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French Emotions ( Baci Baiser alla Francese) |
German Emotions (Bacio Kuss alla Tedesca) |
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Spanish Emotions ( Un Beso in Spagna) |
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Italian Emotions (Baci Italiani ) |
| Lettonia |
| Riga |
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| Latvia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Trip by river Amata `07 Trip by river Amata `07 R.Biedritis Latvia is located on the Baltic Sea, between Lithuania and Estonia. The country itself may be less famous than its capital Riga, one of the most beautiful cities of the Baltic region. About a third of the population of Latvia lives in the capital and for all purposes it is the best base for exploring the country. Since Latvia is relatively small, most of the other sights can be seen as daytrips from the capital. Jurmala is the best beach resort to go to. It has been popular with city dwellers from Latvia for over 150 years and the city houses some great Jugendstil architecture. Apart from the beaches there are also forests here where you can go hiking. __________Sights Edit This Big gun shooting in Latvia! Big gun shooting in Latvia! Here are a some of the more interesting activities on offer in Latvia: Big Gun Shooting A cocktail of Big Guns, a Nuclear Bunker in the centre of Riga and plenty of Ammo ensures a heart pounding shooting activity you will certainly never forget. A golden bullet will be rewarded to the best marksman in your group and you all can take home and frame your mutilated target. Summer Bobsleigh Even with no ice you can experience the rush of hurtling down a championship bobsleigh track at over 80km/h. You will team up with a qualified driver in a modified bobsleigh on wheels! If you fancy doing one of these rather unusual activities then contact Out-There.eu Out-There.eu is one of the leading tourism service providers working in the Baltics. With such a diverse range of daytime and evening activities Out-There.eu will organise, book and professionally deliver all your activities you would like to experience in Riga! We have all the contacts, expertise and knowledge to help ensure your visit to Latvia is a stress free and highly enjoyable one. ___________History Edit This Since 9 000 BC ancient peoples of unknown origin had inhabited Latvia but by 3 000 BC the ancestors of the Finns had settled the region. A millennium later pre-Baltic tribes had arrived and within time evolved into the Baltic Couranian Latgallian Selonian and Semigallian groups. These tribes eventually formed local governments independently from the Finno-Ugric Livian tribe until the thirteenth century when they were conquered by the Germans who renamed the territory Livonia. German sailors shipwrecked on the Daugava River in 1054 had inhabited the area which led to increasing German influence. Founded by the Germanic Bishop Alberth of Livonia in 1201 Riga joined the Hanseatic League in 1285 and shared important cultural and economic ties to the rest of Europe. However the new German nobility enserfed the peasantry and accorded non-Germanic peoples only limited trading and property rights. Subsequent wars and treaties ensured Livonia's partition and colonization for centuries. The Commonwealth's successes during the Livonian Wars (1558-1583) united the Latvian-populated duchies of Pardaugava Kurzeme and Zemgale but the Polish-Swedish War (1600-1629) granted Sweden acquisition of Riga and the Duchy of Pardaugava minus Latgale leaving Latvia again split ethnically. In turn victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War (1700-1721) gave Russia control over the Latvian territories. From 1804 onwards a series of local decrees gradually weakened the grip of German nobility over peasant society and in 1849 a law granted a legal basis for the creation of peasant-owned farms. Until the 1860s there still was little sense of a Latvian national identity as both serfdom and institutional controls to migration and social mobility limited the boundaries of the peasants' intellectual and social geography. The large baronic estates caused a lack of available farmland for an increasing population creating a large landless urban class comprising about 60% of the population. Also in the face of stricter Russification policies the Baltic German clergy and literati began to take a more benevolent interest in the distinctive language and culture of the Latvian peasantry. These patrons (with such Lettish names as Alunans Barons Krastins Kronvalds Tomsons and Valdemars) soon formed the Young Latvian Movement whose aim was to promote the indigenous language and