Daugavpils is Latvia's second-largest city, lying in the south-east of the country close to the borders with Belarus and Lithuania. It is a place where several cultures meet, and visitors tend to notice this in the mix of languages, churches, and everyday life around the city.
The fortress and the Rothko Art Centre
The city's best-known landmark is the Daugavpils Fortress, a 19th-century military complex counted among the best-preserved of its kind in the Baltic region. Its thick earthworks and brick structures give a clear sense of the scale of imperial defence works. Inside the fortress is the Mark Rothko Art Centre, which draws art lovers from across the region. A visit to the fortress and the centre together makes a full half-day or more, and it suits anyone interested in military architecture as well as modern painting.
A city of many influences
Daugavpils reflects a layered heritage. Latvian, Russian, Polish and Jewish influences all remain visible, in the city's language, religious buildings, food and local customs. For visitors, this makes the city feel different from the capital, Riga, and gives a sense of Latvia's eastern side.
Planning your visit
- Set aside time for the fortress grounds as well as the art centre.
- Allow time to walk through the wider city and see its mix of architecture and cultures.
- Consider it as a stop in the south-east of Latvia, especially if you are travelling near the Belarusian or Lithuanian borders.