Kaponieris

The Daugavpils Fortress is located on the right bank of Daugava, in the western part of the city of Daugavpils. This is the only fortress of the first half of the 19th century in Northern Europe, which has survived almost unchanged. Construction began in 1810, shortly after which it suffered in the war of 1812 and the floods of 1829. The fortress was a place of strategic importance, including in the fight against Napoleon’s army. Consecrated in 1833, the fortress was completed almost half a century later, in 1878. The Daugavpils Fortress is divided into quarters, with the Parade Square located in the central part. Later the fortress lost its strategic importance and a warehouse was set up in it in 1897. Before World War I, Latvian Army officers, including General Jānis Balodis and Colonel Frīdrihs Briedis, served in the Daugavpils Garrison. In honour of the centenary of the war of 1812, a monument was unveiled in the fortress park in 1912. Army units were stationed here during the Soviet era, and the Daugavpils Higher Military Aviation Engineering School was established. The fortress features several tourist attractions, including the Daugavpils Fortress Culture and Information Centre (trips around the Daugavpils Fortress are available), World War I Museum, Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre, the White Horse art gallery, a medical exhibit displaying contraceptives, the Housevintage antique shop, the Daugavpils Bat Centre and the ‘Retrogaraž-D’ exhibit of retro cars.

Daugavgrīva Fortress (entry from Birzes street) is located on the Daugavgrīva Island where Buļļupe river joins the Daugava river. The fortress was built in the 17th century to defend from enemies moving in the direction of Riga, which was an important administrative, trade and production centre. Later it became the main fortification of the Latvian Army coastal defence with several support points. This defensive fortification system is one of the most valuable objects of Latvia's military heritage. This fortress has witnessed Latvian military history. For example, during the Crimean War (1853-1856) Latvian and Estonian gunboat crews were trained here. The main objective of these units was to protect local ports and the coast from attacks by the British navy. During World War I Daugavgrīva militiamen companies were formed here. These were the first Latvian combat units, which came even before the Latvian Riflemen. Nowadays it is possible to see the territory of the fortress. ‘Komētforts’ and the Seaside Nature Park are located nearby and Mangaļsala fortifications are on the other side of the Daugava river.

The Karosta is the largest historical military territory in the Baltics and occupies almost one third of the entire territory of Liepāja. The Karosta is a unique compound of military and fortification buildings on the shores of the Baltic Sea with a special meaning in the history and architecture of Latvia and the world. The Karosta features such military heritage sites as the North Pier and forts, the Redan, Karosta Prison, Karosta Water Tower, St. Nicholas Orthodox Maritime Cathedral, Oskars Kalpaks Bridge and others.

Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.

The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. The Red Army bunker has been restored in the park.

One of the types of weapons during World War II was the "Katyusha" rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even now these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.

In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.

Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.

The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. One of the types of weapons was the Katyusha rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even after the end of the 2nd World War, and these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.

This unique forest park, shrouded in secrets and legends, was created at the end of the 19th century as the Aizvīkai Manor Park, when the baron of the manor von Korff covered the nearby hilly land with a pine and spruce forest. Later, walking paths were laid on the 40 ha area, trees of other species were also planted and a pheasant garden was established.

In addition to the picturesque forest landscapes, there are also fairy-tale and fairy-tale figures made of wood, as well as stone sculptures, which tell travelers about events from the history of Aizvīkai and mark the cultural and historical places in the park. A Green Class has also been created in the park.

In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.