Cesis is one of the most beautiful old towns in Latvia. With the ruins of the medieval castle and the park surrounding it, Cesis is full of romance. After many destructions and reconstructions, the current Cesis Castle dates back to the early 16th century. Wolter von Plettenberg, the then leader of the Livonia Knights, ordered the construction of new walls, moats and towers to strengthen the fortifications. Today, the beautiful park is still a venue for various concerts. Here, you can taste medieval cuisine, the city’s beer is brewed by the oldest brewery in the Baltic region.

Narrow, cobblestone-covered medieval-style trails still wind through the city, and ancient houses with brightly painted tile roofs are also covering every corner. In these winding courtyards, you will surely fall into deep contemplation of history.

Photos show the winter landscape in Cesis, Latvia. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)