Cēsis is one of the most important cultural and historical cities in Latvia’s central region of Vidzeme. It nestled in a picturesque location, with lengthy, diverse and enduring cultural traditions. A disproportionately large number of prominent Latvians – including composers, artists, sculptors, poets, writers and others – come from Cēsis and its surrounding region.

Cēsis’s enterprising inhabitants have been striving hard – and successfully – to place their small city on the cultural map of Europe. For example, Cēsis’ memorable, 800-year anniversary celebrations were included in UNESCO’s 2006 calendar of significant cultural events.

One of the city’s most important annual events is the Cēsis Art Festival: the largest professional art festival in Latvia, which has been recognized as a nationally significant, cultural venue. Since its inauguration in 2007, the art festival has drawn an ever increasing number of participants and viewers. From academic music and opera performances to contemporary, avant-garde visual arts exhibitions, the festival’s calendar is replete with numerous, interesting events. With the number of cultural tourists rising every year in this fine city, Cēsis’ name is gaining widespread recognition on the international culture scene.