Today we will have a fascinating and informative tour of the capital of Latvia. We will try to take a one-day trip to get acquainted with all its sights and look into the darkest corners of the history of this city. We'll tell you what you can see in Riga in one day.

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Nymph Fountain

This architectural delight is located at the entrance to the famous Opera and Ballet Theater. It was created in 1887 by the brilliant master of his time A. Volz.

The history of the creation of the fountain is no less unique than the final product itself. According to legend, the author of the fountain, in the process of creating the figure of a naked girl, fell in love with his model. The sudden feelings that overwhelmed him did not give him peace, and the completion of the construction was constantly postponed. As a result, the beloved nevertheless reciprocated and agreed to become the wife of the brilliant architect, and the fountain, to the great joy of the residents of Riga, was completed. Today it is a statue of a naked girl holding a shell in her hands, from which a stream of water bursts out. Next to the nymph there are figures of children, a turtle and a dolphin. Each element of this sculpture is created in the smallest detail. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include this attraction in your excursion program.

Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians

As children, we all watched with interest the adventures of the Bremen Town Musicians and sincerely rooted for them, sitting in front of the TV screens. It seems that in Riga there is a special attitude towards the heroes of this fairy tale, because there is a real monument to them on one of the streets. On the pedestal, one on top of the other, there are four recognizable characters - a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster. It should not be surprising that the author of the monument was a German sculptor from Bremen. After all, this city is considered a sister city of Riga. By the way, according to the sculptor’s idea, the monument carries a deep historical and philosophical thought and is dedicated to the end of the Cold War between the West and the East. Of course, modern Riga residents and guests of the city do not think about such “high matters”. They prefer to believe that if you rub the nose of a donkey or the beak of a rooster, your deepest desires will certainly come true.

House of the Blackheads

This historical building was restored after war devastation only in the 90s and became a kind of gift to the city for its 800th anniversary. Today this house attracts tourists not just with its unique appearance, but also with its luxurious interior. Exhibitions and private events for high-ranking guests are held here. According to historical information, the house was created in the 14th century and belonged to the famous merchant guild of the Blackheads. By the way, the name is not at all connected with the surname of the traders. The coat of arms of the house depicted St. Mauritius with a black head. Unfortunately, it is not possible to check whether the current appearance of the building corresponds to the historical prototype.

Museum of Occupation

In 1993, the Museum of Occupation opened its doors, which, from its very creation to the present day, has stood out for its political and financial independence. His collection is replenished exclusively with funds from sponsors. The main idea of ​​the exhibition is to convey to modern society the life of Latvians who suffered from Nazi terror during the war, and were also persecuted by representatives of the Soviet regime. For the convenience of visitors, the collection is divided into several sections, each of which is dedicated to a separate historical period of the country. Many Russians have a contradictory attitude towards the gallery, because its creators actually equated Stalin with Hitler.

The Dome Cathedral

One of the most significant attractions in all of Latvia is the Dome Cathedral, the construction of which continued over 5 centuries, starting from the 13th century. It is not surprising that the project, which was worked on by several generations of architects, has such a mixed style. This is where the unique organ from the German manufacturer E.F. is located. Walcker & Co, which reaches a height of 25 meters! The musical instrument is decorated with decorative carvings, and when a rending sound bursts out from its seven thousand army of pipes, the heart begins to pound furiously in the chest. Even today, this instrument is considered the largest in the territory of the former USSR. And in 1883, when it was installed, there were no analogues in the whole world.

Art Museum

The gallery called “Riga Stock Exchange” includes a huge collection of the best examples of European, Oriental and Ancient Egyptian art. The oldest exhibit dates back to the fifth century BC. A huge collection of works and contemporary artists is presented. The gallery with works by Northern European authors is especially popular among art connoisseurs. Near the Western Gallery there is the Silver Cabinet, where you can enjoy an impressive collection of products made from this noble metal, which came to Riga not only from Europe, but also from the Asian region.

Government Castle

This ancient complex deserves to take its rightful place in the excursion program. Tourists will be amazed by its unique appearance and rich history, which dates back several centuries ago. At one time, it was in his offices that the historical decisions of numerous “occupation” governments of the country were made. Since each new owner of the castle adapted it to their needs, we can contemplate a rather interesting interpretation of its exterior and interior decoration. Today this building is the residence of the head of the Latvian state. But there was also room for several museum galleries.

