EPF 2006: Rezekne (Lettonia)

Rezekne
Historical aspects of the development of Rezekne town - building structure has been explored by architect Ms R. Zandberga on whose study this part of report on town's development during 13 - 17 centuries is based.
The township along with a stone walled church was destroyed during a Livonian war. Rezekne comes under the rule of Poland in 1582. A new town with 24 housing blocks for Poles is developed next to the old township. A new wooden church is built in the place of the previous one. Planning of Rezekne during that period has defined the place of the middle part of the present Latgales street. Newly built Ludzas road becomes a backbone of town' s composition. The town continues to grow further along this road in eastern direction. A new parish church is built in 1685 along with a drinking place built later.
Rezekne is presented with Magdebourg rights widely used in Poland in 17th century.
Rezekne is included in Russian Empire after the first division of Poland in 1773. New Rezekne plan is ratified in 1778 and it provides for a double increase of the town's territory with adjustments to existing building. Newly projected rectangular territory of the town is situated on the left bank of Rezekne river between two brooks flowing into the river.
St Petersbourg - Warsaw highway was built through Rezekne in 1836 and a new part of town was projected because of that. It found its place on the right bank of the river along the eastern side of the highway, making it the main street of so called "new town" (present Atbrivoshanas alley).
Rezekne became a cultural and economic centre of Latgale with a foundation of the state of Latvia in 1918.