Jelgava
The district of Jelgava, including the town of the same name, which has the status of a separate administrative unit, lies in Central Latvia, not far from the capital, Riga. A large part of the area is occupied by the river Lielupe and its banks, the highest point being only 12 metres above sea level. The region is a significant agricultural and transportation centre. The town of Jelgava, which is among the biggest in the country, originates from the 10th Century and was the seat of German nobility for a long period. From those times come some of the most famous tourist attractions here, including Jelgava Palace in the heart of the town. There are also a couple of Orthodox and Catholic churches of great cultural value.