Bar Black Magic

We recommend finishing the day's program at the Black Magic bar on Kalku Street. It was here that the legendary Riga balsam was invented, the author of which is considered to be the alchemist A. Kuntze. By the way, this drink owes its popularity to Empress Catherine II, who not only appreciated its refined taste, but also allowed the launch of a full-fledged production of herbal tincture. Even today, the bar has a safe containing 24 types of herbs needed to create the drink. And for 20 euros, each visitor can see how it is actually created. The interior decoration of the bar is also attractive - antique lamps swing under the stone arches, and the furniture is made exclusively of wood.

Hotel Garden Palace

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Let us immediately note that you can not only read or print this guide to Riga, but also download it to your smartphone. And if you look at the interactive map of attractions, then add more to it! Mark the places you would like to see and spread them over several days of your trip. After that, download the free Ever.Travel mobile application and log in to it using the same account as on the website. This way, your plans are synchronized between the web version and your smartphone, and you will receive a personal guide to Riga, which can be used even without an Internet connection. Questions? , we will tell you everything!

Flickr, mark-jandejong

So, we begin our walk around Riga from the majestic monument dedicated to the Latvians who died in 1918-1920 in the struggle for Latvian independence. This 42-meter-tall structure is called the Freedom Monument and is located in the city center on Brivibas Boulevard. It was erected in 1935 according to the design of Karlis Zale. The vertical monument is crowned by the figure of a woman holding three stars in her hands. They symbolize the unity of the three historical Latvian provinces: Courland, Livonia and Latgale.

At the foot of the monument there is a multi-tiered composition consisting of 56 sculptures that form 13 groups. Architect Ernests Stalbergs perfectly realized the complex design of Kārlis Zale. The stone reflects the traditions of the Latvian people and captures the most important historical events. Bas-reliefs on the theme of work, family and spirituality are interspersed with images of real and fictional characters that local residents are proud of.

It is interesting that Riga residents call the Freedom Monument by the female name “Milda”. There is a version that a certain lady named Milda Winter posed for the sculptor when he sculpted the key element - a woman with stars in her hands. There is no direct evidence of this, but the rumors were enough for the pompous monument to receive such a simple nickname.

Further, we will not explain in detail how to get from one object to another - it is almost impossible to get lost in the center of Riga. Moreover, the route of this walk is laid out on the map, which you will find in the free Ever.Travel mobile application. Download and look into it during a city tour to understand how to get from one attraction to another. All places are arranged in the order that is most convenient for walking.

Flickr, Peter Knöferl

What to see in Riga? A few more ready-made walking routes:

Many places in Riga have their own unique history, and the Nymph Fountain is a love story that has become legendary. The famous Riga sculptor August Foltz created his masterpiece in 1887, near the building that is now the National Opera and Ballet Theater.

In 1882, a big fire occurred in the then “German” theater, and the building was rebuilt until 1890. August Folz was in charge of decorating the interior; he also conceived the design of a marvelous fountain with a naked nymph, which was to be located in front of the theater. Suddenly, for some reason, work on it began to drag on for a rather indecent period of time. No one could understand what was wrong with the architect, why such a punctual and responsible person suddenly stopped meeting the deadlines.

It turned out that Foltz fell in love with his model, did not want to part with her, and therefore could not finish the work. But as a result, he still completed the construction of the fountain, and the model became his wife. Although there is a less romantic version - supposedly the model was already his wife at the time of creation of the sculpture.

The Nymph Fountain is a statue of a naked girl holding a shell above her head with water splashing from it. Children are sitting at the feet of the nymph, and you can also see a dolphin and a turtle nearby. A very beautiful sculpture, one of the most elegant in Riga, a must-see on any excursion.

Flickr, Janitors

The history of the Latvian National Opera goes back more than a hundred years. This building was built in 1863 as the City German Theater. However, it had to be almost completely rebuilt after a fire in 1885. Formally, the founding date of the Latvian National Opera is considered to be 1919, but some sources claim that it began its work already in 1912 under the direction of Pavuls Jurjans.

The opera building is a magnificent architectural monument of the 19th century; its façade is decorated with elegant sculptures. Luxurious interiors are represented in Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism and Empire styles. You can go around the entire opera on a guided tour, during which you will even go behind the scenes, and the guide will tell you about the history of both the building and the art.