to publicize and counteract the socio-economic oppression of Latvians. By 1901 "Jauna Strava" had evolved into the Latvian Social Democratic Party. Following the lead of the Austrian Marxists the LSDP advocated the transformation of the Russian Empire into a federation of democratic states (to include Latvia) and the adoption of cultural autonomy policy for extra-territorial ethnic communities. In 1903 the LSDP split into the more radically internationalist Latvian Social Democratic Worker's Party and the more influential Latvian Social Democratic Union (LSDU) which continued to champion national interests and Latvia's national self-determination especially during the failed 1905 Revolution in Russia. The onset of WWI brought German occupation of the western coastal province of Kurzeme and Latvians heroically countered the invasion with the establishment of several regiments of riflemen commanded by Czarist generals. As a defensive measure Russia dismantled over 500 local Latvian industries along with technological equipment and relocated them to central Russia. The sagging military campaign generally increased Latvian and LSDU support for the Bolsheviks' successful October Revolution in 1917 in the hopes of a "free Latvia within free Russia." These circumstances led to the formation of the soviet "Iskolat Republic" in the unoccupied section of Latvia. In opposition to this government and to the landed barons' German sympathies stood primarily the Latvian Provisional National Council and the Riga Democratic Bloc. These and other political parties formed the Latvian People's Council which on November 18 1918 declared Latvia's independence and formed an army. The new Latvian army faced rogue elements of the retreating German army and squared off in civil war against the Soviet Red Army comprised greatly of the former Latvian Riflemen. Soviet power resumed in Latvia one month later on December 17 by order of the Latvian SSR which forcefully collectivized all land and nationalized all industries and property. By May 22 1919 the resurgent German Army occupied and devastated Riga for several days. In response the Latvian army managed to win a decisive battle over the combined German-Red Army forces and thereafter consolidated its success on the eastern Latgale front. These developments led to the dissolution of the Soviet Latvian government on January 13 1920 and to a peace treaty between Latvia and Soviet Russia on August 11 later that year. By September 22 1921 Latvia was admitted to the League of Nations. Having obtained independent statehood in which Latvians were an absolute majority the Government headed by Prime Minister Ulmanis declared a democratic parliamentary republic. It recognized Latvian as the official language granted cultural autonomy to the country's sizeable minorities and introduced an electoral system into the Latvian constitution which was adopted in 1922. The decade witnessed sweeping economic reform as war had devastated Latvian agriculture and most Russian factories had been evacuated to Russia. Economic depression heightened political turmoil and on May 15 1934 Prime Minister Ulmanis dismissed the parliament banned outspoken and left-wing political parties and tightened authoritarian state control over Latvian social life and the economy. The effects of the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop agreement of 1939 steadily forced Latvia under Soviet influence until August 5 1940 when the Soviet Union finally annexed Latvia. On June 14 of the following year 15 000 Latvian citizens were forcibly deported and a large number of army officers shot. The subsequent German occupation witnessed the mobilization of many Latvians into Waffen SS legions while some Latvians joined the Red Army and formed resistance groups; others fled to the West and East. By 1945 Latvia's population dropped by one-third. After the war the U.S.S.R. subjected the Latvian republic to a scale of social and economic reorganization which rapidly transformed the rural economy to heavy industry the strongly ethnically Latvian population into a more multiethnic structure and the predominantly peasant class into a fully urbanized industrial worker class. As part of the goal to more fully integrate Latvia into the Soviet Union on March 25 1949 Stalin again deported another 42 000 Latvians and continued to promote the policy of encouraging Soviet immigration to Latvia. The brief "Krushchev thaw" of the 1950's ended in 1959 when the Soviets dismissed Latvian Communist Party and Government leaders on charges of "bourgeois nationalism" and replaced them with more aggressive hardliners mostly from Russia. "Perestroika" enabled Latvians to pursue a bolder