Sightseeing in Liepajas Region - what to see. Complete travel guide

Liepaja is located in the western part of Latvia and occupies vast coastal areas. It’s the focus of the popular resort towns. The region is famous for its eco-friendly beaches, unique nature and rich cultural heritage. The capital of the region is the city of Liepaja that is a world famous resort close to one of the most beautiful beaches of the Baltic. Tourists can complement scenic walks and beach activities with exploring historical sites.

The most extensive and diverse excursion are offered by the region's capital; there are hundreds of unique attractions in the city of Liepaja. A distinctive feature of the city is abundance of monuments, each of which has its own unique history and is dedicated to the famous event. The city was severely damaged during the World War II; Monument to Defenders of Liepaja is dedicated to that. There are quite unusual monuments in the city, including Amber Clock and Walk of Fame dedicated to the outstanding Latvian musicians.

Much of the architectural monuments of Liepaja are concentrated in the central area, some beautiful buildings have preserved at historic Graudu Street. One of the oldest historical monuments is the Church of St. Anna. It was built in the second half of the 16th century; now the third largest agency in Latvia is acting in the walls of the church. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Outside the capital you can find a lot of unique historical monuments. The town of Aizpute can boast the ancient fortress Hasenpoth that was founded in 1248 by German crusaders. Subsequently the settlement was founded around the fortress. The church of St. John has being the main symbol of Aizpute for more than 700 years. A walk through the winding streets of the picturesque town also gives a lot of experience; here you can see a lot of interesting buildings.

The ruins of an ancient castle found in Grobina town allow appreciating its former glory. Several hundred years ago, these places have large colonies of the Vikings; many beautiful stories and legends are associated with this place.

Fans of excursions are sure to visit the town of Durba. One of the most significant events in its history was the Battle of Durba, the big battle that took place between the Livonian and Teutonic Orders in July 1260. Indigenous people remember the outstanding event even these days; the castle on the hill is a monument dedicated to that bloody battle. It’s noteworthy that a memorial is carved from oak. Nearby you can see the ruins of the Livonian castle, which was built in the 13th century and remained impregnable for almost 400 years.

The small town of Pavilosta is the best fit for hiking; slightly more than 1,000 people live there. This is the best place for those who wish to appreciate features of the local way of life. The old town of Priekule is of particular interest. During the World War II, it was literally wiped off the face of the earth. Through the efforts of local residents the town was restored as soon as possible, today it’s known as a venue for major cultural and sporting events. The history of many Liepaja districts dates back to the early Middle Ages, so tourists won’t experience the lack of choice of attractions and cultural centers.

Liepaja offers excellent beachside infrastructure. Local beaches are widely recognized among the best ones on the Baltic coast. They are relatively shallow and wide – the width of the beach in the capital reaches 70 meters. It is covered with smooth golden sand. Thanks to its high ecological index, the beach has won many prestigious awards, including the Blue flag. Jurmala Park is, perhaps, the most famous natural landmark in the region. The park is a regular venue for numerous festivals and other events.

The park area was launched at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, a sanatorium with baths and fountains was located on that site. Nowadays, the park is more than 50 hectares large and has roughly 150 trees and bushes of different species. In the middle of the 20th century, the richest people in the country were building their country houses in the park. Later, the gorgeous park area became open for general public. In summer, numerous cafes and restaurants work in the park. There are many playgrounds for children and special areas for active recreation. The most interesting events and celebrations traditionally take place in the park in summer and autumn.