Viļaka is a small frontier town in Latgale, which during the course of history has suffered a lot and has been included in the territory of both – Poland and Russia. Already in the sources from the Middle Ages there is an information about this settlement, not far from which on the island in Lake Viļakas Ezers a monastery was built. Later this monastery was rebuilt into a castle, which has been destroyed with the passage of time. However the castle ruins have remained on the island and have been included in the list of protected culture monuments of state significance. The status of a monument of state significance has been awarded also to two of three churches of the city – the Viļaka Orthodox Church and the Viļaka Catholic Church with its organs and stained glass windows. The city has a museum, where one can get acquainted with the history and development of Viļaka. While visiting the surroundings of Viļaka it is advisable to see Lake Viļakas Ezers, the River Kiras Upe, local venerable trees, as well as beautiful forests and meadows. Devotees of unspoilt nature will be able to find good places for berry and mushroom picking. Those enjoying water sports will always manager to find a free boat in the watercourses surrounding Viļaka and circle around in them. This is a town, where it is possible to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, to breathe fresh air and to enjoy the beauty of the nature.