Rzekne

Rēzekne, anglicized as Rezekne, is a city in eastern Latvia, in the Latgale region. It is the administrative center of Rēzekne Municipality and one of Latgale’s largest urban centers. The city lies in the Latgale plain and serves as a regional economic, cultural, and educational hub.

The settlement has medieval origins. The Livonian Order established a fortress there in the 13th century, and the town received its first charters in the later Middle Ages. Over the centuries it belonged to different states and played a role as a local trade and administrative center. In the 19th and 20th centuries it developed industrially and culturally, and after Latvia regained independence in 1991 it continued to function as a key center in Latgale.

Population and culture: As of the early 2020s, Rēzekne has a population in the vicinity of tens of thousands. The city reflects Latgale’s diverse cultural heritage, with institutions dedicated to the arts, history, and language. Cultural life includes museums, galleries, and events that highlight Latgalian traditions and identity.

Education and economy: Rēzekne hosts educational and training facilities that serve Latgale, contributing to regional services and development. The economy is mix of public administration, education, services, and small-scale industry, with emphasis on regional needs and growth.

Transport: The city is connected by regional roads and rail networks, linking it with Riga, Daugavpils, and other parts of Latvia. These connections support commerce, commuting, and access to broader markets in the country.