Cēsis – Latvian Capital of Culture 2025!
This will be collection of significant national and international events throughout
the year with the motto – “Culture in minds, castles, and yards.”
News
By keeping the publicly stated promise to implement the cultural program prepared for the European Capital of Culture 2027, the people of Cēsis and its parishes will carry out an extensive cultural program and will shine as the Latvian Capital of Culture in 2025.
Cēsis Star Path
The stars of Cēsis are its people!
It is important to look, to see, and to notice the thousands of visible and invisible,
misunderstood, and unheard stars that shape Cēsis today. These stars are every resident of Cēsis.
Each star here is unique. They shine, illuminate, and form the community we talk about! There are big stars and very small ones.
We are a true galaxy, a real Star Path!
cēsis
a place where several hundred Latvian and international cultural events will be held in 2025.
Throughout the year, the events will be based on five thematic pillars, addressing both local and international issues and challenges:
democracy, education, environment and climate change, renewal, and the excellence of the Cēsis region.
Why does Cēsis
need this?
Cēsis is not only one of the oldest but also one of the most traditionally Latvian cities
Rich in picturesque natural landscapes and historical landmarks, it embodies an intriguing spirit of antiquity and modern self-confidence. Both Cēsis and the Cēsis region are among the biggest attractions for travelers in Vidzeme. Throughout the year, people visit Cēsis who appreciate history and cultural heritage.
Cēsis – it’s a celebration
The Cēsis Art Festival’s contemporary art exhibitions, medieval battles during the Medieval Festival, and summer evening concerts at the Castle Park stage. Cēsis, one of Latvia’s most beautiful small towns, entices visitors in summer with the pristine nature of the Gauja Valley, a medieval atmosphere, and modern art. In winter, it invites guests to the largest skiing center in the Baltics, renowned for its diverse trails and longest runs in the region.
Since the late 19th century, Cēsis has been known as a center for art, culture, and recreation.
Currently, Cēsis remains a significant cultural and artistic center both regionally and nationally. The cultural landscape of Cēsis is influenced by its rich cultural heritage, which includes the medieval Cēsis Castle and the preserved street network and architecture of the Old Town.
People
You are at the heart of our team!
You, who wants to get involved,
give advice,
contribute to the journey of Cēsis’ stars.
Team
inga.cipe@cesunovads.lv
inara.bula@cesunovads.lv
elina.riemere@cesunovads.lv
inese.zagorska@cesunovads.lv
kristine.timermane@cesunovads.lv
zane.neimane@cesunovads.lv
aleksandrs.abramovs@cesunovads.lv
egita.zarina@cesunovads.lv
inga.cipe@cesunovads.lv
inara.bula@cesunovads.lv
elina.riemere@cesunovads.lv
inese.zagorska@cesunovads.lv
kristine.timermane@cesunovads.lv
zane.neimane@cesunovads.lv
aleksandrs.abramovs@cesunovads.lv
egita.zarina@cesunovads.lv
Culture in
minds, castles,
yards
Cēsis – Latvian Capital of
Culture in 2025
Events
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cēsis Museum and the beginning of the Latvian Cultural Capital 2025 year, the exhibition “Consolation” by Polish artist Laura Makabresku will open on February 6, 2025, at 16:00 PM at the Cēsis Museum.
Laura Makabresku is a laureate of several prestigious art photography competitions. Her works have been exhibited in Venice, the USA, Canada, France, Belgium, Poland, and other locations, as well as published in numerous international art magazines.
“What is consolation for me? It is closeness, listening to silence, the gift of beauty and hope, a prayer for someone I may not even know, yet I deeply believe that one day we will meet. This consolation would not exist if I had not first received it from God’s hands,” says the artist. In creating her works, she draws inspiration from silence, Orthodox icons, and magical realism literature. Through her art, viewers can experience the deeply personal yet universally significant revelation of earthly existence.
The exhibition invites visitors on a spiritual journey, where the interplay of physical sensations and the influence of a transcendent, omnipotent force can be experienced. The spiritual dimension unfolds as a fragile yet powerful space beyond boundaries, filled with silence, peace, and trust.
The exhibition will be on view until March 31.
The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Ogre Museum of History and Art.
Supported by the Cēsis Municipality and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Latvia.
