In 60 seconds
Situated on the banks of the winding Daugava River in southeastern Latvia, Daugavpils is the proud cultural capital of Latgale and the country's second-largest city. Renowned internationally as the birthplace of abstract expressionist master Mark Rothko (born Marcus Rotkovich in 1903), the city is home to Eastern Europe's only permanent exhibition of original Rothko masterworks, housed in the restored artillery arsenal of Daugavpils Fortress. This vast 19th-century bastion fortification—the only early 19th-century fortress of its kind in Eastern Europe that has survived without significant alterations—features monumental earthen ramparts, stone casemates, and imperial Russian gates. In the city centre, the famous Church Hill (Baznīcu kalns) gathers cathedrals of four distinct faiths—Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox and Old Believer—side by side, testifying to Daugavpils' multifaceted multicultural heritage.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You seek coastal sandy beaches or medieval German castle ruins; Daugavpils is an imperial fortress city with strong Eastern Slavic and Latgalian roots.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Daugavpils fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
World-class art institution in the fortress arsenal exhibiting original Rothko paintings and contemporary Baltic art
An extraordinary cultural pilgrimage to view authentic Rothko originals in the city of the abstract master's childhood.
Europe's only almost fully intact early 19th-century imperial bastion fortress with ramparts, moats and tsarist gates
Stroll along the immense earthen bastions and enter the Nicholas Gate to explore a self-contained imperial military citadel.
Unique architectural ensemble where Martin Luther Cathedral, Immaculate Conception Church, Boris and Gleb Cathedral and Old Believer Prayer House stand together
A symbol of Baltic spiritual coexistence where bells from four distinct Christian traditions ring across the same square.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Stylish contemporary restaurant in the city centre blending modern European gastronomy with Latgalian produce
Creative Latgalian dining featuring slow-roasted pork belly, local forest mushrooms, and cottage cheese desserts.
Atmospheric historical cellar pub serving traditional Latgalian and Baltic comfort food with local draft beers
Descend into the brick arches for potato pancakes, smoked pork sausage, and hearty bowls of barley stew.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Bright café located inside the Rothko Art Centre offering speciality coffees, herbal infusions and artisan pastries
The ideal post-exhibition pause for fresh filter coffee and berry cheesecake surrounded by gallery posters.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Artist residences and boutique hotel suites located directly within the historic fortress arsenal grounds
An unforgettable stay inside the imperial fortress ramparts, steps away from Rothko's galleries.
Central hotels within walking distance of Unity Square, parks, tram routes and restaurants
Convenient for evening strolls along the pedestrian promenade and access to the central railway station.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The Livonian Order erects Dinaburg Castle on the Daugava, which later moves downriver to the present site.
Tsar Alexander I constructs the massive fortress to defend the Russian Empire against Napoleon's invasion.
World-renowned painter Mark Rothko is born in Daugavpils (then Dvinsk) before emigrating to America in 1913.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Protected valley preserving eight picturesque ancient meanders of the Daugava River with wooded bluffs
Climb the Vasargelišķi wooden observation tower for a sweeping panoramic view over the primeval river bends.
