A Latgalian hill fort[4] is known to have existed at Rēzekne from the 9th to the 13th centuries, until its destruction at the hands of German crusaders of the Livonian Order.

In 1285, the knights built a stone fortress on the site, which is today known as Rēzekne castle ruins, to serve as a border post on their eastern frontier.

During the 19th century, the construction of the Moscow-Ventspils and Saint Petersburg-Warsaw railways transformed Rēzekne from a sleepy country town into an important city with two stations.

In the spring of 1917, the first Latgalian congress was held in Rēzekne, in which Latgale was declared to unite with the other Latvian regions.

Rēzekne was heavily damaged by both Nazi and Soviet armies during World War II.

With the economic development following the arrival of the railroad, the population grew steadily, reaching 23,000 by the eve of World War I.

During World War II, the Jewish population was annihilated, most between July and October 1941, due to the Holocaust.

[8] Due to Rēzekne's multi-ethnic character throughout the centuries, many religious communities have settled in the city.

Ethnic differences were often distinguished on religious lines; the Germans brought Christianity to Latvia in the 13th century, as well as Lutheranism during the Reformation Period.

The Catholic Cathedral "Vissvētā Jēzus Sirds" (Sacred Heart of Jesus), (built 1893–1914) dominates Rēzekne's skyline looking from the castle hill.

It was built on the site of a previous wooden church which had been constructed from the funds allotted by Kraków military leader Belinski.

The cathedral has curved wooden altars decorated by the sculptures of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, St.Teresa, and others.

The cathedral is famous for its depictions in stained glass of the first Livonian bishops, Saint Meinhard and Albert of Riga.

Like many 1930s buildings in the city such as the Nation Palace of Latvian Society (the House of Culture nowadays), the Secondary School no.3 elementary school, and the Red Cross Hospital (nowadays a students hostel) it was designed by the architect Pavlov.

A small stone chapel in memory of Alexander II's rescue from death is situated on the left side of the church entrance.

On the right there is a glass burial vault where the founder of the church, the owner of the Adamova manor general Karaulov and his wife Helen were buried.

In the summer of 1949 the Soviet authority deprived the parishioners of their church, removed its crosses and dismantled the belfry.

[clarification needed] The parish got back its property at the beginning of the 1990s and the building has undergone major repairs.

The Rezekne City Council with the support of Norwegian Financial Institutions started reconstruction of the building.

The central figure, the woman, is popularly associated with Māra the ancient Latvian goddess of motherhood, fertility, and earth.

The museum offers exposition of the town history, art exhibitions, and pedagogical activities for children.

It soon became the property of the city, and was used as a teachers' institute, a school, a tuberculosis centre and a military registration office.

The Eastern Latvia's Center of Creative Services "Zeimuļs" houses classes of interest and non-formal education for children and youth.

The towers offer one of the best views in Rezekne, over the Castle Hill and the historical center of the city.

[12] Rēzekne Academy of Technology is one of the higher education institutes and research centers of Latvia.

Rēzekne Academy of Technology offers study programs at the Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral levels.