nationalistic program particularly through such general issues as environmental protection. In July 1989 the Latvian Supreme Soviet adopted a "Declaration of Sovereignty" and amended the Constitution to assert the supremacy of its laws over those of the U.S.S.R. Pro-independence Latvian Popular Front candidates gained a two-thirds majority in the Supreme Council in the March 1990 democratic elections. On May 4 the Council declared its intention to restore full Latvian independence after a "transitional" period; three days later Ivars Godmanis was chosen Council of Ministers Chairman or Prime Minister. In January 1991 Soviet political and military forces tried unsuccessfully to overthrow the legitimate Latvian authorities by occupying the central publishing house in Riga and establishing a "Committee of National Salvation" to usurp governmental functions. Seventy-three percent of all Latvian residents confirmed their strong support for independence March 3 in a nonbinding "advisory" referendum. A large number of ethnic Russians also voted for the proposition. Latvia claimed de facto independence on August 21 1991 in the aftermath of the failed Soviet coup attempt. International recognition including the U.S.S.R. followed. The U.S. which had never recognized Latvia's forcible annexation by the U.S.S.R. resumed full diplomatic relations with Latvia on September 2. __________Practical Information Edit This Population: 2,439,445 Foreigners: 23,662 Riga- population- 800,732 Territory: 64,589 km² Climate: annual temperature +25.7ºC(July), min -18ºC (Jan). Weather Forecast (in English): tel. 7112035 National holidays: January 1 - New Year's Day; May 1 - Labor Day; May 14 - Mother's Day; June 23-24 - Midsummer celebrations; November 18 - Independence day; December 24-26 - Christmas; December 31 - New Year's Eve. Additional Information: The electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. National currency - LATS (1 Ls = 100 santimi)). Entering OldTown with car will cost you 5 Ls, Jurmala - 1 Ls. The speed limit is 50km/h in cities and 90km/h ouside. The drink-driving limit - 0.45 g/l. Public trans. is good and very cheep-trains and buses, can get to most of the places. Citizens from Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Vatican City do not require a visa to enter Latvia. (Citizenship and Migration Board tel.: 7219424, fax.: 7820306). Currency The local currency is the Latvian Lat (LVL) [Add Practical address] Airport transfers Edit This It is possible to cut out the stress of dealing with unscrupulous taxi drivers by booking an airport transfer directly from the front door of the airport to the front door of your hotel. www.out-there.eu type: Airport World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.out-there.eu email: info@out-there.eu ___________Getting There Edit This i Getting to and from Latvia [Add Global transport mode] Riga International Airport Edit This Riga is served by Riga International airport located only 13 kilometers from downtown. Riga International is the largest airport in all three Baltic States. Major airlines serving Riga are airBaltic, Ryanair, Lufthansa, KLM, Czech Airlines, easyJet, Uzbekistan Airways, SAS, Aerlingus, Austrian, Finnair, LOT, Norwegian, and Turkish Airlines. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] email: ajchelsea@yahoo.com __________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: In 1997 Latvia scored the most impressive economic achievements since independence in 1991 with GDP growing by 6% and inflation at 7.4%. GDP is expected to grow 5% in 1998 and inflation to range between 6% and 7%. In 1997 Latvia continued its strict fiscal policy and apparently ended the year with a small fiscal surplus reflecting higher-than-expected income from customs revenues excise and business taxes and restraints on government spending. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in 1997 was a record $880 million by yearend. Prospects for increasing FDI in 1998 are good if Latvia privatizes at least some of its large companies including Venspils Nafta (the state oil company). Although Latvia was disappointed that it was not included among the five Central and East European states invited to start EU accession talks in spring 1998 it is likely to join the WTrO in 1998. Latvia's growing current account and trade deficits remain a cause for concern reaching nearly 10% by yearend. Latvia's trade deficit may even reach 22% of GDP in 1998. GDP: purchasing power parity—$2554.4 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 6% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$4 260 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 9% industry: 34% services: 