Cities
Latvia Daugavpils Daugavpils Fortress

Daugavpils Fortress

About

Daugavpils Fortress is one of Latvia’s most impressive military complexes, a vast star‑shaped citadel built by the Russian Empire in the early 19th century to secure its western frontier. Completed around 1878, it never faced a major battle, yet its scale and preservation make it a rare example of intact fortification architecture. The fortress is laid out as a self‑contained town, with barracks, warehouses, parade grounds, and defensive ramparts forming a geometric system of bastions and moats. One of its most intriguing features is the Nicholas Gate, decorated with imperial symbols that survived shifting regimes. During the 20th century the site served variously as a garrison, prison, and military school, reflecting the turbulent history of the region. Today it houses the Mark Rothko Art Centre, linking the birthplace of the world‑renowned painter with the fortress’s atmospheric brick interiors. Visitors can explore its courtyards, tunnels, and long defensive lines, experiencing a unique blend of military heritage and cultural renewal.

Daugavpils Latvia
Daugavpils Fortress
Location

Daugavpils Fortress is a vast 19th‑century fortification on the western side of Daugavpils, a city in southeastern Latvia close to the borders with Lithuania and Belarus. It stretches along the Daugava River and forms almost a separate historic town with its own streets, ramparts and brick barracks. Within the fortress you will find the Mark Rothko Art Centre, the only place in Eastern Europe where you can see original works by the world‑famous abstract expressionist painter. The complex itself is popular for walks thanks to its star‑shaped earthworks, old gates such as Nicholas Gate, and atmospheric courtyards that recall its time as a Russian Imperial stronghold. Nearby, visitors can explore smaller museums such as the Museum of World War I “Pie Komendanta” and exhibitions in the former arsenal buildings. In the wider city you can also visit attractions like Latgale Zoo, riverside nature trails and the historic centre of Daugavpils, making the fortress an ideal starting point for discovering the region.

Rotko muzejs Rotko muzejs Museum Daugavpils Local History and Art Museum Daugavpils Local History and Art Museum Museum Shmakovka Museum Shmakovka Museum Museum Museum of the World War I “Pie Komendanta” Museum of the World War I “Pie Komendanta” Museum Medicīnas izstāde ar kontracepcijas ekspozīciju Medicīnas izstāde ar kontracepcijas ekspozīciju Museum Ceramic Laboratory Ceramic Laboratory Museum Daugavpils Theatre Daugavpils Theatre Theatre Martin Luther Cathedral Martin Luther Cathedral Church Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb Church Dubrovin Park Dubrovin Park Park Latgale Zoo Latgale Zoo Zoo Inženieru arsenāls Inženieru arsenāls Historical Landmark Ozero Strop Ozero Strop Lake