Ventspils is a city in northwestern Latvia in the historical Courland region of Latvia, and is the sixth largest city in the country. It is situated on the Venta River and the Baltic Sea, and has an ice-free port. The city’s name literally means “”castle on the Venta””, referring to the Livonian Order’s castle built alongside the Venta River.
Ventspils developed around the Livonian Order Ventspils Castle, built along the Venta River. It was chartered in 1314 and became an important mercantile city of the Hanseatic League.
As part of the Duchy of Courland, Ventspils blossomed as a shipbuilding centre. 44 warships and 79 trading ships were built in the town, and it was from Ventspils that the Duke’s fleet set out to colonize Gambia and Tobago. Metal, amber, and wood-working shops also became important to the city’s development.
Today Ventspils is a family and recreation friendly city. Ventspils is a city that surprises with its diversity and contrasts. Here you can technologically advanced factories and modern port infrastructure, while, at the same time, the streets are filled with blooming flowers and colorful sculptures of cows. The city’s fountains glisten in the sun, children’s voices and laughter fill the playgrounds, and the paved roadways of the city quietly invite you to take unhurried walks.