57% (1995) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 7.4% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 1.4 million (1997) by occupation: industry 41% agriculture and forestry 16% services 43% (1990) Unemployment rate: 7% (1996) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: buses vans street and railroad cars synthetic fibers agricultural machinery fertilizers washing machines radios electronics pharmaceuticals processed foods textiles; dependent on imports for energy raw materials and intermediate products Industrial production growth rate: 2% (1996 est.) Electricity—capacity: 2.035 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 4.095 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 2 300 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: grain sugar beets potatoes vegetables; meat milk eggs; fish Exports: total value: $1.4 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: wood and wood products textiles foodstuffs partners: Russia other CIS Germany Sweden UK Imports: total value: $2.3 billion (c.i.f. 1996) commodities: fuels machinery and equipment chemicals partners: Russia other CIS Germany Sweden UK Finland Debt—external: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA $122 million (1993) note: commitments from the West and international institutions $525 million (1992-95) Currency: 1 Latvian lat (LVL) = 100 santims; introduced NA March 1993 Exchange rates: lats (LVL) per US$1—0.595 (January 1998) 0.581 (1997) 0.551 (1996) 0.528 (1995) 0.560 (1994) 0.675 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year ____________Day Trips Edit This There are an endless array of day trips out of Riga. You can help organise these through www.out-there.eu [Add Day Trip] Daytrips out of Riga Edit This Out-There.eu can organise a daytrip out of the Capital to some of Latvia's premier tourist destinations. Why not take the time to read about the daytrips we have on offer and escape from the hustle and bustle of Riga to some of the quieter and more tranquil must see's in Latvia's beautiful countryside and idyllic coast line. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +371 28313686 url: www.out-there.eu address: Riga email: info@out-there.eu ___________People Edit This i Elena Ihilcik Population: 2 385 396 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (male 227 634; female 218 321) 15-64 years: 66% (male 754 416; female 829 801) 65 years and over: 15% (male 113 925; female 241 299) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: -1.41% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 8.14 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 15.78 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: -6.47 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.47 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 17.44 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.11 years male: 61.02 years female: 73.5 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.2 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Latvian(s) adjective: Latvian Ethnic groups: Latvian 56.5% Russian 30.4% Byelorussian 4.3% Ukrainian 2.8% Polish 2.6% other 3.4% Religions: Lutheran Roman Catholic Russian Orthodox Languages: Lettish (official) Lithuanian Russian other Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 100% male: 100% female: 99% (1989 est.) :::::::::::::.Cesis Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cesis is two hours from Riga by bus -- and it's a trip worth making. Home to Cesu beer and nestling in the heart of the Gauja National Park, Cesis is a quiet and relaxed little town (pop. approx 20,000) with a place in Latvian history. It was in 1279 when during a battle warriors carried a dying leader away in a white flag only to find when the body was removed the two broad swathes of maroon dried blood and the white bar formed by the dead mans body made up a standard that today make up the Latvian national flag. It's seen its fair share of conflict both before and sincel -- the castle which is as at May 2008 undergoing renovation was built by the Knights of the Sword and more recently it also saw a turning point in the countrys struggle for freedom as in 1919 the remains of the german Landeswehr were defeating paving the way for the interwar republic. Its old town is well worth a wander and the town has given birth to a number of Latvian cultural figures and the 13th century Jana baznica/St. John's church with its panarama views from the tower is rewarding. Or you could always try some of the local brews from the Cesu brewery! :::::::Daugavpils Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Daugavpils based on the southeast of Latvia, near to borders of Lithunia, Belarus and