Liepāja

Liepāja is Latvia's third-largest city and a historic Baltic Sea port on the western coast, known as the city where the wind is born. It combines a long maritime and trading heritage with a strong musical identity, and in 2027 it serves as a European Capital of Culture alongside Évora, Portugal.

The city's history reaches back to the 13th-century settlement of Līva, later known as Libau. Under the Duchy of Courland and the Russian Empire it grew into a major port, shipbuilding centre and seaside resort, and its 19th-century fortifications, Art Nouveau buildings and wooden architecture still shape the streetscape today.

The former Soviet naval district of Karosta, in the north, is one of the city's most distinctive areas, with the gold-domed St Nicholas Maritime Cathedral, coastal forts and the Karosta Prison museum. In the centre, Rose Square, the lively Pētertirgus Market and the amber-hued Great Amber concert hall anchor cultural life, while the Follow the Notes walking route connects many landmarks.

Liepāja's long Blue Flag beach and seaside park make it a summer destination, while its symphony orchestra, festivals and year-round events attract cultural travellers. The port and industrial base continue to support trade, manufacturing and logistics, giving the city relevance for business visitors as well.

For both leisure and business travellers, Liepāja offers a compact, walkable alternative to the Baltic capitals, with a distinctive mix of maritime history, Soviet-era heritage, live music and a steadily growing cultural calendar.