Cēsis Church of the Transfiguration of Christ
Perched on the north-eastern cliff of Castle Park, the Cēsis Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Christ has roots tracing back to the 14th century. The idea to build a church for the Latvian congregation arose when a Latvian settlement formed near the Cēsis medieval stone castle, and St John’s Church could no longer accommodate all worshippers.
In the early 19th century, Cēsis New Castle and estate belonged to Count Karl Sievers, who in 1842 ordered the demolition of the remains of St Catherine’s Church. On its foundations, using stones from the old structure, he built the current Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration in Byzantine style, with walls of dolomite stone. The Gothic parish rooms of the former St Catherine’s Church remain fully preserved.
Inside hangs the painting The Resurrection of Christ, and the walls used to be adorned with works by Johann Köler. In the church garden lie the Sievers family tombs, former owners of the Cēsis estate.
The church is usually viewed from the outside.
Group visits must be booked in advance by calling +371 29608697.