The concert hall can accommodate about one and a half thousand spectators. Of course, it seems to be the most important and ideally adjusted object in the composition of the opera house from the point of view of light and acoustics. After all, everything here is done so that the audience can appreciate the performances of famous artists.

The Latvian National Opera is also known for its excellent ballet school, which has given the world such talents as, for example, Maris Liepa and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Flickr, BeeFortyTwo

And finally, from the more modern areas we find ourselves in the geographical and historical center - the Old Town, locally called “Vecriga”. The entire territory of this part of Riga is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason.

The old town is located on the right bank of the Daugava. It is filled with so many medieval sights and other historical and cultural sites that one excursion is clearly not enough to get acquainted with everything. Each narrow street is shrouded in an aura of antiquity, each building has its own unique history.

In the Old Town you can visit such iconic places as the Riga Castle, the Three Brothers residential building complex, the Great and Small Guilds, the House of the Blackheads and many other attractions. Above the idyllic roofs of the houses rise the spiers of the famous Riga churches: the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, St. James's Cathedral, decorated on top with golden cockerels - a distinctive feature of the church architecture of the Latvian capital.

Everything here is conducive to leisurely walks and comfortable relaxation. There are numerous cafes and restaurants, museums and souvenir shops. Traffic is prohibited in the Old Town, so it is always quiet and cozy here, and nothing will stop you from enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of ancient Riga.

By the way, the old town of Riga is a great place to choose a hotel. All attractions will be within walking distance from you, and housing prices in the Latvian capital, even in the center, are surprisingly “not too bad”. To search for a hotel, apartment or hostel, it is best to use the website Booking.com.

otzyv.ru, ViknikK

Probably everyone has read the tale of the Brothers Grimm about the Town Musicians of Bremen. And those who haven’t read it have probably seen the popular Soviet cartoon based on this story. Therefore, if, while walking along the quiet streets of Old Riga, you suddenly see a sculptural composition of four animals: a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster, perched on top of each other, you will immediately recognize the characters from the famous fairy tale.

This monument is a gift to Riga from its sister city Bremen. The work of the German sculptor Christ Baumgartel was installed next to St. Peter's Church on Skarnu Street in 1990. That period of history was marked by the destruction of the Berlin Wall, Latvia's independence, and the end of the Cold War between East and West. So, according to the sculptor’s plan, the group of Bremen musicians looking into the hut of the forest robbers, in a humorous form, was supposed to symbolize the fall of the “Iron Curtain”.

Nowadays, few people know about such allegorical subtleties. People just love a funny monument. It is very popular: many people believe that if you rub the donkey’s nose, your wish will come true, and if you reach out and rub the beak of the rooster, which is above everyone else, then not just a simple wish will come true, but your deepest wish.

We’ll secretly tell you a company that helps you successfully “destroy” any boundaries and curtains. VisaToHome are the guys who work miracles: they issue a visa so that you don’t even have to leave your home! You send your application by email, and a courier will come to you to pick up the documents. All this is incredibly fast, convenient and, unexpectedly, inexpensive!

livejournal.com, starevil

picasaweb.google, Alexey Vikhrov

All of Riga in one day! Yes, yes, this is real, let's continue our walk!

The Menzendorf House-Museum looks similar in appearance to one of the typical examples of architecture that Riga inherited from the 17th-18th centuries. But once you step inside, the history of the old city comes to life.

This house was built in 1695 by glassmaker Irgen Helms. Later, one of the first pharmacies was located here, which existed for almost 200 years. There is a legend that the famous “Riga Balsam” appeared here, in 1752, thanks to the recipe of the pharmacist Abram Kuntze. Currently, a separate exhibition hall is dedicated to the history of this invention - in the attic.

From 1900 to 1939, the house was owned by the family of August Menzendorf, a wealthy Riga resident, who opened a store here selling groceries, delicacies and coffee. By the way, Menzendorf’s coffee was considered the best in all of Riga at that time!

After many years of neglect, the house began to be restored in 1987 and a luxurious museum was opened here in the early 90s. The restoration work was carried out by the Polish company PKZ together with the architect Peter Blum.

The building can be walked around completely - from the basement to the attic. Each room is full of interesting artifacts, interior items, and furniture, which creates a very realistic illusion that you are in the 18th century. All exhibit items are authentic witnesses of those times. We recommend paying special attention to the unique paintings on the walls and ceilings.

They haven’t forgotten about the glassmaker Helms, the first owner of the building: today, a real glass workshop operates in the Menzendorf House, where you can see how glass is made and even take part in the process of its production.

