Latgale region

Latgale is located in the east of Latvia and borders with Russia, Belarus and Lithuania.

Latgale is very different from the rest of Latvia. Not only the people's mentality, language and traditions are different, but also the rugged terrain and the landscape diversity of Latgale.

Latgale also known as the "land of blue lakes", because here in the forests and grasslands, often invisible from the road, are hidden lakes, including the largest lake in Latvia – Lake Lubans (82.1 km2) and the deepest lake in the Baltics – Lake Dridzis (maximum depth 63 m), Ezezers with 36 islands and one of the clearest lakes in Latvia - Velnezers, famous for its distinct, Latvia native aquatic bluish-green water color.

Latgale region is rich with its varied culture, and nowadays it is distinguished by the fact that Latgale remains the region where one of the Latvian language dialects is still spoken daily -  "Latgale language".

Latgale is also Latvias centre of Catholicism with the city of Aglona. Each year August 15 pilgrims gather here to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited Aglona and held a Mass. 

The cultural heritage of generations is seen in many cathedrals and churches - Zilupe region Pasiene Roman Catholic Church (1761), originally built as a Dominican monastery church, In Kraslava region - more than 200 years old Indrica St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and Berzgale wooden church, which is one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia. By crucifixes at road junctions it is seen that religion confirms an important role in Latgale.

While in Latgale, visit the museum of bread in Aglona, where you will find extensive information on baking traditions. Taste fresh baked bread and have a cup of freshly prepared green tea. Enjoy the beauty of Latvian nature at Daugava River Valley Nature Park "Daugava" which stretches from the western border of Kraslava to Naujene a total of 120 km2.

We would say that as an unofficial symbol of Latgale, you can consider potter-made ceramics. In Latgale they are manufactured according to traditional processing techniques, and each potter has his own specific style.

The Latgale region administrative center is Daugavpils, which is the second largest city in Latvia, but Rezekne is known as the "heart of Latgale".

Latgale Planning Region includes – Aglona, Baltinava, Balvi, Cibla, Dagda, Daugavpils, Ilukste, Karsava, Kraslava, Livani, Ludza, Preili, Rezekne, Riebiņi, Rugaji, Varkava, Viļaka, Vilani and Zilupe regions.

The largest cities in Latgale are: Daugavpils, Rezekne, Kraslava, Preili, Balvi and Ludza.