As the pearl of the Baltic Sea, Latvia has long served as a crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage. Below, our editors will introduce ten must-visit tourist attractions in Latvia for those interested in Latvian immigration.
Rundāle Palace
One of the most prestigious architectural landmarks in Latvia, this building features typical Baroque and Rococo styles and was constructed in the 18th century. It once served as the summer residence for Ernst Johann von Biron, the Duke of Courland and Semigallia. The palace is luxuriously decorated and filled with countless oil paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, porcelain, glassware, silverware, and many other artifacts. Rundāle Palace features a 10-hectare rose garden with over 2,600 varieties. Every year, it hosts early music festivals and Baroque gardening festivals.
Old Riga
Old Riga showcases traces of over 800 years of history. Among its diverse churches, the Riga Cathedral is world-renowned for its massive pipe organ, while St. Peter's Church is the tallest church in Riga. Other notable sites include the Riga Castle, the Great Guild Hall, and the Small Guild Hall.
Aglona Basilica
A late Baroque-style building from the late 18th century, featuring two towers reaching 69 meters in height. It houses a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. Its most famous masterpiece is the 17th-century Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. Every year, tens of thousands of Catholics gather here.
Jūrmala Seaside Resort
A popular seaside town on the Baltic Sea, also known as a health resort. It features vast sandy beaches and seaside bathing areas, serving as a destination for recuperation. It is home to a research institute for balneology.
Gauja National Park
Covering an area of 917 square kilometers, this is the largest national park in Latvia. Here, you can go boating, rafting, cycling, horseback riding, bird watching, or simply take a stroll. The park is home to over 900 species of plants, nearly 150 species of birds, and nearly 50 species of animals, all of which beckon nature lovers. The national park also contains castles, museums, and manors, with famous gorges located at Zvārte and Ērgļi.