Flickr, globetrotter_rodrigo

The House of the Blackheads, one of the most famous architectural monuments of the capital of Latvia, was literally restored from oblivion only in the 1990s, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Riga. Before that, it was a ruin, into which a beautiful building was turned as a result of German artillery shelling in 1941.

The meticulously restored House of the Blackheads now attracts visitors not only with its appearance, but also with its excellent interiors, which fascinate with their beauty and luxury. The building hosts numerous exhibitions and hosts many special events, both official and for private individuals. Since September 2012, while restoration work is being carried out at Riga Castle, this house has been the residence of the President.

This building was built in the first half of the 14th century for the famous and extremely influential military-trading guild of the Blackheads, which existed until 1940, but in the form of a secular organization. By the way, the name of this brotherhood is not associated with someone’s last name, but with Saint Mauritius, who was depicted on their coat of arms with a black head.

The architectural style of the House of the Blackheads, as we see it now, was formed in the 17th century, after one of the major reconstructions. The original design is unfortunately unknown. Over the many centuries of its history, the House has been repeatedly modified and supplemented with new elements. For example, in 1886, a sculptural group appeared on the façade, symbolizing Unity, the Universe, Neptune and Mercury.

Flickr, Doctor Casino

The history of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia began in 1993. Initially, it was, and remains to this day, a private non-governmental structure - this is emphasized by its organizers, claiming that the museum is politically and financially independent. It exists solely on the money of sponsors and patrons.

The initiator of the creation of this museum was the famous historian, professor at the University of Wisconsin Paulis Lazda, who was supported by many other Latvian scientists, as well as private individuals.

The purpose of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is, first of all, to display the life of Latvians who suffered from Nazi terror during the Great Patriotic War, as well as from the Soviet regime in 1945-1991.

The museum is divided into several sections, each of which shows certain milestones in the history of Latvia. Here you can find information about the struggle of the Latvian people for independence until it was achieved in 1991. The museum has collected a large number of documents and photographs on this topic.

Since its opening, the museum has evoked mixed responses from the Russian public. In particular, equating Stalin with Hitler and the Soviet regime with the German occupation raises many questions.

Flickr, fveronesi1

The very heart of Riga is the Town Hall Square, where all the tourists flock, and the townspeople themselves are not averse to spending an hour or two here in their free time. After the shelling of 1941, it was completely restored and is now a wonderful holiday destination.

This was once the main market square of Riga. Gradually it was built up with elegant examples of architecture, which were also restored to their original form.

From the dark depths of the Middle Ages, Riga Town Hall Square gained an unfavorable reputation as a place of brutal executions. From the bright pages of history, it is worth mentioning that it was here that the world's first Christmas tree was installed more than 500 years ago.

There is a statue of Roland in the center of Town Hall Square. This rather famous commander, the nephew of Charlemagne, who became famous for his political tolerance and respect for the population of the lands he conquered. The monument was erected in 1897, but now the square is decorated with a copy of it. The original is kept in the museum collection of St. Peter's Church.

Flickr, Alex Segre

In the 14th century, Town Hall Square was the central place of Riga. All significant events for the city were held here - from executions to holidays. And, like in any European city, a town hall was built here, in which the Riga City Hall met, and once a year, from its balcony, decrees and laws were read out to the townspeople. Then, however, the square was not the Town Hall, but simply a nameless shopping area.

The first administration building died in fire, presumably from the order's troops. We can only judge what the second town hall looked like from old pictures. They depict a Gothic building under a high roof. This building also failed to survive the war - it was bombed by Peter’s troops at the beginning of the 18th century.

Several decades later, the town hall was restored, decorated in the style of classicism with baroque elements. In the second half of the 19th century, according to the design of the famous architect Johann Felsko, the silhouette of the building underwent further changes - a third floor was added, and in general the outlines were slightly simplified, giving the town hall a certain elegance.

Before World War II, the largest city library was based in Riga Town Hall. The outbreak of hostilities brought catastrophic destruction: the town hall, like many other memorable buildings, was left in ruins. A new project, implemented for the 800th anniversary of Riga, made it possible to restore the magnificent structure, which opened in 2003. Currently, the Riga City Council sits here.

Flickr, ritsch48

You don't have to go to London's Baker Street to visit Sherlock Holmes. The Holmes we all know so well, played by Vasily Livanov, lived with Dr. Watson in Riga, on Jauniela Street.

