Stories
Discover inspiring stories from our guests and the local community
Chess suits Cēsis
The International Chess Festival “Cēsis” has become a recognizable brand not only in Latvia, but also beyond the borders of our country.
The Symbiosis of History and Technology
A special highlight of the project is the restored Pastor’s House, which once hosted the first Latvian school in Cēsis and has now been transformed into a design hotel.
How Architect Pēteris Blūms “Treated” the Pastor’s House in the Emerging Konrāds Quarter
The current Pastor’s House continues the story of the buildings beneath it
Spīdala House Recognized as the Most Sustainable Building in the Baltics
Most Sustainable Building — Reconstruction 2025 1st place: Spīdala House in Cēsis
Added Value
At the Vidzeme Technology and Design Technical School, programming is taught by “expensive Jēkabs,” who receives three times the usual teacher’s salary. One part of Jēkabs Krīgerts’ (30) pay comes from the school, while the rest is covered by Draugiem Group.
First Stage of Konrāds Quarter – The Pastor’s House
Cēsis is becoming an increasingly dynamic hub for business and development.
The Pastor’s House Open Doors
It was a true joy to welcome friends, neighbors, and guests from near and far — even as far as Australia, America, and Mexico.
First Phase of Konrāds Quarter Completed in Cēsis
Draugiem Group company “Mājas Cēsīs” has completed the first phase of renovations in the new Konrāds Quarter, marking the milestone with the opening of the restored design hotel “Pastor’s House.”
Artists Appreciate the Art of Restoration and Discover the Emerging Gallery
In addition to the museum, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, the plein air artists also visited the Konrāda kvartāls
Baltic Prime Ministers Explore Local Entrepreneurship During Annual Informal Meeting
During the Cēsis Municipality Festival, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa hosted Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
Delicious homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a reasonable price
Café, coffee spot, kafejušņiks… that’s what we call places where you can sit down and meet up. We like calling things by their true names, so the heart of Konrāds Quarter — the place to sit down and connect — will simply be called Konrāds Kafé.
“Pumpura kvartāls” is under construction
“Draugiem Group” acquires the property where the poet Andrejs Pumpurs wrote “Lāčplēsis”. The “Pumpura kvartāls” will be developed with three buildings and rental apartments.
Preserving history in architecture
As Cēsis undergoes architectural renewal, the preservation of history and community needs intertwine, promising a vibrant future while honouring the past.
“Žagaru māja” invites you to try on Cēsis
The renovated “Žagaru māja” in Cēsis offers a unique opportunity to explore the town, enjoying the rural idyll and the historical architecture that tells the story of Latvia's freedom.
Is it cool to live in Cēsis?
“Draugiem Group” has turned its initial campaign to promote Cēsis into real restoration projects of historic buildings, while exploring what makes life in Cēsis special.
Archaeologists uncover defensive wall of medieval castle
Archaeologists in Cēsis have discovered the defensive wall of a medieval castle, providing new insights into the history of the town and 14th-century life underground.
“Draugu nams” – a symbol of Cēsis space-time
A time capsule symbolizing the connection between the past and the future has been ceremoniously buried in the foundations of the future “Draugu nams” in Cēsis.
Thank you for the appreciation!
On Latvia's State Birthday, “Mājas Cēsīs” projects received four accolades, celebrating excellence in architecture and landscaping in the region.
Architectural gems of the “Konrāda kvartāls”
“Cēsu novads – izcila vieta dzīvei!” - fragment about the architectural gems of the “Konrāda kvartāls”, where each building tells its own unique story about the richness and history of the place.
Eyewitness. Encounter with antiquity
In the Old Town of Cesis, where ancient meets modern, archaeologists discover valuable evidence of the rich history of Cesis and the development of buildings.
A tasteful sideshow for tech experts in the old town
Three visionaries - “Draugiem Group” spokesperson Jānis Palkavnieks, architect Pēteris Blūms, and Andis Malahovskis - head of “Mājas Cēsīs” - are creating a new space in the historic old town.
Old Town House with a beautiful and rich biography comes to life
The historic “Mācītāja māja” in Cēsis is being given a new lease of life thanks to careful restoration and the work of the outstanding architect Pēteris Blūms, while also preserving its rich history.
Our team: Nature's child Čiris
Aivars Zvirbulis speaks about landscape architecture and ecologically sustainable thinking, which is also implemented in the neighbourhood of “Žagaru māja” on the podcast “Pārdevēja dienassgrāmata”.
The Prime Minister visits the architectural gems and education sector of Cēsis
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa visits Cēsis, exploring the region's educational and architectural landmarks, highlighting local development and innovation that contribute to the region's development.
“Žagaru māja” opens its doors and renovation works continue in “Konrāda kvartāls”
A peaceful rural idyll in the Gauja Valley and the city within reach - the renovation of “Žagaru māja” has been completed, offering guests the opportunity to discover Cēsis as a place to live.
Friend of the Concert Hall “Cēsis”
“Mājas Cēsīs” begins a partnership with the Concert Hall “Cēsis”, with the aim of promoting new creative ideas and improving one of the cornerstones of the city's soul - culture.
“Konrāda kvartāls” holds secrets
Archaeologists in Cēsis are uncovering medieval secrets at “Konrāda kvartāls”, revealing ancient structures and potential burial sites beneath modern developments.
Why does a technology entrepreneur invest in Cēsis?
Tech entrepreneur Agris Taman shares his passion for investing in Cēsis, blending personal roots with innovative real estate projects to revitalize the area.
Spīdala first, Konrāds after
With a total investment of almost €800 000, the major renovation of the “Spīdalas nams” in Cēsis has been completed, creating six guest apartments.
Design hotel “Spīdalas nams” opened in the Old Town
The renovation of the new design hotel “Spīdalas nams” in the heart of Cesis is completed, inviting guests to explore the local history and cultural heritage.
Chess festival Cēsis 2024
This June, the 3rd International Chess Festival “Cēsis” will take place in Cēsis over the course of seven days.
To repay the debt to the city
Cēsis welcomes innovation as “Draugiem Group” founder Agris Tamanis discusses new projects, education initiatives, and the future of local young IT specialists.
Environmental Art Piece – the Square of Leaning Trees
Locals and visitors can relax in a square unlike anything else in Latvia’s public spaces: “Cēsis Attracts!”