Spanning the Daugava River, Jēkabpils is a historic Latvian city that lies roughly halfway between Riga and Daugavpils. The area is believed to have been inhabited since 1,000 BC and was once a bustling trade hub for the Latgalian tribe. Today, it’s home to a magnificent Orthodox church, an open-air rural museum and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Latvia.
Things to do in Jēkabpils
Topped by five ornate domes is the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, which was constructed in the late 19th century in a Byzantine style. It forms part of a monastic complex that includes the tiny Saint Nicholas the Miracle Worker’s Church. In 2008, a highly revered icon of the Virgin Mary of Jacobstadt was returned to the church, making it an important pilgrimage destination.
One of Jēkabpils’s most prominent architectural landmarks is Krustpils Castle, which was originally constructed by the Archbishop of Riga in the 13th century. It was renovated extensively throughout the years, with Baroque elements added in the 18th century. Krustpils Castle is now occupied by the Jēkabpils History Museum and its gateway tower offers panoramic views across the city.
On the other side of the Daugava River is the Selonian Courtyard, an open-air museum that comprises seven rural buildings collected from across the Augšzeme region. Wander between the grain barn, forge and windmill and admire the 19th-century farmhouse. In addition to showcasing the construction traditions of the Selonians, the museum hosts grinding, spinning and forging demonstrations.
Getting around Jēkabpils
Jēkabpils is around two hours’ drive from Riga and Riga International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Krustpils railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Jēkabpils can easily be explored on foot.