Russia. It is the second biggest city of Latvia Republic. You can visit wild nature,jungles,a big fortress and many historical buildings... In that city, mostly Russian minority lives; latvian,polish and other nationalities as well. :::::::::::::Gauja National Park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kind from the castle Kind from the castle Konstantin Urlihh The biggest NP in Latvia (920 square km) founded in 1973. It´s situated on the banks of Gauja river, 60 km long and some 10 to 30 km wide. Marvelous combination of nature (forests, rivers, caves) and cultural sights (cities of Sigulda, Cesis, Valmiera, castles of Sigulda, Krimulda, Turaida). Quite good and cheap railway connection with Riga. Cesis: 20000 inhabitants, fonunded 1205; the oldest North-European brewery (1590); ruin of medieval castle; Chateau Jauna pils with a museum; large gothic church of St. John. Sigulda: 12000 inhabitants, name from Segewald (castle of German crusaders, you can visit the ruins). Pseudo-gothic Jauna pils nearby. Picturesque Lutheran church from 1750. You can reach the other bank by cableway (40m above the river) and visit the castle of Turaida (1214) built from red bricks on the place of former wodden fort. Between Sigulda and Turaida you may see the Gutmana cave, the biggest in Baltic, with old scraped signs. :::::::::Jurmala Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Jurmala Jurmala Elena Ihilcik Jurmala, a resort town possessing 150-year-old resort traditions, occupies approximately one-tenth part of the coastal line. Jurmala is the place for a city dweller tired of life to reacquire the feeling of being the Nature's child. Here fresh sea wind will fill people's lungs and make them dizzy with the smell of pines, the eyes will rest in the blue of the sea, the feet will sink in the soft golden sand… The sun and the wind are stroking the skin, the waves that in August are usually most warm and green will gently rock the swimming body… Jurmala with its romantic wooden houses in art nouveau (Jugendstil), its spacious beaches, forests, and calmly flowing Lielupe river is especially attractive in the modern world of standards, for it has not lost its singularity. At the same time every guest of Jurmala is glad to find available everything necessary to a city dweller appreciating comfort. ::::::::Liepaja Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral: This cathedral is the pearl of Liepaja. Built in 1900-1903 on military harbour grounds, the first brick was laid by the Russian Tsar Nikolai II. Gradually the church is being renovated from the donations of church-goers. St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral: This cathedral is the pearl of Liepaja. Built in 1900-1903 on military harbour grounds, the first brick was laid by the Russian Tsar Nikolai II. Gradually the church is being renovated from the donations of church-goers. http://www.meeting.lv/ Liepaja is located in the southwest of the Republic of Latvia in the central part of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The total area of the city is 6037 ha, of which 35 % is green and nature areas, including parks and water basins, 17% - industrial area, 14% - residential area. The lighthouses of Liepaja are the first ones to welcome European sailors in Latvia. Liepaja is the third largest city in Latvia, situated between the sea and a lake. People have lived here for more than 750 years. The River Liva and village Liva were first mentioned in writing in 1253. Most probably the name comes from the word in the Liv language liiv, which means sand. In the beginning Liepaja Port was in the mouth of the river Liva, but it was necessary to move the port to another place several times because the Liva River valley was often covered in sand. The German name Libawe appeared for the first time in 1560, and from this name the modern Latvian name of Liepaja emerged. The name and boundaries of the city were officially approved on 18 March 1625. Liepaja has a unique cultural heritage of Swedish kings, German barons, Russian Tsars and Finnish Jeegers. For some time Liepaja has even been the Capital of Latvia. Liepaja attracts tourists with its beach and the sea, festivals and pubs, own symphony orchestra, organs and people. Some of the sights in Liepaja are famous worldwide: Organs of the St. Trinity Church – the biggest historically not changed mechanic organ in the world St. Anna Church – the largest wooden alter in Latvia Karosta (The Naval Port) – unique military heritage of Tsarist Russia and Soviet Union Liepaja Theatre – the oldest professional theatre in Latvia Liepaja – the only city in Latvia that has its own Simphony Orchestra Come and participate! You will