Cesis is one of top tourist destinations in Latvia, a town of high historic importance. It was once more or less a capital of Livonia, a medieval state in present day Latvian and Estonia. Among mahy sights the most important is the largest medieval castle in Latvia that is also much better preserved than most. Near it you can see 13th century Sveta Jana church. The old town is worth a really careful look. Local politicians are doing a lot for developing Cesis as a cultural centre, recently a concert hall was built. There are several impressive artictic events every year. It would be nice if they devoted similar attention to industrial development as Cesis has lost a significant part of the populationin post Soviet era due to limited employment opportunities.

Near Cesis there are two of the most popular down-hill skiiing places in Latvia - Zagarkalns and Ozolkalns. Few kilometres away from Cesis flows Gauja, the second longest river in Latvia that is the most popular boating route.