Daugavpils, the second big city in Latvia after Riga, is an independent structural unit. As to communication there are 5 railway lines and a numerous number of auto roads. There is also an airport in Daugavpils and a moorage for river vessels in Lači or Lociki in the direction to the north-east of the city. In 1582 Daugavpils was granted a city status.

The city changed its name many times: Dinaburg (1275-1893, with interruptions), Borisoglebsk (1656-1667), Dvinsk (1893-1920), Daugavpils (from 1920). The major role in the development of the city of Daugavpils played the fortress built in the beginning of 19th century. In the second half of 19th century due to the railroad lines and highways construction the city became a trade centre of the north-western part of Russian Empire.