Cēsis Historic City Cemetery Receives Unique International Recognition

Cēsis (known as Võnnu to Estonians) historic city cemetery has been inscribed on the list of significant European cemeteries, becoming the first and only cemetery in Latvia to receive such international recognition. The honour was bestowed by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE).

The Latvian city of Cēsis (known to Estonians as Võnnu) had reason to be proud on Tuesday: the city's historic cemetery has been inscribed on the list of significant cemeteries compiled by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE). This makes it the first and, to date, the only Latvian cemetery to achieve such international recognition.

The announcement was made by Latvian Radio on 30 June 2026. Inclusion on the ASCE list means the cemetery is recognised as a place of cultural and historical significance on a European scale.

Cēsis historic cemetery is important both for local history and for the broader cultural heritage. Cēsis is one of Latvia's oldest cities and has close historical ties with Estonia, notably through the Battle of Võnnu in 1919, when Estonian and Latvian forces defeated the Baltisches Freikorps, an important historical event for both nations.