Kuldīga: The Historic Latvian Gem on UNESCO’s World Stage

Kuldīga is more than a well-preserved historical town—it’s a vibrant hub where the past inspires the present. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, it’s also home to extraordinary people, such as world-renowned piano maker Dāvids Kļaviņš, and projects like Kaļķu Street Quarter, where innovation thrives amidst history.

The UNESCO recognition: Why Kuldīga Stands Out

Kuldīga is a gem of Latvia’s western Courland region. Steeped in medieval history, the town has preserved its historical essence remarkably well. Narrow cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, and charming one-story houses transport visitors back to the 16-18th centuries, when the town was known as Goldingen. Its unique architectural heritage made it worthy of UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Today, Kuldīga pulses with new life while honoring its rich heritage. The old town, Venta Rapid—Europe’s widest waterfall, Baznīcas Street, and the arched red-brick bridge spanning the Venta River all contribute to the town’s picturesque charm. Kuldīga has consistently reinvented itself with care, creating a living history that continues to evolve.

So, what exactly makes Kuldīga’s historic charm not just a relic of the past but a living and evolving story still being written by the town’s inhabitants and visitors?

A Special Place Revived by Extraordinary People

“Working in Kuldīga means being part of a vibrant and creative community,” shares Roberts Jansons, the representative of Kaļķu Street Quarter. The quarter is a special place in Kuldīga, where artists, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and other specialists come together to create value for the city’s inhabitants and guests. Locals have transformed it from a neglected industrial area into a thriving hub of creativity, collaboration, and community.

“The city’s scale allows for close professional and personal connections that foster innovation. Kuldīga’s natural beauty and peaceful environment also provide a balance between work and leisure, which is essential for productivity and quality of life,” Jansons adds. In addition to representing the quarter, he is the COO of “Duna Brewery,” a craft beer company where visitors can explore the art and science of beer-making up close.

The quarter is also a home to “Klavins Piano” workshop and concert hall. Its creator Dāvids Kļaviņš is a world-renowned engineer of unique pianos famous for their design, quality and intricate sound. In an interview to the Latvian Radio 1 before his yearly “Kuldīga Piano” festival, Kļaviņš shared that moving his manufacturing site from Hungary to Kuldīga felt just right: “It’s the most beautiful place I have ever lived. In combination with the culture scene, which is very prominent and supported here in Kuldīga, I think coming home was the best decision I could have ever made.”

Want to feel like a part of that homecoming? Kuldīga’s thriving cafes and restaurants offer plenty of ways to soak up the town’s welcoming charm. Savor gourmet dishes in the cozy ambiance of Goldingen Room, or unwind at the rustic and bohemian Rezidence Kafe Venta, nestled by the picturesque Venta Rumba.

For lovers of fresh bread and hot beverages, a visit to Celms Maize, the local sourdough bakery, is a must. And don’t forget to take a piece of Kuldīga’s excellence, warmth, and beauty with you by visiting KUULD, a treasure trove of handcrafted ceramics, eco-friendly goods, Baltic amber jewelry, and other handmade souvenirs. These are just a few of the welcoming spots where you can taste—and take home—a part of Kuldīga.

Kuldīga’s UNESCO recognition highlights its unique historical and architectural value, but the town’s charm goes beyond its past. With a thriving cultural scene and a community that embraces creativity, Kuldīga is a place where history and modern life coexist, leaving a lasting impression on all who call it home or visit.