Liepaja, Latvia: the most detailed information about the city of Liepaja, main attractions with photo and description, location on map.
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City Liepaja (Latvia)
Liepaya is a city in southwestern Latvia on the Baltic coast. seas. It is the third largest city in the country and one of the most important Latvian ports. In addition, Liepaja is known as a resort. center, even though the conditions for rest here are a bit lag behind modern European standards. In Latvia, the city is often called the place “where the wind is born.” And, really, the wind with here the sea blows almost constantly.
Geography and climate
Liepaja is the most western city of Latvia, located between Baltic Sea and Lake Liepaja. Sea coast, in Mostly, this strip sandy beaches. The climate is temperate marine. In many ways, the weather here is determined by the proximity of the Baltic Sea. In the summer it is warm but not hot, in the winter there are slight frosts with frequent thaws. About 700 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Coast Baltic Sea in Liepaja
Story
The first mention of the fishing village at this place is dated 1253 year. The village was called Liva and was part of Livonian Order. At the beginning of the 15th century, it was plundered by Lithuanians. In the 15th century, the Amsterdam-Moscow trade route passes through the settlement. In the second half of the 16th century, Liva was pledged to the Hohenzollerns. and became part of Prussia.
During the Livonian War, the settlement was plundered by Swedish by the troops. At the beginning of the 17th century, Liepaja returns to Courland (former lands of the Livonian Order). In 1625, Liepaja received city privileges. The new city began to grow and develop rapidly, Having become one of the most important ports of Courland and trade centers of the region. After the end of the Northern War, Liepaja enters the composition of Poland.
In 1795 the city is part of the Russian Empire. In it time he is called libava. In this historical period of Liepaja It develops as a large port, a fortress and iron are built here. road. The city also turns into a major resort where rest the Russian nobility and members of the imperial family.
In 1919, Liepaja for half a year becomes the capital of Latvia. In 1941 year the city was captured by German troops.
How to get there
Liepaja is located 220 km from Riga. If you move by car, then there are two highways: A9 – from the capital of Latvia, A11 – from Lithuanian Klaipeda. By bus you can get from Riga (about 4 hours), Kuldīga, Ventspils, Klaipėda and some other cities. Railway communication – Riga and Jelgava. Nearest The largest international airport is located in the capital of Latvia. A ferry service connects the city with Travemünde, which is located in Germany near Lubeck.
Liepaja beach
Beaches and recreation
The swimming season lasts only a month and a half – from the end of July (early August) to September, because Baltic Sea is warming quite late. This should be considered when planning a vacation. The beaches are sandy. Recommended beaches are Vecliepaja and Dienvidrietumi with beautiful white sands that are located in the central and southwestern part of the city. Although there are several beaches in the north parts of Liepaja.
Sights of Liepaja
The sights of Liepaja are mainly concentrated in historical center. Although there is no place that can be called old town. Ancient wooden houses and art nouveau buildings scattered around the city center and its surroundings.
St. Nicholas Liepaja Cathedral
St. Nicholas Cathedral – Orthodox Cathedral, one of the main attractions of the city. Built according to tradition. Orthodox architecture of the 17th century. In the tab of the first stone and the first The service was attended by Emperor Nicholas II. Construction of the cathedral, nicknamed the sea, lasted from 1901 to 1903.
Church of sv. Annas
Church of sv. Anne – the oldest religious building Liepaja, built in the early 16th century. This is a gothic brick building with a high tower, a beautiful altar – a baroque masterpiece and one of The largest body in Latvia.
Church of sv. Joseph
Church of sv. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in the 19th century in neo-gothic style.
What else to see in Liepaja – interesting places
- Seaside Park, located near the central the beach.
- Luther Church, built in the first half of the 20th century.
- Old wooden architecture (in the Primorsky region parka).
- The house of artisans – products from amber.
- The ghost tree is a memorable metal construction in city garden.
- Rose Square and Chakste Square.
Video – Liepaja city
Maps and guides
Map of Liepaja with routes and Karosta