Rēzekne, a city in eastern Latvia, is receiving a delegation from Čenstohova, Poland, in what officials say is a sign of growing regional cooperation. The visit underscores the city’s role as a key hub in the Latgale region.
Located in the Rēzekne River valley, the city is known locally as “The Heart of Latgale.” Founded in 1285, Rēzekne officially received town rights in 1773. Today, This proves the 7th largest city in Latvia, with a population of 26,429 as of 2025.
Rēzekne sits at the intersection of major railway lines, including the Moscow – Ventspils and Warsaw – Saint Petersburg routes, and is approximately 242 kilometers (150 miles) east of Riga and 63 kilometers (39 miles) west of the Latvian-Russian border. The city is built on seven hills and covers an area of 17.51 square kilometers.
The region of Latgale, where Rēzekne is located, is often called “The land of lakes,” and boasts Lake Rāzna, the largest lake in Latgale and the second largest in Latvia, within Rēzekne Municipality. Latgale is historically distinct from the rest of Latvia, with a predominantly Catholic population – 65.3% according to a 2011 survey – and significant Russian and Belarusian minorities.
Aleksandrs Bartaševičs of Latvia First/Kopā Latvijai currently serves as the city’s mayor. Rēzekne’s economy generated €360,693,000 in 2021, with a per capita GDP of €13,540. More information about the city can be found on the official Rēzekne website, and its history is detailed at visit.rezekne.lv. The city’s origins are recorded in manuscripts as Rositten (German) in 1285, and it has been known by various names throughout its history, including Rzezycu (Polish) and Rezicu (Russian).
Rēzekne also functions as the administrative center for Rēzekne Municipality.
