Rezekne

Rezekne — City in Latvia. Until 1917 and in 1944—45 Official Regulation . "Heart of Latgali", City built on seven hills.
Rezekne — One of the largest transport hubs in Latvia, as well as the economic, cultural and educational center of the country.

Rezekne is often referred to as the heart of Latgale. This seventh largest city of Latvia is located in the picturesque ancient valley on the banks of the River Rezekne.

For many millennia, this place has been survived by the finno-thieves tribes. At the beginning of our era, they were supplanted by a strong nation of landpash – Litgal (Latgals), whose culture for that time was extremely highly developed. In the 9th-12 century, Latgal Castle settled here, and in 1263 the region of Rezekne moved to the watchful attention of the Livonian Order, which in 1285 instead of the old castle built a new. The castle at that time served as the starting point of the Military Force Order in Battle with Russian and Lithuanians. After the war with Lithuania (1338 g.) when Latgale has become neutral for short time, in Rezekne as an administrative center of the region began to develop trade and arts. But very soon the castle of Rezekne was again drawn into battle (1437 g. and 1480.). During the Livonian War in 1577, the army of Ivan Grozny violated the contract and captured the castle, captivating defenders and destroying the settlement with the church.

After the fall of Livonia, Rezekne, being part of Poland, gradually kneaded. In 1590 there were only 14 houses there, and by the 18th century, only the ruins of the castle were witnessed. But already starting from the same 18th century, the development of the city went up. A year after the inclusion of Latgale, in Russia, Rezekne became the main city of the region. And in 1773 he received all rights and laws in person from Catherine II, which subsequently signed the act of building a city. In 1778, active construction began, and the life and rhythm of the small town changed radically. In particular, the highway of St. Petersburg-Warsaw (1836) and the railway (1861) were one of the jolts. Many residents of the city went to work in St. Petersburg and other cities, and the city itself, in turn, became one of the favorite places of guests of guests from Russia. The rapid increase in the number of residents began, most of whom were Jewish merchants with families. This is evidenced by the ratio of religious places in the early 20th century: on 11 Synagogue there were two Orthodox churches, and in one Catholic and Lutheran. There was here and an old supplementary chapel.

After building the Moscow-Ventspils railway line in 1904, Rezekne became a significant transport hub. The largest enterprises of the city at that time were repair shops and brewery.

During World War I, the Congress of Latvian Latvia was held in Rezekne, who decided to join Latgale to Latvia.

In the free state of Latvia, Rezekne gradually became the cultural center of Latgale. The city acted Latvian, Russian, Polish and Jewish gymnasiums, Private School, Vocational School, Pedagogical Institute and People’s University. Society actively developed its activity “Tautas Pils”, Latgale Theater, Latgale Museum just started to form. Residents of the city launched extensive construction. In the period from 1920 to 1935, 767 different buildings were elevated. About 800 trading enterprises worked here and 10 annual fairs happened.

World War II brought great destruction with them. Soviet aviation ruthlessly bombed the railway assembly, and as a result, 65% of buildings were destroyed.

In the post-war years, Rezekne grew rapidly, several states of state importance were built, Rezekne took the fifth position in the list of the largest industrial centers of Latvia. The total stream of workers has increased the number of Russians. In the 1980s, a somewhat significant for the city of objects was built in Rezekne, including Viaduct through the railway and a new hotel in the city center.