be inspired by LIEPAJA MUSIC! You will be intrigued by THE LABYRINTHS OF FORTS! NEW PROMENADE will take your breath away! Give away to fresh breeze, salted water and touch of hot seashore sand in the BLUE FLAG BEACH! Take your rucksack, sandwiches, be in a good spirit and together with your friends have a walk around PAPES LAKE! Try LIVU BEER! Be brave and go SERFING, DIVING, PARACHUTING OR RIDE ON A HORSE BACK! Live prisoner’s part in TERRIFYING HISTORICAL SHOW “BEHIND THE BARS”! Observe virgin land - WILD HORSES in Papes lake meadows, BIRDS and WILD COWS by Liepajas lake. Go and see how THE OSTRICHES OF SOUTH AMERICA live in Latvia! Enjoy hospitality in Latvia’s coziest GUEST HOUSES! Go through your facings and stay overnight in THE KAROSTA PRISON! Take your friend by surprise – present EXTREME OVERNIGHT STAY IN KAROSTA PRISON! Be active in ICE HALL, SKATEPARK, BOWLING HALL! Population of Liepaja city and region: 140 000, almost half of all Kurzeme region Main industries: metal processing, textile, food, paper production, ship building Main advantages: low-tax environment, ice-free port, easy access to Western and Eastern countries Main attractions: Karosta - former military base from Tsarist and Soviet time, Holy Trinity Church organ and the beach Events: classical and rock music festivals, international rally Kurzeme Liepaja is the best place to be! You want to know why? We can tell you. Liepaja has balance in everything: The city is not crowded, yet it has all the best business and entertainment possibilities one could need. Liepaja has a hard working administration and a very energetic community ready to participate in development of the city. Liepaja has industrial production of both delicate lingerie and hard metal products. Liepaja port has both successful commercial activity within special economic zone and yacht port for tourists . Did we convince you to come to this beautiful city? Then we can give you a couple of tips about where to go and what to see in Liepaja. You should visit Holy Trinity Church to hear the world’s largest historic unreconstructed organ with 141 stops and 7000 pipes You should visit Karosta and see the Officer’s Palace, Marine Cathedral, Riding Manege, Fortifications and the Northern Breakwater, Old Prison and interactive show Behind the Bars You should go to a concert by Liepaja Symphony Orchestra and afterwards relax in one of the beautiful cafes and restaurants in the city centre You should go for a romantic walk in Seaside Park enjoying the wind and the sunset reflections in the linden trees You should come to the City Celebrations in the middle of July and see Rally Kurzeme You should dance and sing all night in one of the rock music festivals and later go to bathe your tired feet in the Baltic Sea and feel the sand of Liepaja beach which is the whitest sand in the Baltics . ::::::::::::::Mazsalaca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i karlisr Mazsalaca is a small town in North Vidzeme, 45km north of Valmiera, 25km from the Estonian border. It is well known in the country because of the Skanaiskalns nature park which is situated just outside the town. It includes river Salaca and the ancient forests covering both its banks. The Salaca makes its way through a deep valley with steap banks and sandstone cliffs. The centerpiece is the Skanaiskalns cliff which has an amazing acoustic effect. Even quiet whispers are reflected as loud speach. If you are lucky, in a summer evening you will come accross local musicians playing folk and classical music. Late in the summer there is the annual new music festival Blieziens which draws the hip and the young from accross the country. There is more information on the town website www.mazsalaca.lv __________Getting There Edit This Parka Street, view from the playground towards the centre Parka Street, view from the playground towards the centre karlisr To get to Mazsalaca you can either drive from Valmiera, Rujiena, Limbazi or Ainazji, as well as take less used roads from the Estonian side. There is good bus connection between Mazsalaca and Valmiera as well as Rujiena and Limbazi. The bus to Riga departs once a day early in the morning. There are two daily departures from Riga to Mazsalaca. Check www.1188.lv for current bus chedule. :::::::::::Valka Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_2 Elena Ihilcik Valka is a town in northern Latvia . It is the capital of Valka district . The town lies 164 km from Riga on the border with Estonia . Valka and the Estonian town Valga are actually one town, divided by Estonian/Latvian border. The border was marked out in 1920 by an international jury headed by British Colonel Tallents. With approximately 6500 people it is one of the smallest district centres in Latvia. