Liepaja history

The history of Liepaja is rooted in deep antiquity. The settlement is first mentioned in historical documents in the year 1253 under the name Līva in a land division treaty between the Bishop of Riga and the Livonian Order. The name likely derives from the local Līva River or the Livonian word "liiv", meaning "sand".

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant city was facilitated by its unique geography: the city emerged on a narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepaja. A natural harbour at the river mouth created ideal conditions for shipping, while its advantageous location allowed for the control of maritime routes, promoting the export of grain, timber, and amber. A decisive stage was receiving city rights in 1625, when Friedrich Kettler, Duke of Courland and Semigallia, signed the charter granting these privileges.

Initially, Liepaja developed as a modest fishing village inhabited by Curonians. However, in the 17th century, under the aegis of the Duchy of Courland, a true economic flourishing began. A canal was dug connecting the lake to the sea, which allowed for the creation of a full-fledged port. This event attracted artisans and merchants, definitively shaping the city's image as a bustling trade centre with strong Western European cultural influence.

• 1253 — First documentary mention of the settlement named Līva in a land division treaty between the Bishop of Riga and the Livonian Order.
• 1625 — Duke Friedrich Kettler of Courland grants Liepaja city rights, giving a powerful boost to trade development.
• 1697 — Start of large-scale works to deepen the port and dig a canal connecting Lake Liepaja with the Baltic Sea.
• 1795 — The Duchy of Courland becomes part of the Russian Empire, after which the city begins to develop as a major export port.
• 1871 — Opening of the Liepaja–Romny railway line, transforming the city into a major industrial and transport hub of the region.
• 1899 — Launch of the first electric tram in the Baltic states, a line that functions to this day.
• 1903 — Consecration of St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral, which became the architectural dominant feature of the naval port (Karosta) under construction.
• 1919 — Liepaja becomes the temporary capital of Latvia for six months, hosting the Provisional Government aboard the steamship "Saratov".
• 1964 — The first music festival "Liepājas dzintars" ("Liepaja Amber") took place, securing the city's status as a capital of rock music.
• 1997 — Creation of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to attract international investment and develop the port.
• 2015 — Grand opening of the multifunctional concert hall "Lielais Dzintars" ("Great Amber"), which became a symbol of the city's modern architecture.
• 2022 — Liepaja is officially selected as the European Capital of Culture 2027.

Key Stages of Liepaja's Development

The development of Liepaja is a story of the transformation of a small fishing settlement into a modern European city with unique architecture and powerful economic potential. Each era has left its mark on the urban landscape and cultural code.

• Creation of the Seaport (1697)

  The digging of the canal connecting Lake Liepaja with the sea became a turning point in the economy. This turned the city into a full-fledged seaport capable of receiving large merchant vessels. It was from this moment that Liepaja began to establish itself as a key export hub of the region, which attracted merchant capital and contributed to population growth.

• Railway Boom (1871)

  The opening of the Liepaja–Romny railway connected the ice-free port with the fertile lands of the interior provinces. This event triggered an industrial revolution in the city: metalworking plants and factories began to open, and the volume of grain and timber exports reached record levels, making Liepaja one of the wealthiest cities in the region.

• Construction of the Naval Port — Karosta (Late 19th Century)

  By decree of Alexander III, the construction of a grandiose naval base began, which essentially became a "city within a city". This led to unique urban planning changes: monumental cathedrals, a riding hall, and red brick residential quarters appeared. Today, Karosta is a unique monument of history and architecture, attracting thousands of tourists.

• Launch of the Electric Tram (1899)

  Liepaja became the first city in the Baltic states to launch an electric tram. This was not just a transport solution, but also a symbol of technological progress and the high standard of living of the citizens at the turn of the century. The tram line remains an important part of the city's identity.

• Birth of a Musical Capital (1960s)

  With the inception of the "Liepājas dzintars" festival, the city acquired the unofficial status of Latvia's rock music capital. This formed a special cultural image of Liepaja as a city of freedom and creativity, where "the wind is born". Musical traditions form the basis of modern tourist appeal.

• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (1997)

  A crucial stage in recent history, allowing for the transformation of old industrial and military infrastructure into modern business parks. The SEZ attracted foreign investment, revitalised the port, and gave impetus to the development of logistics and manufacturing in a market economy.

• Opening of the "Lielais Dzintars" Concert Hall (2015)

  The construction of the futuristic "Great Amber" building became a symbol of Liepaja's final transformation into a modern cultural centre of European standing. This project not only changed the city centre skyline but also allowed for hosting world-class events, stimulating event tourism.