This place is probably the most recognizable for residents of the former Soviet Union, because it was here that most films about foreign countries were filmed. Riga, like a real actress, played the roles of London, New York, Bern, Paris and many other cities.

In general, not very remarkable in itself, Jauniela Street first appeared in the 16th century, near the Dome Cathedral, and during its existence it changed its name a couple of times until it became a “New” street, starting from Dome Square.

Its length is only 225 meters, but its size does not in any way affect its cult significance. In addition to Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Mrs. Hudson, the legendary Stirlitz and Pleischner from “Seventeen Moments of Spring” also visited here. The small hotel "Eustace" and the restaurant "Alex" remind us of this even today.

The architecture here has hardly changed since then, so it’s definitely worth visiting this place, simply created for pleasant nostalgia for “our” Baker Street and Flower Street.

Flickr, Khraim The Cheetah

The Dome Cathedral in Riga is a significant architectural landmark not only of the capital, but throughout Latvia. Its construction began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries, resulting in several transformations of the project with transitions from style to style. As a result, the grandiose cathedral, on which entire generations of architects and builders worked, was completed only in the 18th century.

The initial design was discreet and laconic, leaning towards the Romanesque style. At the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, the volume of the building was increased by adding naves and chapels, a little height was added due to the high octagonal spire - and the Dome Cathedral became a basilica with a Gothic spire.

In the 18th century, after the siege of Riga by Russian troops, the temple was damaged and had to be restored. A little later, the Gothic spire was demolished, replacing it with a Baroque one. The Dome Cathedral still exists in this form, except for minor changes.

But this temple is known not only for its architecture. It houses a unique organ made by the German company E.F. Walcker & Co, installed 1883-1884. The height of the instrument is 25 meters, it contains about seven thousand pipes. The organ is decorated with decorative carvings from the 16th-17th centuries. Now it is considered the largest in the Baltic states and the former USSR, and at the time of installation it was the largest in the world.

Flickr, Fearless Fred

Dome Square in Old Riga appeared in the city relatively recently - in the 1860-80s. Of course, it was named after the Dome Cathedral, which began to be built back in the 13th century.

The square was created with the sole purpose of providing better access to the temple and making it more visible. To achieve this, several groups of ancient houses had to be sacrificed, but the residents of Riga received a rather large and beautiful area, the size of which today exceeds 9 thousand square meters - an indecent amount for the compact Old Riga.

The architectural ensemble of Dome Square is mainly formed by the Riga Stock Exchange and the Latvian Radio building. Both of them appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and are representative examples of classicism with Baroque elements. Many of the local buildings had to be restored after an aerial bomb hit the center of the square in 1944.

Due to its size, Dome Square is often used for various festive events. There is enough space to set up a large stage or hold some kind of thematic festival.

Also on the square there is a point from which three golden cockerels can be seen at the same time, decorating the tops of ancient Riga churches.

Flickr, christeldevelay

The Museum of Foreign Art in Riga, known as the Riga Exchange, introduces visitors to a magnificent collection of Western European, Eastern and Ancient Egyptian art, from the fifth millennium BC to the present.

The largest Latvian museum of its kind is located in the famous Riga Stock Exchange building, which adorns Dome Square. The congregation moved here in 1920, and has occupied it ever since, with the exception of periods of restoration of the historical building.

The Riga Stock Exchange Art Museum is divided into several thematic sections, the exhibitions of which are neatly systematized. The pride of the museum’s collection is Northern European painting of the 17th century, which can be seen in the art gallery.

The Western Gallery will introduce you to delightful examples of the collection of Western European porcelain from the 18th to 20th centuries, including valuable Meissen porcelain. The decoration of these rooms is made in German style with luxurious wallpaper, clocks, furniture, parquet floors and gilded chandeliers.

Next to the Western Gallery is the Silver Cabinet, which houses a small selection of silverware. In the spacious and bright Oriental Galleries you will see art from Japan, China and other Asian countries, mainly from the 19th century.

Flickr, Frans.Sellies

On Malaya Zamkova Street in Old Riga you can see three ancient houses, their side walls pressed closely against each other. These buildings are now considered a single architectural composition, despite the fact that they were built at different times and have different styles.

They call them “Three Brothers”, which echoes the similar Tallinn “Three Sisters”: in the Estonian capital there are also three “fused” buildings of the 14th century.