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://wikitravel.org/en/Valka ___________Sights Edit This Valka Local History Museum - 64 Rigas Street, the former building of Vidzeme teacher's seminary. St. Catherine’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Valka, Viewing Tower - 17 Rigas Street, the tower serves also as a viewing tower of town. Culture Park with an Open-Air Stage and the Sculpture “The Kokle Player” - the Pedele river runs between the stage and the audience. Eastern Orthodox christian Church - 14 Ausekla Street, completed in 2005. The building of former Valka railway station - 4 Poruka Street, beautiful red brick building, now almost in ruins. :::::::::::Valka Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Valka is a town in northern Latvia . It is the capital of Valka district . The town lies 164 km from Riga on the border with Estonia . Valka and the Estonian town Valga are actually one town, divided by Estonian/Latvian border. The border was marked out in 1920 by an international jury headed by British Colonel Tallents. With approximately 6500 people it is one of the smallest district centres in Latvia. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://wikitravel.org/en/Valka ::::::::::Ventspils Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see river Venta river Venta The city of Ventspils is located in the northwestern part of Latvia, by the estuary of the River Venta on the coast of the Baltic Sea, 189 km from the capital of Latvia Riga. The territory of Ventspils city is 55.4 km2, 38% of which is covered with forests, parks and watercourses. Judging by population, Ventspils is the sixth largest city in Latvia (44,085 residents in the beginning of 2004). Entertainment At sunny week-ends local residents and visitors of Ventspils like to walk down Ostas street along the River Venta; other popular places are the fountain “Boats of The Sun” and the tidy and modern city centre. During summers the most popular spot is the city beach, that has been awarded the Blue Flag. The city parks and squares are nice places for having a chat. Some people might love to have good time at the skate-park, but children gather at the Children’s Town (the Children’s Recreation park). Culture A lot has been done in Ventspils during the last years to develop a rich cultural life in the city. Different cultural activities of local and international significance regularly take place in the city. The regional Ventspils College has been created and the Old City, Ventspils Castle and other historical objects have been renovated. History Ventspils is one of the oldest cities of Latvia. The Castle of the Livonian Order, first mentioned in historical documents of 1290, is considered to be the first building in the present territory of Ventspils. Near the castle, that was built in an economically and strategically important place, the camp of the German colonists and later the city of Ventspils gradually formed. |
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these informations thanks to http://www.cedokitalia.com La vostra agenzia di viaggio per Praga - Budapest - Mosca e L'Europa dell'Est Cedok Italia Via G. Lanza, 105/A - 00184 Roma Email:cedok.it@adv.it |
| La capitale della Lettonia e’ una
delle piu' grandi citta’ del Baltico. La citta’ e’ situata alla foce del fiume Daugawa fu fondata nel 1201 dal vescovo tedesco Alberto, che vi pose la sua residenza missionaria. Grazie alla sua conveniente posizione geografica, Riga nel medio evo divenne un punto di transito e centro commerciale, tanto da divenire membro della Lega Anseatica e l’architetura di Riga Vecchia e’ completamente legata a quei tempi aurei. D’obbligo una visita alla Chiesa di St. Pietro, alla Cattedrale, al Palazzo delle Grandi e Piccole Corporazioni, alla Chiesa di St. Giacomo e alla restaurata Casa della Confraternita dei Frati Neri. Nella Citta' Nuova troverete invece la collezione piu' impressionante di arte liberty di tutta Europa; e soprattutto le piu' eccitanti serate di tutto il Baltico. Riga pullula di bar, ristoranti, discoteche, night clubs e casino’ sia nella Citta’ Vecchia che nella Citta’ Nuova e le serate non finiscono mai; e’ il luogo ideale per il divertimento e l’allegria. Ma nelle sue vicinanze Riga offre anche molte occasioni di visite culturali ed artistiche; come le rovine dei castelli medioevali di Sigulda e Turaida, la grotta di Gutman e il mausoleo della "Rosa di Turaida" o come il parco nazionale di Gauja con le sue misteriose leggende medioevali; e soprattutto la magnifica residenza estiva del duca di Curlandia a Rundale, signore dei mari con colonie lontane perfino in Tobago. |