Rēzekne

Known as the heart of Latgale, this city features the striking modern Gors concert hall, the Latgale Culture and History Museum, and the ruins of a medieval castle mound. The Māra of Latgale monument stands as a symbol of the region's identity and faith.

Things to do

• Gors Concert Hall — Attend a concert or film at the Eastern Latvia Concert Hall, the region's premier venue for music and culture.
• Māra of Latgale Monument — Visit the iconic statue symbolizing Latgale's faith and freedom, a beloved gathering point in the city center.
• Rēzekne Castle Mound — Explore the ruins and hilltop of the medieval Livonian Order castle overlooking the Rēzekne River.
• Latgale Culture and History Museum — Discover regional ceramics, history, and the famous Latgalian pottery traditions in this well-curated museum.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral — Admire the striking Catholic cathedral reflecting Latgale's strong religious heritage.
• Stroll along the Rēzekne River — Walk the green riverside paths that wind through the heart of the city.
• Zeimuļs Creative Services Centre — See the eye-catching modern eco-building with grass roofs that hosts youth activities and events.

Food to try

• Latgalian ceramics-baked dishes — Traditional local food often served in the region's distinctive hand-thrown clay pottery.
• Kļocki — Latgalian potato dumplings, a hearty regional comfort dish often served with sour cream or bacon.
• Šmakovka — Traditional Latgalian moonshine, a strong home-distilled spirit celebrated as a symbol of local identity.
• Grey peas with bacon — A classic Latvian dish of stewed grey peas with fried onions and bacon, popular across Latgale.
• Rye bread with honey and curd — Dense dark rye bread paired with local honey and fresh cottage cheese, a rural staple.
• Berry and mushroom dishes — Forest-foraged mushrooms and berries feature heavily in local seasonal cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Latgalian language lives here — Locals often speak Latgalian, a distinct regional tongue, alongside Latvian and Russian.
• Catholic traditions run deep — Latgale is strongly Catholic, so respect church etiquette and expect religious festivals like Aglona pilgrimages nearby.
• Pottery is a point of pride — Latgalian ceramics are a renowned craft, making handmade pots and dishes ideal authentic souvenirs.
• Multicultural mix — Rēzekne blends Latvian, Russian, Polish, and Belarusian influences reflected in its food, festivals, and daily life.

Nearby

• Rāzna Lake — 20 km
• Ludza — 24 km
• Aglona — 47 km
• Aglona Basilica — 47 km