The Riga “brothers” are a visual aid to the evolution of residential building construction, from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The elder brother, also called “white” because of the color of the walls, appeared on Maza Pils street in 1490. Its architectural style is Gothic with Renaissance elements, traditional for the Middle Ages.

The middle brother doesn't have a nickname, he's just "middle" because he's in the middle. His date of birth is 1646, the era of the decline of Dutch mannerism, which was becoming less and less common in more respectable buildings, but was still relevant for small private buildings.

The younger brother, the smallest in both age and size, is called “green” because of his pale green color. The influence of the Baroque can be felt in its forms - this is especially noticeable if you look at the characteristic curved Baroque gable.

"Three Brothers" was restored in the 1950s according to the design of Peteres Saulitis. At the same time, the back rooms and courtyards of the houses were combined.

One of the main Catholic churches in Riga - the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows - appeared on Castle Square in the form that we know, spontaneously and unexpectedly. In the 1760s, an ordinary modest church was erected on this site, and for some time the townspeople were, if not happy, then satisfied.

Only Archduke Joseph II of Austria was dissatisfied, who in 1780 came to Riga on a visit, visited, as expected, the temple and was indignant at the poverty of its decoration and the low quality of construction work. Without thinking twice, he allocated a decent amount of money for the construction of a new church building.

His example was followed by other royalty, including the King of Poland and the future Emperor of Russia Paul I, as well as many parishioners from lower classes. A new church was built and consecrated in the name of Our Lady of Sorrows in 1785.

The final appearance of the temple was formed in the second half of the 19th century, when, under the leadership of the now famous, but then still very young architect Johann Felsko, the premises were expanded on the northern facade, and a new gate tower was built - stone instead of the old wooden one. It is interesting that this restructuring was made after the dissatisfaction of the crowned person: Emperor Nicholas I considered that the church was too narrow.

The ancient architectural complex of Riga Castle attracts attention not only with its history, but also with its unique style, which has been formed over many centuries. Here at different times different governments were located: Livonians, Poles, then Swedes, and even later – Russians. Currently, the castle is considered the residence of the President of Latvia, but since restoration work is currently underway here, the head of the country temporarily moved to the House of the Blackheads in 2012.

The history of Riga Castle dates back to the beginning of the 14th century. It was built on the banks of the Daugava so that ships heading to the port could be viewed. At the end of the 15th century, during one of the conflicts between the residents of Riga and the Livonians, the castle was destroyed. It was restored only in the first half of the 16th century.

The constant change of rulers of the city could not but lead to a peculiar eclecticism in the architecture of the castle. Everyone rebuilt it to suit their needs. For example, during the reign of the Russian Governor-General of Livonia, part of the complex was allocated for a prison.

In addition to the President, Riga Castle houses the Latvian National History Museum, the Museum of Literature and the Museum of Foreign Art. Unfortunately, in 2013 there was a fire that destroyed several thousand unique exhibits; More than 3 thousand square meters of territory burned out. It is expected that restoration work will be completed by 2015.

Flickr, HBarrison

The Cathedral of St. James is the main Catholic church in Latvia. It appeared in Riga in the 13th century, at the same time as the Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Church. However, its architecture is noticeably simpler than its peers, since it was intended not for the city, but for a rural parish. However, the Gothic pyramidal spire of this temple is better preserved than the others.

The main construction of the Cathedral of St. James was completed by the beginning of the 14th century. Initially, it was given the early Gothic style. Later, the temple was rebuilt several times, which is not surprising - after all, it is already more than seven centuries old. He survived wars, changes of governments, and conflicts between faiths.

In the 16th century, the cathedral became the first Latvian Lutheran church, but not for long: in 1582 it again passed to the Catholics, even later - to the Jesuits, and during Swedish rule in the 17th century - again to the Lutherans. During the Napoleonic wars there was even a food warehouse here. The cathedral was finally given to Catholics in 1923.

The interior of the temple is eclectic. Elements characteristic of different eras were constantly added here. The pulpit, made of rare mahogany, was installed in 1810. The new organ appeared in 1913. The stained glass windows, made in the Art Nouveau style and dating back to 1902, look very interesting.

The 80-meter tower of St. James Cathedral is decorated with a golden cockerel, traditional for Riga churches.

livejournal.com, starevil

The monument to those who died on the barricades in 1991 is made in the form of a symbolic bonfire. The author of the project, Ojars Feldbergs, did not invent unnecessary forms; the monument is strict and symbolic, as befits a memorial sign for tragic events.

