The Commandant’s Garden is located at the heart of the Daugavpils Fortress, forming one of the most atmospheric spaces within this nationally protected architectural and urban heritage site. Historically, this area served both as a parade ground and a recreation space for fortress’s soldiers, while today it is a historic park that unites military heritage with a scenic, carefully restored environment.

Following its restoration completed in 2026, the garden has regained its historical charm and become an inviting place for walks, relaxation, and exploring the history of the fortress. Several significant heritage sites can be found here, including the fountain‑monument, the wooden gazebo, and the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of the 10th Aizpute Infantry Regiment of the Latvian Army’s Zemgale Division (1924).

A fountain‑monument forms the centrepiece of the garden, operating daily from 10:30 to 23:00 and bringing a distinctive atmosphere to the space throughout the day and into the evening. For visitors’ convenience, the garden also features a drinking water fountain.

History
The Daugavpils Fortress Garden has been developing since the early 19th century, when a parade ground stood in its place. Over time, it gradually transformed into a green, landscaped park featuring a fountain, a network of pathways, a wooden gazebo, and decorative plantings. In the early 20th century, several monuments were installed, and during the interwar period the garden became a popular gathering place, hosting military orchestra concerts and even a winter skating rink.

Despite the changes brought by the post‑war years, the garden preserved its historical character. In 2024–2025, it underwent a comprehensive restoration, reviving its original layout and landscape.

In 1924, a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the 10th Aizpute Infantry Regiment and the 1st Latvian Riflemen Battalion was solemnly unveiled. Designed by architect Vilhelms Rīmers, it stood as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles for Latvia’s freedom. After the Second World War, the monument was destroyed and significantly altered, but in 2017 it was fully restored, returning it to its historical appearance.

A fountain has stood at the centre of the Fortress Garden since the mid‑19th century. The original structure was richly adorned with sculptures, lion heads and angel figures. In 1912, it was replaced by a monument‑fountain dedicated to the Russian Empire’s victory over Napoleon I’s French Empire in the War of 1812. Its composition features a granite pedestal, three cast‑iron cannons and a water basin enclosed by a chain fence. Over the decades, the fountain suffered damage and various alterations, but during the 2024–2025 restoration it regained both its historical appearance and its original operating system.

The wooden gazebo of the Daugavpils Fortress was most likely built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Designed in an eclectic style and adorned with rich woodcarvings, it originally served as a place for leisure and social gatherings. During the interwar period, the pavilion regularly hosted performances by the Zemgale Division’s military orchestras. Over the course of the 20th century, the structure underwent several alterations, losing part of its original decorative elements. In 2023, a restoration project was developed to return the pavilion to its historical appearance.

The Daugavpils Fortress Garden is home to more than 200 trees, with the most common species being Dutch linden, small‑leaved linden and Norway maple. One of the garden’s most valuable features is the well‑preserved alley of Dutch lindens along its perimeter, where the trees reach an impressive age of 120–140 years. Around the central square, several old horse chestnut trees also continue to grow, adding to the garden’s historical character.

The restoration of the Commandant’s Garden was carried out by the Daugavpils City Municipality as part of a European Union–funded project to preserve and revitalise one of the fortress’s most significant historical sites.

Photo: Archive of the Daugavpils Fortress Visitor Centre

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Mežciems Park is a place for walking and relaxation in the historic sanatorium area in the Mežciems neighbourhood, which is situated on the picturesque banks of the Daugava River. The park is located 8 km from the centre of Daugavpils.

About Mežciems Sanatorium
The history of Mežciems Sanatorium began in 1883, when the Poguļanka water and kumis healing resort was opened on the banks of the Daugava River. Its founder was Count Jan Kazimierz Jozef Plater-Zyberk (1850-1922), owner of the Līksna estate. Since then, Poguļanka (the name of the area until 1937) has been known as a health resort.

The healing resort used a special drink called kumis, made from mare’s milk, therapeutic mud taken from the nearby Trikartu lakes, and mineral water. Kumis was made on site in Poguļanka, where 90 mares were kept specifically for the production of mare’s milk, which was poured into large baths to be turned into kumis.

In 1886, the Count established a steamboat route between the city and the resort.

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a large water, mud, and air baths building, a kumis and kefir “institution”, an eye clinic, its own pharmacy, library, theatre, and much more. A well-maintained park was established for walks in Poguļanka, which was lit by electric lamps in the evening hours, as the resort had its own power station.

The early 20th century until World War I was the golden age of the resort, both as a health institution and as a magnificent and well-equipped place for recreation and entertainment. At that time, two steamboats and a motorboat already ran from Dinaburg to Poguļanka. Concerts and theatre performances featuring famous European artists took place here, as well as grand receptions hosted by Count Plater-Zyberk with balls and festive dinners.

