Karlamuiza Country Hotel

Hidden in Noble Silence

 

The Cēsis Castle complex includes the ruins of the Livonian Order Cēsis Castle (German: Ordensburg Wenden), the New Castle of Cēsis, and Park. It is a romantic spot, surrounded by history, and great for leasuring. The Cēsis Castle complex is located 10 km from the Kārļamuiža Hotel, and you can buy excursion tickets when reserving a room or at the hotel.

Livonian Order Cēsis Castle Ruins

Alongside the Cēsis New Castle, the ruins of the Livonian Order castle are among the most significant cultural-historical sites in the Eastern Baltics. The Livonian Rhymed Chronicle states that Cēsis Castle was built by Wenno, the first Master of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (1204 - 1209). Historians believe that Cēsis Castle was built in the period between 1209 and 1214. For a long time, Cēsis Castle served as the residence of the Masters of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Commanders of Cēsis, as well as the centre for managing the extensive territory. During the Middle Ages, the Livonian Order castle was one of the most significant bases in the Baltics for the Livonian Confederation, while they are now the most impressive castle ruins in Latvia. The heart of the castle consists of four long halls and three towers built around a square central courtyard. The castle takes up the territory of approximately 60 x 60 m. The courtyard, paved in boulders, contained the castle well, while a two-storey gallery stretched along the halls of the fortification. The castle was constructed of pale local dolomite stones. The city of Cēsis (Wenden) soon grew around the medieval castle.

Cesis New Castle and Park

One of the Cēsis Castle forebuildings was rebuilt in the 18th century to create the Cēsis New Castle and Manor. The Cēsis Manor building and New Castle, along with the picturesque park, represent ten centuries of Baltic cultural history, each with their era, historical atmosphere and message for today and the future. The New Castle was restored between 2007 and 2012, regaining its authentic appearance as well as an exhibition installed in the building. Within the Castle complex, you can view the restored and reconstructed 18th and 19th-century interiors. Guided tours of the Cēsis Castle complex are available in Latvian and other languages.

The flag of Latvia comes from Cēsis

It is deemed the flag of Latvia comes from Cēsis. The medieval Rhymed Chronicle of Livonia ( Livländische Reimchronik) tells about the battle that took place around 1279 in which ancient Latvian tribe Letts from the city Cēsis went to war, bearing a red flag with a white stripe in the middle.

Working Times

Livonian Order Cēsis Castle Ruins
May 1st – September 30th
Every Day
10:00 -18:00

October 1st – April 30th
Monday - Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 10:00-17:00
Sunday - 10:00-16:00

Cēsu History and Art Museum exhibit at the New Castle of Cēsis
May 1st – September 30th
Every day, excluding Mondays
10:00 -18:00
October 1st – April 30th
Monday - Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 10:00-17:00
Sunday - 10:00-16:00


Cēsu History and Art Museum exhibit at the New Castle of Cēsis
Monday - Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 10:00-17:00
Sunday - 10:00-16:00

Ticket prices:
Castle complex (Medieval Castle, New Castle & Museum):

  • Adults - € 5.00
  • Pupils, students, pensioners (presentation of identity cards) - 2.50 €
  • Families (2 adults with children under 16) - € 9.00

Tickets can be booked through the hotel reception.