Cēsis: A Journey Through Time and Nature

• HelloSveiki
  [Sveh-kee]
• GoodbyeUz redzēšanos
  [Ooz red-zeh-sha-nohs]
• YesJā
  [Yah]
• NoNē
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeLūdzu
  [Loo-dzoo]
• Thank youPaldies
  [Pahl-dyess]
• Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet
  [Aht-vai-no-yet]
• How are you?Kā jums klājas?
  [Kah yooms klah-yahs]
• Fine. And you?Labi. Un jums?
  [Lah-bee. Oon yoohms]
• Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angļu valodā?
  [Vai yoos roo-nah-yat ahng-loo vah-loh-dah]
• I don't understandEs nesaprotu
  [Ehs neh-sah-proh-too]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs vēlētos redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu
  [Ehs vay-leh-tohs red-zeht ay-dyehn-kahr-tee, loo-dzoo]
• I don't eat meatEs nēēdu gaļu
  [Ehs neh-eh-doo gah-loo]
• Cheers!Priekā!
  [Pryeh-kah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu
  [Ehs vay-leh-tohs sah-mah-ksaht, loo-dzoo]

• Help!Palīdzību!
  [Pah-lee-dzee-boo]
• Go away!Aizej prom!
  [Aee-zay prom]
• Call the Police!Sauciet policiju!
  [Sow-tsee-et poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Sauciet ārstu!
  [Sow-tsee-et ahr-stoo]
• I'm lostEs esmu pazudis
  [Ehs ehs-moo pah-zoo-dees]
• I'm illMan ir slimība
  [Mahn eer sleem-ee-bah]

• I'd like to buy...Es vēlētos nopirkt...
  [Ehs vay-leh-tohs noh-peerkt]
• I'm just lookingEs tikai skatos
  [Ehs tee-kai skah-tos]
• How much is it?Cik tas maksā?
  [Tsik tahs mahk-sah]
• That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgs
  [Tahs eer pah-rahk dahrgs]
• Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varat pazemināt cenu?
  [Vai yoos vah-raht pah-zehm-ee-naht tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Cik ir pulkstenis?
  [Tsik eer poolk-steh-nees]
• It's one o'clockIr viens pulkstenis
  [Eer vyens poolk-steh-nees]
• Half past (10)Pusdesmit
  [Poos-deh-smeet]
• MorningRīts
  [Reets]
• AfternoonPēcpusdienā
  [Pehch-poos-dyeh-nah]
• EveningVakars
  [Vah-kahrs]
• YesterdayVakar
  [Vah-kahr]
• TodayŠodien
  [Shoh-dyehn]
• TomorrowRīt
  [Reet]
• 1viens
  [vyens]
• 2divi
  [dee-vee]
• 3trīs
  [treess]
• 4četri
  [cheh-tree]
• 5pieci
  [pyeh-tsee]
• 6seši
  [seh-shee]
• 7septiņi
  [sehp-tee-nyee]
• 8astoņi
  [ahs-toh-nyee]
• 9deviņi
  [deh-veen-yee]
• 10desmit
  [dehs-meet]

• Where's a/the...?Kur ir ...?
  [Koor eer]
• What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?
  [Kah-dah eer ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat mani parādīt (uz kartes)?
  [Vai yoos vah-raht mah-nee pah-ra-deet ooz kahr-tes]
• When's the next (bus)?Kad būs nākamais (autobuss)?
  [Kahd boos nah-kah-mah-ees ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilete (uz ....)
  [Bee-leh-teh ooz]

Cēsis, known as Wenden during the medieval period, was founded in 1206 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. This military order played a significant role in the Christianization of the Baltic region and the establishment of fortified settlements.

Construction of the Cēsis Castle began around 1214 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. The castle served as a stronghold for the order and later became the residence of the Livonian Order's master. It is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Latvia, with a rich history of sieges and battles.

During the Livonian War, Cēsis Castle was besieged by the forces of Ivan the Terrible in 1577. The defenders, unable to withstand the onslaught, chose to blow up the castle's gunpowder reserves, resulting in a massive explosion that killed both the defenders and many of the attackers.

In the early 17th century, Cēsis came under Swedish rule as part of the Livonian territories. The Swedish period brought significant administrative and social reforms, and the town flourished as a regional center.

The Great Northern War (1700-1721) saw Cēsis affected by battles between Swedish and Russian forces. The town and its castle suffered considerable damage, marking the end of its medieval prominence.

Cēsis played a crucial role in the fight for Latvian independence during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920). The Battle of Cēsis in June 1919 was a decisive victory for the Latvian forces against the German Landeswehr, bolstering the momentum for Latvia's eventual independence.

Cēsis is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous events and festivals celebrating its history and traditions. The annual Cēsis Art Festival and Medieval Days are popular attractions that draw visitors to experience the town's vibrant cultural scene.

Today, Cēsis is a thriving town that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with modern development. The town's well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into Latvia's past.

Cēsis is located in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Riga, the capital. The nearest international airport is Riga International Airport. From Riga, you can take a direct bus or train to Cēsis, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses are operated by several companies, while trains are managed by Latvijas Dzelzceļš (Latvian Railways). Both options provide a comfortable and scenic journey through the Latvian countryside.

Cēsis is a compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the town and connect Cēsis to nearby locations. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is an option, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who enjoy cycling.

The official currency in Latvia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cēsis. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the town, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed.

Cēsis is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas. It is advisable to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Cēsis, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital and medical facilities in Cēsis are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for any minor health issues or over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your head and dress modestly when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Labdien' (Good day). A handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisines and accept food offerings with gratitude. Don't refuse hospitality as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Cēsis like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Latvian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the town's rich history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Cēsis Castle and the Cēsis History and Art Museum. For a unique experience, take a walk in the Gauja National Park, which offers beautiful natural landscapes and hiking trails.