After World War I, the resort was closed for a long time. The war had severely damaged the medical buildings and summer houses, and the situation was further affected by the agrarian reform that began in 1920, which meant that the Plater-Zyberk family lost the Līksna estate and extensive lands, including the resort.

In 1937, Poguļanka was renamed to Mežciems. In 1939, the building of the sanatorium was renovated. It had 27 rooms, where therapeutic mud and other procedures were carried out. People came to Mežciems for treatments from various cities in Latvia.

However, further development of this place was interrupted by World War II. From 1947, the sanatorium began treating tuberculosis patients and organising pioneer camps, and from 1959, it began treating patients with cardiovascular diseases. In the early 1990s, the Mežciems Sanatorium was closed.

The sanatorium territory today
Currently, the Mežciems Park territory is cleaned. The park is a great place for peaceful walks, exploring history, and enjoying nature. The historic sanatorium building and adjacent buildings, which can be viewed from the outside, give the strolls along the park paths a special atmosphere. The park offers a beautiful view of the Daugava River, making it a good place to enjoy nature in peace and silence. It is advisable to visit the park during daylight hours, as it is not illuminated in the evening.

How to get there:
From the city centre, take bus No. 4, No. 5, or No. 21. Get off at the “Mežciems” stop. For information about public transport, visit the page www.satiksme.daugavpils.lv.

Source:
Grīnuma, I. 01.07.2022. Kumisa un dūņu dziedinātāva Poguļanka (Kumis and mud healing centre Poguļanka). Illustrated World History. Retrieved here [viewed on 21.08.2025].
Photos from the archives of the Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum.

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A river-bank promenade was created on the right bank of the River Daugava alongside the fortress citadel in 2021. The total length of the promenade is around 1 kilometre, it goes on the upper level of the protection dam around the fortress.

The promenade begins in the place of a harbour where boats and floating bridge parts were kept in the 19th century, and ends near the historical water outlet where water is gathered from the entire citadel protective moat. It is possible to see the Fortress model in the harbour territory. In the central part of the promenade, everyone can see the original round-stone pavement that used to cover the whole protective dam and the passage till the floating bridge. Here also one of the historical wells is renovated that was used to pump water to the fortress water-main in the 19th century.

The fortress promenade is a great place for leisurely walks, to view fortress fortifications on both banks of the River Daugava, as well as to enjoy sunsets and slow flow of the river. A car and bicycle parking spot is available at each end of the promenade.

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Subate Lake Park is a favorite recreation place of inhabitants of Subate and guests during the summer season. Children will enjoy a playground, while adults can work out in the outdoor gym.

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Music Square in Esplanade Rest Park is a place for rest and walks in Daugavpils. The central theme of this recreation and walking area is the sounds of music in an urban environment. This is very symbolic, as the Square is located directly opposite Staņislavs Broks Daugavpils Music Secondary School.

There are various music instruments placed in the open air that allow to both hear and feel the music in its various forms. There are 10 different musical instruments – drums, xylophone, tube bells and other interesting objects.

People in this unusual place may witness how music is born, and also create a beautiful melody. Both those who are familiar with music, and those who are just beginning to get familiar with the diverse world of sounds can make sure of the sound quality: sheet music is placed on the instruments in order to help to reproduce world-famous compositions even for the youngest music lovers.

In addition to musical instruments, benches and waste bins, information signs and stands are placed in the Square. There is also a bicycle parking place. The area is designed in such a way that it is convenient for parents with prams and people with disabilities.

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Jaunsvente park was built in the end of 19th century. Park’s area is 5.22 hectares and there are 27 different species of trees, the most interesting of which are the Erman’s Birch (lat. Betula ermanii) and the Hungarian lilac (lat. Syringa josikaea).

In the territory of the park there is a World War II cemetery. In the vicinity of the park there is Sventes Manor, built in 1912, and the Military Vehicle Museum.

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Lielais Stropu Lake – the largest water body in Daugavpils, located 8 km from the city centre, attracts a large number of holidaymakers in the summer season. There is a 3,3 km long promenade along the shore of the lake. By walking along the promenade from the Central Beach to the left, you can reach the beach “Stropu vilnis”, where the adventure park “Daugavpils Tarzāns” and a camping site are located. The promenade along the lake goes to Daugavpils Regional Hospital and ends in Vecstropi neighbourhood.

The promenade is a 4.5 m wide asphalt path with separate lanes for pedestrians, roller skaters and cyclists and is illuminated at night. Bicycle racks and benches are installed along the entire promenade.

The main feature of the recreation area in Stropi are the two open-air swimming pools floating in the lake, located on the Central Beach. They are part of a unique pontoon structure comprising a 25-metre-long outdoor pool, jumping tower, children’s pool with integrated depth limitation base, relaxation area with umbrellas and sun loungers. The central beach is divided into zones. There are grilling areas and tables. There is an equipped children’s playground, beach volleyball court, parking, toilets and changing rooms. The beach offers a wide range of entertainment and recreation opportunities: summer cafe, electric scooters, electric bikes and go-karts rental, sports equipment rental for surfing. There is a fountain on the Central Beach.