January 20, 1991 is a day that is inscribed in the history of Latvia in red letters and stained with the blood of 5 people who laid down their lives in the name of freedom of the country.

In honor of the dead, wounded and hundreds of thousands of those who defended the streets of Riga around the clock in the cold January of 1991, this day is called the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of the Barricades.

Throughout January, celebrations are held in Latvia in memory of the sad events of those times; funeral bonfires are lit in all squares, around which people gather. The pyramidal bonfire became a symbol of the events at the barricades, because when the protesters stood on the streets of the capital in 1991, it was very cold and the same bonfires were burning everywhere, where freedom fighters were warming themselves. More than half a million people took to the streets then, many even came from villages with their own agricultural machinery, for lack of a car.

The purpose of the confrontation was to give the Lithuanians time to form their own government, legislative branch, police force and escape from the control of the USSR.

On the night of January 19-20, after provocative actions by riot police, a shootout began; riot police captured the suspected instigators of the shooting and wanted to take them to the pro-government prosecutor's office. By the time the convoy arrived in the city, the protesters had erected barricades near the Ministry of Internal Affairs building and greeted the vehicles with heavy fire. A brutal shootout began, during which 5 people were killed and 8 were wounded.

Flickr, joeriksson

The Swedish Gate in Riga appeared as an alternative to the main entrance to the city. In the 17th century, construction of the fortress walls was actively underway, and some enterprising residents independently made passages in the walls so as not to travel around half the city and not pay taxes for transporting goods.

Perhaps this was done with the permission of the city authorities, who still had a share from the owners of houses with gates. They were locked at night and opened only during daylight hours. Of the eight such gates located on the territory of Riga, only one has survived to this day.

There are no ancient places without a legend. The Swedish Gate also has a mystical and dark history. Once upon a time, a young girl ran through the gate at night to see her lover, a Swedish soldier. And when she talked to him about the wedding, he got scared and betrayed her. The girl appeared before the city court and was walled up in the wall as punishment for forbidden love. Since then, in the doorway at night you can hear the crying of a girl and the laughter of a vile soldier.

The Swedish Gate has been reconstructed several times. In the 1920s, 50s and 80s, many lost Baroque elements were recreated. In addition, the three buildings were combined into a single architectural complex. Nowadays there is a library, a studio and the Union of Architects located here.

Flickr, Bernt Rostad

The longest building in Riga appeared in the second half of the 18th century. They became the Yakovlevsky barracks, built to house Russian soldiers. Previously, there were also barracks on this site, but for Swedish soldiers, who had previously been housed for a long time in simple residential buildings, which was not convenient for either the residents of Riga or the subjects of Charles XI.

When Riga was captured by Russian troops, the issue of resettling the garrison was resolved by itself, only a little later the dilapidated Swedish barracks were rebuilt. They got their name from the Yakovlevsky bastion, which was located nearby.

Thanks to the versatility of the premises, various organizations managed to visit the barracks: a statistical bureau, a school, a labor exchange, and in Soviet times, a Military Projects Bureau and a flight school. Major repairs and restoration of the 237-meter building took place in 1995-97 and cost $6 million.

Currently, the Yakovlevsky barracks belong to commercial structures. There are various shops, beauty salons, bank branches, as well as several very cozy cafes where you can have a pleasant time with a cup of coffee, while getting to know this interesting architectural monument in the style of Dutch classicism.

geolocation.ws, Toms Grinbergs

The medieval Riga fortress was once framed by 28 towers. The only surviving one is Porokhovaya, built at the beginning of the 14th century. Then it was also called Peschanaya, as it protected the main entrance to the city from the Great Sandy Road (modern Smilshu Street).

During the Swedish-Polish War, gunpowder was stored in the tower, which is how it received a new name. The Swedish army thoroughly damaged the fortification and in 1650 it had to be restored. As a result, the height of the tower was more than 25 meters, and the thickness of the walls was 2.5 meters.

After this, the building withstood all subsequent assaults on Riga, including the capture of the Latvian capital in 1710 by the troops of Peter I, in memory of whom nine cast-iron cannonballs are still “kept” in the walls of the tower.

For almost two centuries, the tower was empty and dilapidated, and at the end of the 19th century it was rented out to private individuals, who restored the interiors, organized a beer hall, a fencing hall and dance halls.

