What to See in Ludza, Latvia: Free Audio Guide

Ludza is a small lakeside town in Latvia’s Latgale region, where a mix of Catholic, Lutheran, and Jewish heritage shapes its quiet streets and scenic surroundings. Visitors come to see the medieval castle ruins, the historic wooden synagogue, and the town’s two historic churches, all set among the Great and Small Lakes. Neywo offers a free audio guide for Ludza with 4 narrated places.

Exploring Ludza’s highlights

Ludza Castle

The remains of Ludza Castle sit on a hill between the Great and Small Lakes. What you can see today are fragments of a medieval fortress built in the fourteenth century, including two tower walls and part of the outer wall, with one section rising through three levels. The castle once served as an auxiliary fortress for the Rēzekne fogt and now stands beside the Catholic church in the town centre, offering a striking viewpoint over the lakes.

Ludza Synagogue

On 1. maija Street stands the Ludza Synagogue, also known as Ludzas Lielā sinagoga. Built around 1800, it is the oldest surviving wooden synagogue in the Baltic region and one of the oldest in Europe. After serving the local Jewish community until the Second World War, the building was renovated and opened as a Jewish Museum in 2016, preserving the history of Judaism in Ludza and the surrounding area.

Church of the Assumption

Located at Baznīcas Street 54, the Church of the Assumption (Ludzas Jaunavas Marijas debesīs uzņemšanas Romas katoļu baznīca) is a prominent Roman Catholic landmark in Ludza. Its position in the town’s centre makes it a familiar sight for anyone walking between the castle hill and the synagogue.

Lutheran Church in Ludza

The Lutheran Church on Latgales Street is one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in Latgale. Situated at 116/23 Latgales Street, the church had eighteen registered adult members and a pastor named Artis Petersons in 2006. It remains an important part of the region’s religious heritage.

Discover Ludza with Neywo

Neywo’s free audio guide for Ludza includes one walking tour: “Ludza: Latgale’s Oldest Town, from Castle Hill to the Wooden Synagogue.” The route covers 0.78 km, takes about 31 minutes, and stops at four narrated places—the Church of the Assumption, Ludza Castle, the Ludza Synagogue, and the Lutheran Church. As you reach each stop, the app tells the story of that site, allowing you to explore at your own pace with no group and no schedule. You can enjoy the guide in 11 languages, all available at no cost.

For more on the surrounding area, see the Latgale region page or the Latvia country page, and consider visiting nearby towns such as Rezekne or Daugavpils.