Latvia Latgale

Daugavpils is a city in southeastern Latvia, located on the banks of the Daugava River, from which the city gets its name. Daugavpils literally means "Daugava Castle". It is the second largest city in the country after the capital Riga, and has a favorable geographical position as it borders Belarus and Lithuania. Daugavpils is a major railway junction and industrial center. The city is surrounded by many lakes and nature parks. It is also known for its overwhelmingly Russian-speaking population. Its main attractions are the eponymous castle, St. Boris and Gleb Cathedral, Regional Studies and Art Museum, Garden of Sculptures, ‪and more.

Rezekne is a city in the Latgalia region of eastern Latvia in Rezekne River valley, also known by the nickname The Heart of Latgalia. Built on seven hills, it is located at the intersection of the Moscow – Riga and Warsaw – Saint Petersburg Railways, and is the 7th largest city in Latvia. A Latgalian hill fort is known to have existed at Rezekne from the 9th to the 13th centuries, until its destruction at the hands of German crusaders of the Livonian Order. In 1285, the knights built a stone fortress on the site, which is today known as Rezekne castle ruins. Other attractions include Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral and the great historic center.

Ludza is a town in the Latgalia region of eastern Latvia. Ludza, the oldest town in Latvia, was first mentioned in Russian chronicles dating to 1173 or 1177. In 1399 the Livonian Order built a stone fortress atop an older Latgalian fortress and used Ludza as an eastern outpost in Livonia. Ludza Castle ruins can be visited nowadays. Other attractions include Ludza Castle, Ludza Catholic Church, the Craftsmen Center, and the Local History Museum.