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Contemporary music from Berlin arrives in Cēsis with a concert program centered around Latvian composer Jānis Petraškevičs’ work “That Which Was Here Before”, written for two percussionists and ensemble. The piece is dedicated to percussionists Guntars Freibergs and Juris Āzers, the ensemble unitedberlin, and conductor Vladimir Jurowski. Its world premiere will take place at the Konzerthaus Berlin, followed by the Latvian premiere in Cēsis.
The program also features works by Anton Webern, Pierre Boulez, and other contemporary composers.
Founded in 1989, unitedberlin symbolizes the renewed connection between musicians in the formerly divided Berlin. Since then, the ensemble has performed at major music festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including Warsaw Autumn, Venice Biennale, Milano Musica, Steirischer Herbst, Berliner Festwochen, Slowind in Ljubljana, and the Tehran Contemporary Music Days, alongside its regular performances in Berlin.
Since the early 1990s, unitedberlin has collaborated with internationally acclaimed conductor Vladimir Jurowski. Under his artistic advisory leadership from 2015 to 2019, the ensemble was in residence at Konzerthaus Berlin.
Vladimir Jurowski is the chief conductor of the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, artistic director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, and one of the most highly regarded conductors in the world.
For several years, Latvian percussionist Juris Āzers has been a member of unitedberlin. The upcoming concert in Cēsis marks the third program he and Guntars Freibergs will present as resident artists of the “Cēsis” Concert Hall.
This exhibition by Miķelis Fišers presents a unique artistic exploration of humanity, identity, and perception. Through abstract and conceptual works, Fišers delves into the psychological and existential themes of what it means to be human, often challenging the boundaries between reality and imagination. The title, “The Blind Humanoid Stories and Soul Traps,” hints at a dystopian, surreal narrative where characters and themes are entangled in metaphysical questions, urging viewers to reflect on their own consciousness and emotional entrapments.
Miķelis Fišers is one of Latvia’s notable contemporary artists, and his new exhibition at the “Cēsis” Concert Hall offers a surreal and philosophical journey through art. The exhibition will be open until April 6.
As part of his songdreaming album tour, the widely beloved British singer-songwriter Sam Lee returns to Latvia for a special concert in Cēsis.
Sam Lee is one of the most fascinating figures in the UK music scene. A Mercury Prize-nominated artist, he is a creative and original arranger, folk music interpreter, passionate environmentalist, song collector, and event curator. His music is hypnotic yet ancient, noble yet joyous, romantic yet witty – all at once.
His artistic approach transcends the boundaries between traditional and contemporary music, challenging conventional notions of where and how folk music should be performed. His distinctive voice has helped bring new appreciation for the depth and relevance of ancient songs in today’s world.
His latest album, songdreaming – a critically acclaimed, powerful, and deeply moving work – takes his artistry to a new level.
“I wanted to sing a vision of what a conversation between us and the land could be. To restore immersion in nature through songs that bring healing – something we need now more than ever. When we stop singing to the earth, the earth stops singing back,” says Sam Lee.
In 2021, he published his debut book, The Nightingale: Notes on a Songbird, which explores the endangered bird’s cultural, folkloric, musical, and literary significance throughout history. Sam is also a radio and TV presenter and film soundtrack composer.
Saturday, February 15
Start at 11:15 AM from Cēsis Station Square
Cēsis – Latvia’s Cultural Capital 2025! The year will be filled with outstanding national and international cultural events under the theme “Culture in Minds, Castles, and Courtyards.”
Join us for a special cultural excursion!
Discover the rich history and vibrant contemporary art scene of Cēsis on this exciting cultural journey.
Take the train and meet us at Cēsis Station!
What to Expect?
Guided Tour – explore the historical and contemporary cultural sites of Cēsis.
Cēsis Exhibition Hall – view the paintings of Naumovs and Raudiņa, as well as the unique crafts of Drabeši Craft House.
World Latvian Art Center – discover works by Latvian artists from around the world.
Multimedia Exhibition “Living Paintings” at Rucka Manor – experience an interactive and immersive art display.
Rediscover Cēsis and immerse yourself in culture!
Route length: 3 km
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum group size: 8 participants
Price: 25 EUR per person (includes guided tour and entrance fees)
Registration:
Phone: +371 29109965
Email: cesisinside@gmail.com
Join us and embark on a cultural adventure in Cēsis! 
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What to see
and what to do in Cēsis?
Contacts
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and be part of the Cēsis Star Path adventure!