Liepaja's Architectural Mosaic

The urban appearance of Liepaja was formed under the influence of its status as an ice-free port and a popular resort. Here, ancient wooden summer houses, monumental brick buildings of the imperial era, and bold modern projects coexist harmoniously. A special role in creating the unique face of the city was played by the chief architect Paul Max Bertschy, who worked here for over 30 years at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Wooden Architecture (17th–19th Centuries)

The oldest layer of development, preserved in the historical centre and the seaside zone. This is the heritage of an era when the city developed as a trade hub and a retreat for the aristocracy.

• Style: Vernacular wooden style, often with elements of a Swiss chalet.
• Characteristic features: Cosy houses with carved decor, glazed verandas, turrets, and shutters.
• Landmark objects: The Kungu Street (Kungu iela) quarter, where the "House of Peter I" (Madame Hoyer's Hotel) is located — one of the oldest buildings in the city, as well as the summer cottage architecture in the Seaside Park area.

Brick Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

A period of rapid economic flourishing linked to industrialisation. Liepaja was actively built up with red brick, which became its architectural calling card.

• Style: Neo-Gothic, Eclecticism, Northern Modernism (Jugendstil).
• Characteristic features: The use of red brick combined with granite and plaster, expressive roof silhouettes, bay windows, and corner towers.
• Landmark objects: The building of the Liepaja State Gymnasium No. 1, residential houses on Graudu Street, and villas on Peldu Street designed by Bertschy.

Military Architecture of Karosta (Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries)

A unique district built as an autonomous naval base (Port of Alexander III). Urban planning here was subordinate to military needs but was distinguished by imperial scale.

• Style: Historicism, Neo-Byzantine style, utilitarian brick architecture.
• Characteristic features: Strict regular layout, massive red brick barracks, and majestic religious structures.
• Landmark objects: St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral — the architectural dominant of the district with golden domes, as well as the Riding Hall complex and the Water Tower.

Modern Architecture (21st Century)

Today, Liepaja integrates futuristic objects into the historical environment, which become new symbols of the city and emphasise its cultural ambitions.

• Style: Expressionism, High-tech.
• Landmark objects: Concert hall "Lielais Dzintars" ("Great Amber"). This monolithic orange building without right angles symbolises amber frozen in time and serves as the centre of cultural life in the region.

Distinguished Figures of Liepaja

The history and culture of Liepaja are inextricably linked with the names of talented people who were born here or dedicated their lives to the city. From architects who created the unique look of the streets to modern world-class athletes — these personalities shaped the character of the "city where the wind is born".

• Paul Max Bertschy (1840–1911)
  Chief City Architect

  He held the post of chief architect of Liepaja for over 30 years. It was he who created the unique architectural appearance of the city, designing many red brick buildings that are today the calling card of Liepaja. Among his works are the City Council building, the gymnasium, and luxurious villas in the Seaside Park.

• Mirdza Ķempe (1907–1974)
  Poet and Translator

  A native of Liepaja and a People's Poet of the Latvian SSR. Her lyric poetry is permeated with love for her native city and the sea. Ķempe made a significant contribution to Latvian literature not only with her own poems but also with translations of world classics.

• Ēvalds Rimbenieks (1888–1943)
  Statesman, Mayor of the City

  He led the city council during the period of Latvia's first independence (1922–1928, 1934–1940). Under him, Liepaja actively developed as a resort and cultural centre: a conservatory and opera theatre were opened, and the health resort was improved. He played a key role in modernising the city's infrastructure.

• Austra Pumpure (1928–2017)
  Musician and Educator

  A legendary performer of songs who became a symbol of the bard movement in Latvia. Her activities raised a whole generation of musicians known as "Austrini". She was closely associated with the Liepaja Theatre and popularised the songs of another famous Liepaja native — Imants Kalniņš.

• Imants Kalniņš (born 1941)
  Composer

  One of the most significant composers in Latvia and an honorary citizen of Liepaja. His work ranges from symphonic music to rock. It was in Liepaja that he founded the legendary rock group "2xBBM" and became one of the initiators of the "Liepājas dzintars" festival, cementing the city's status as a musical capital.

• Māris Verpakovskis (born 1979)
  Footballer

  Born and started his career in Liepaja. He became a legend of Latvian football by scoring the decisive goals that took the Latvian national team to the 2004 European Championship — the highest achievement in the history of national football.

• Kristaps Porziņģis (born 1995)
  Basketball Player

  A Liepaja native who became an NBA star. His success attracted international attention to Latvian basketball. Kristaps actively supports his hometown by investing in the development of Liepaja's sports infrastructure.