"Daugavpils" Daugavpils by yumyum

Daugavpils Travel Guide: 57 reviews and 122 photos

Daugavpils was first mentioned in 1275 when the Livonian Order built a stone castle called Dinaburga 19 km from the today's city. The appearance of the present day Daugavpils began in the 70-ies of the 16th century. Polish, Russian and Swedish troops occupied the town over the years. In 1582 Daugavpils was granted the rights of a town. In the early 17th century the Jesuits came to settle here. The Jesuits were those who organized the first school in Latgale and arranged the first theatre performances in the town. Daugavpils became the administrative and economic center of Latgale. In 1772 Latgale, Daugavpils including, was incorporated into the Russian Empire. In 1811 the construction of a fortress, later used as prison, was started on the site of Daugavpils. In 1812 the fortress was attacked by the Napoleon troops. The further growth of the town occurred by developing territories round the fortress and outshirts of the town as well. The name of the oldest part of the town - "Vecâ forðtate" has been preserved to present days. South to the fortress there developed "Lielâ Forðtate" (Big Outskirts) which is the central part of the present-day city and whose major dominant is Riga street. In the second half of the 19th century Daugavpils became an important traffic hub. Daugavpils was connected with Petersburg, Riga, Warsaw, Orl, Ðiauliai by a network of railway lines; the Petersburg - Warsaw highway intersected the town and there was a route of small ships to Vitebsk. The city suffered badly in WWI as the front line went through there.

The name of the city has been changed several times. In the 13th-19th centuries it was known as Dinaburga, in the 17th century, for a short while, it was renamed Borisoglebska, on the change of the 19th-20th centuries it was given a name of Dvinska, but since 1920 its name is Daugavpils.

in the fortress

For further information check out:
www.daugavpils.lv

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:All you hear is Russian - was I really in Latvia?

Last visit to Daugavpils: May 2005
Intro Written Nov 23, 2006
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Reviews (13)

map of Daugavpils and surroundings - Daugavpils

Map What to Pack (1)

It's a good idea to bring a map of the city or to buy one at a kiosk. There is no map anywhere and make sure the map... more travel advice

University and theatre etc. Things to Do (7)

In the same street as the impressive university building (photo 1) is also a theatre (photo 2). On the third photo there... more travel advice

Russian Orthodox Church Things to Do (7)

This little church is quite an eyecatcher. It seems to be pretty new or maybe just newly renovated. It is near the... more travel advice

Old wooden houses Things to Do (7)

I was very surprised to see these Russian style wooden houses along the tram line. It made me think of the old wooden... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Shopping centers
Transportation (2)
See All By tram

Comments (13)

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matcrazy1 Mar 30, 2007 at 7:37 AM

Very interesting tips and pictures. Well, as for me, most of Latvia except Riga (quite different city) looks similar to Russia at first sight but people are different, I am sure.
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HORSCHECK Mar 11, 2007 at 8:50 AM

I prefer free maps ....before spending money on a map I prefer to get lost ... *verybigsmile*
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Trekki Feb 26, 2007 at 10:39 AM

Interesting town :-) I like the church - ahh, this blue colour ! And the little houses, but they would be a bit noisy with the train running along.
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bijo69 Jan 11, 2007 at 3:56 PM

Daugavpils definitely looks quite Russian... Unfortunately I won't have the time to visit it on my next trip...
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lotharlerch Dec 7, 2006 at 4:50 AM

Daugavpils seems to me even more Russian than Narva, maybe because there were here even quite some of them before 1940.
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bugulma Dec 7, 2006 at 4:08 AM

Beautiful city. It was in my travel plan but it is hard to have a Latvian visa :-) Interesting story of fortifications
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Mariajoy Dec 6, 2006 at 8:52 AM

Lovely little page Sonja! That church is so pretty :))
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Dec 4, 2006 at 4:11 AM

Hi Sonja! A very interesting page about wonderful Latvian city which was Russian and Soviet for a long time. I've never been there, but may be one day...
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Raimix Dec 1, 2006 at 4:27 AM

Nice small page! The city looks Russian, maybe not so special as Riga in Latvia, but I would like to see that fortress (maybe it was constructed the same time as in Kaunas). And RIMI shop ;) Greetings, Raimis.
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Gili_S Nov 27, 2006 at 12:19 PM

Lovely page. I think I might visit Latvia for the first time next year.