The promenade of Stropu Lake is also accessible for people with limited mobility because of the pavement, which is lined at one level. In addition, a special recreation and swimming area has been created on the Central Beach for people with special needs.

There is a Stropu Forest next to the lake, Open Air Stropu Bandstand and Active Rest and Sports Track.

The most convenient way to go to Central Beach is by private car, tram No. 3 or No. 5 (get off at the “Stropu ezers” stop) or bus No. 3 and No. 12 (get off at the “Internātskola” stop).

Central Beach can also be reached by bicycle if you follow the regional cycle route No. 35 “Daugavas Loki”. The cycle route is marked with appropriate signs along the entire length. A bicycle parking rack is available at the beach.

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On the right bank of the Daugava River, in the vicinity of Gayok district the Bruģu Street promenade has been built.  It is aimed at giving the streets a new, functional look and meaning. After completion of the Bruģu Street promenade, Daugavpils city acquired a new, facilitated area for strolling and enjoying the splendour of nature.

The promenade on Bruģu Street is located in the street section from 18. Novembra Street to Ūdensvada Street, as well as on Dzirnavu Street  from Bruģu Street to Vidus Street, forming a 1.2 km long promenade along the Daugava River. Pedestrian and bicycle lanes have been built along the entire promenade, a new road surface has been laid, rainwater drains and street lights have been installed. Railings, several benches and bicycle stands have been installed along the entire promenade for the safety of pedestrians. Also,  greening has been carried out, as well as outdoor workout equipment for active recreation has been provided.

In order to make the promenade visually attractive, drawings with historical motifs of Gayok district have been created on the long concrete wall, replacing the old graffiti drawings on the fence along the adjacent companies.

The author of the sketches is Inguna Levsa, the chief municipal artist, who encouraged a group of artists-enthusiasts to create those wall drawings. Drawings occupy only a small part of the promenade wall. It is likely that in the future it will be supplemented by new drawings.

It took a year to complete the construction of the Bruģu Street promenade. The construction work was carried out by road construction company SIA “Binders”. Most of the funding for Bruģu Street revitalisation project was obtained from the ERDF.

Photo: Road Construction Company SIA “Binders “, Olga Kuzmina, daugavpils.lv, visitdaugavpils.lv

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Located between Rigas and Parades Streets. The development of the park was actively supported by Pavel Dubrovin (1839–1890), who was the city mayor from 1876 to 1890. The park was named after its creator, and not far from the fountain there is a monument to Pavel Dubrovin – a bronze figure, about 2 m tall (by Alexander Taratynov, 2007). Another feature of the park is a memorial for the Soviet Army soldiers that was erected in Soviet times. Dubrovin Park is the favorite rest and recreation place for local residents. In the sultry heat of summer nothing is more pleasant than to feel the refreshing coolness of the fountain, while in the evenings one can admire a fantastic play of water and light.

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Located near the bus station. The park designed by Selecky was developed on the site of residential blocks completely destroyed during the Second World War. This modern park with numerous flower beds and plants is a real jewel in the heart of the city. Playground for children and chess club are placed in the park. The Bench alley and the Tree of Love were placed here in 2012. The city Ice Palace is located right next to the park.

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It was founded in the second part of 19th century. It is located opposite Unity House (Vienības nams). In 20-ies of the 20th century there was built a beautiful fountain according to the design of sculptor A. Veinbah. In the square it is situated the bust of poet Andrejs Pumpurs, the Russian Orthodox Chapel of Alexander Nevsky, the monument to the innocent victims of the Communist terror.

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Manor was formed in the 19th Century for the Polish noblemen’s Mole family at the present centre of the village Viski. Mole family was owners of 18 manors with 4,000 hectares of land back then. The manor was burnt  in 1863 during the Polish rebellion and restored in 1878. After First World War it was destroyed for the second time.

Nowadays has remained only barn and a reorganized manor house (later – servants house) there Viski Agricultural College previously was located. Also free planning park with around 75 trees and shrub species has been preserved from the 19th Century.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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In 1999, a walking path was made by the inhabitants of Liksna village, every year this path is been extended. Everybody can see different creations made of stone, metal and wood while walking the path as well as find out that this path rode a horse Polish national hero – Emilia Plater, who used to live in Liksna in 19th century. Emilia because of her lifestyle and character was always compared to Joan of Arc. A portrait of Emilia Plater which was drawn by Sandijs Greiškalns is kept in a library of Liksna parish. In the park of Liksna manor a historic architectural monument – the chapel of Liksna manor, is located.

