Cēsis Castle
Cēsu pils
Latvia · Vidzeme · Near Riga
Built 1214 · Livonian Gothic
This page is part of an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Cēsis Castle.
© Unsplash
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00. Closed Mon
- Day trip from
- €220
- Duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- May to September
- Nearest city
- Riga
Featured Tour
From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour
Cancellation available · Instant confirmation
Highlights
- ✦One of the largest and best-preserved Livonian Order castles
- ✦Atmospheric ruined towers and walls to explore
- ✦Candlelit medieval experience tours available
- ✦Adjacent 18th-century New Castle houses the Cēsis History Museum
- ✦Charming castle park and lake setting
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Cēsis Castle is one of the most significant and atmospheric medieval castle ruins in the Baltic states, its broken towers and red-brick curtain walls rising above the charming town that grew in its shadow. Founded by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1214 and later the seat of the Masters of the Livonian Order, Cēsis was among the most powerful fortifications in medieval Livonia. The castle was partially destroyed in the Great Northern War (1700–1721) and has remained a romantic ruin ever since. A unique feature of the visit is the candlelit interior experience: visitors receive a lantern and explore the darkened medieval halls by their own light — one of the most memorable castle experiences in the Baltic region. The adjacent 18th-century New Castle houses the Cēsis History Museum.
History
The castle was founded by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (later the Livonian Order) in 1214 as the stronghold of their Latvian territories. It became the seat of the Order's Masters from the 15th century and was repeatedly expanded. During the Livonian Wars (1558–1583) the garrison famously chose to blow up their own powder magazine rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible's forces. The castle was badly damaged in the Great Northern War and never fully rebuilt. The ruins became a romantic destination in the 19th century and restoration began in the 20th century.
How to Visit
Getting there: Cēsis is 90 km northeast of Riga on the A2 highway. Trains and buses run regularly from Riga (1–1.5 hours); the castle is in the town centre, a short walk from both stations.
Tickets: €8 adult / €4 child. The visit includes a hand lantern for the candlelit tower interiors — collect it at the entrance. The GYG Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour from Riga (t20482, from €220, 5.0★/42 reviews) is a 10-hour circuit covering all three Gauja Valley castles in a single day.
Practical tips: The candlelit tower experience — exploring the medieval interiors by lantern light — is the castle's defining feature and unlike any standard castle visit; allow time for it rather than rushing to the ruined walls. Cēsis itself is one of Latvia's most attractive old towns; combine the castle visit with a walk through the town centre before or after. Closed Mondays.
Combine with: [Sigulda Castle](/castles/latvia/sigulda-castle) and [Turaida Castle](/castles/latvia/turaida-castle), 30 km south in the Gauja Valley, make the classic Latvian day trip — all three are Livonian Order castles at different stages of ruin and restoration, and the GYG tour covers all three. [Koknese Castle](/castles/latvia/koknese-castle) extends the Gauja Valley medieval circuit further south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors are given a hand lantern to carry as they explore the unlit medieval tower interiors, creating an atmospheric and slightly eerie experience unlike any standard castle visit.
Location
Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, LV-4101, Latvia
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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From
€220/ person