to me). And since the weather was sunny, I didn’t notice how my legs were badly burned. In Daugavpils they became swollen and began to hurt. I had to go to the pharmacy, drive to a secluded place, lift my trouser legs above my knees, lubricate my shins and stand there while the cream was absorbed. It happened somewhere here.
Then I remembered that I never made it to Rizhskaya Street, which became a pedestrian street (from the railway station where it begins, I immediately went to the side). It turned out that I was hanging around all the time. Nowadays it has become a good place for walking.
A sculpture in one of the parks. The lady looks a little sad. Apparently, in anticipation of something unpleasant.
It is not easy to determine the gender of this person. Which, actually, is quite in the spirit of the times.