The park of Liksna manor is very popular among newlyweds. Thanks to LMT (mobile communication company) and a craftsman – Valērijs Konstantinovs, a new design object was put in the park in 2015 – “The Tree of Love”. Since then newlyweds can put a lock on it as a symbol of being unseparable during all their life.
Moreover, in Liksna village it is possible to get acquianted with village’s local history, visit inspiring church, enjoy different activities in the park and visit local craftsmen.

Entry fees:
Entrance to Liksna manor park is a paid service for tourist groups which includes guide services.

Available to visitors every day.

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There is 3 ha large park of free planning with more than 14 different kinds of exotic trees and plants just in front of Chervonka castle. Nowadays the greenery is substantially augmented. In front of the palace there is a wide circle of grass, on the edge around the leaflets – flowers.Pebbles are planted near the road.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

Address: Cervonka, Vecsaliena parish, Daugavpils district (Červonka, Vecsalienas pagasts, Daugavpils novads)

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The park in Medumi is located near Medumi lake. In the park you can see a great variety of plantation – ashes, oaks, lindens, elms, scarlet dogberries, Daugava hawthorns, European spindles, balsam firs, European larches, Colorado sharp spruces etc.

Medumi Park is a popular place for relaxation – this is place for fishing and relaxation on the beach of Medumi lake, which is also available for people with reduced mobility. In the park is located 2 km long trail, which crosses the “Bridge of Love” and runs along the First World War trenches and the basement of the manor.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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The Park was landscaped in a 19th Century in English style by the count Plater-Zyberk – he decide what kind of style the park should be. Area: 8,5 hectare, pond: 0,21 hectare.

21 tree and brush species are found in the territory of the park – both local and foreign. There are many ash, oak, lime, willow, elm, black alder and cherry trees.The pride of the park is the Big Oak-Tree. In the East is situated an avenue of trees, the rare “Moltke” (lime), are found infrequently in the parks of Latvia.

There are many historical buildings – part of the old manor and horse stables, were adapted for school needs in 1919. Nowadays there is a secondary school. Museum for the first awakening servants of Latvia – Skrinda brothers is located in one of the manor houses.

There is equipped recreation area in the park.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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Jezupova (Juzefova) Manor Park was built in the 19th century in Dutch style and until the end of the 19th century there was also a manor here. Nawadays only a small part of the park, which contains more than 100 different species of plants, has survived. Initial name of the Park was “Hofzumberg” that in translation from German language means “house on mountain (hill)”. In the end of the 18th century the Park was renamed to Jezupova Park. The manor house was built by the owner, B. Shahno, as a model of the castle seen in the vicinity of Paris. Currently, only the foundations of the manor house can be seen. The former baron  horse stables is the only building which survived to this day.

Majority of tree species in this park, like in other manor parks, are very special. The unique atmosphere of the Jezupova Park is made up of Swiss pine, Cork-barked elm and white poplar. The rare snail – Isognomostoma isognomostomos is found in the Park, and the surroundings are the only place in Latvia where this species lives. From Jezupova Park flows a spring, the water of which supposedly has healing property.

In Southeastern part of the Park there is 82cm long, 46cm wide and 10cm high grey boulder, on the flat surface of which there is carved cross. According to narration of the nanny of Bogdans Shahno, the last Count of the manor, a tragic incident of 1922 is connected with the cross stone. Two youths (manor’s maid and a stableman) were preparing for the wedding. But the old Count desired the maid and didn’t allow her to wed. The maid put on the wedding dress and jumped out of the window, thus putting an end to herself. The groom couldn’t undergo the death of his lass and hanged himself in the Park. Manor’s people in that place located a boulder and carved a cross in it.

Freely available to visitors every day.

Free of charge.

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Special well-equipped rest park is located in picturesque place on the bank of the Daugava River on the territory of Daugavas Loki Nature Park. It is possible to organize a wide range of activities in the park. There are children’s playgrounds, outdoor grills, tables, terraces, benches etc. Several tourist groups can visit the park at the same time. There are unique objects in the rest park that are constructed as a fortress. Tourists will be given the opportunity to learn about interesting and mysterious history of the creation of the park.

Opening hours:
Every day 10 am – 10 pm

Park entrance fee:
4 € per person
people with disabilities 2 €
children under 7 – free

Renting a pavilion:
first hour – €30
every subsequent hour – €10
the use of a charcoal grill and firewood is included in the price

Park visiting rules:
* The entrance to the park by car is NOT ALLOWED.
* Animals are NOT ALLOWED.
* Garbage leaving in the park is NOT ALLOWED.
* During closed events park visit is NOT ALLOWED.
* Every visitor has to keep the ticket until the end of a visit of the park.
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE!

Address: “Nitisi-13”, Naujene parish, Daugavpils district (“Nitiši-13”, Naujenes pagasts, Daugavpils novads)

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