Daugavpils, Latvia's second-largest city, has been around a long time: Stone Age habitations have been found within the limits of this city, 115 mi/185 km southeast of Riga. However, almost 80% of the city was destroyed during World War II, so most of the architecture is modern. The population is multinational (less than 10% is ethnic Latvian; the majority is Russian) and relatively poor. The city's most visually dominating sight is the Daugavpils Fortress, built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible.
The nearby glacial valley of the Daugava River is popular with kayakers and canoers.
Daugavpils is the native town of artist Mark Rothko, and his art center is located at the Daugavpils Fortress.
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