Since the 1920s, a military museum has been located in the Powder Tower, which was transformed during Soviet times into the Museum of the Revolution. Today, the building again belongs to the Latvian War Museum, whose exhibitions introduce visitors to the military-political history of the country in the 20th century.

Flickr, Tania Ho

The house with cats could have remained one of the many examples of Art Nouveau in the architectural ensemble of Old Riga, if not for its special history. It was erected at the beginning of the 20th century by order of a wealthy local resident named Blumer. The building turned out, of course, elegant and beautiful - the architect Friedrich Scheffel worked on its construction.

However, the ambitious Blumer acted in an original way - on the roof of the house he placed sculptures of black cats with arched backs and raised tails, turning their backs towards the building of the Great Merchant Guild. With this action, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the refusal to be accepted into the community where he passionately wanted to go. After numerous disputes and frictions, Blumer was finally accepted into the company of the Riga rich, and the cats were turned in a “decent” direction. Today they still decorate the building, being one of the calling cards and symbols of the Latvian capital.

Above the facade of the house there is a sculpture of an eagle with outstretched wings. The entrance is decorated with floral decorations characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

Currently, on the ground floor of the House with Cats there is a jazz restaurant and casino called “Black Cat”.

At the intersection of Kaleju, Zirgu and Amatu streets in Old Riga there is the Great Guild building - one of the oldest and most interesting in the city. Nowadays the concert hall of the Latvian Philharmonic is located here. You can attend one of the concerts to enjoy the wonderful harmony of music and architecture.

The Great Guild building begins its official history back in the 14th century, although there are suggestions that back in the 13th century there was a structure on this site adjacent to the Riga fortress wall. Over many centuries, the building was rebuilt several times depending on the needs of the merchant class.

In all of Latvia, only Riga merchants had the right to sell goods abroad, so the local Guild of St. Mary or the Great Guild, consisting mainly of Germans, was considered a very authoritative organization.

The first building of the Great Guild, two-story, with a late Baroque superstructure, was demolished in 1853. In its place, a new one was built - in the Gothic style, larger in size and more modern. However, unique rooms remained untouched - the Münster Chambers and the Fireplace Hall.

The next restructuring affected the Great Guild building in 1963, when it was adapted into a concert hall. Nowadays, this magnificent architectural monument pleases the eye both with its appearance and with its original interiors.

Flickr, missyjessie

The Small Guild is located in Old Riga exactly opposite the Big Guild. This beautiful building in the form in which we know it now appeared in the city in 1866.

Nowadays, it is no longer members of the merchant guild that sit here, but the Riga Center for Culture and Folk Art, under whose auspices concerts, conferences, festive and official celebrations are held. The center houses arts and crafts and theatrical art studios, and folklore groups perform.

The Small Guild, also known as the Guild of St. James, was founded in the 14th century and was a union of artisans, as opposed to the Great Guild of St. Mary, which accepted merchants. The guilds were not very friendly with each other - entry into the building of “competitors” was, if not prohibited, then categorically undesirable.

In the second half of the 19th century, the outdated two-story building of the Small Guild, which had stood for more than 500 years, was rebuilt according to the design of the architect Johann Felsko.

The interiors of the Small Guild deserve special attention. Hanoverian stained glass windows are installed in the windows, and the floor is covered with terracotta mosaic tiles. A distinctive feature of the building is the façade tower, decorated with the image of St. John with a lamb, the patron saint of artisans.

Flickr, infra_milk

This legendary bar is located in an old building on Kalku Street. Previously, this place was the pharmacy of Abraham Kunze, the same alchemist who created the Riga Balsam. Perhaps it would have remained a little-known drug, but chance helped.

In 1789, Russian Empress Catherine II stayed in Riga. She felt unwell and was advised to visit Dr. Kunze's pharmacy. Abraham was not at a loss and offered the empress his miracle herbal balm. Catherine liked its action so much that she allowed it to be officially released.

As local legend has it, even during renovations the room smelled of mint, lavender, cinnamon and rosemary. This magical aroma is present here and now. The cafe has a safe with 24 types of herbs that are part of everyone's favorite drink. For 20 euros you can even watch how it is prepared, and at the same time get a glass of balm, a cup of coffee, nuts and surprise sweets.

The display window and interior of the bar are made in the spirit of antiquity. Forged lamps hang under the stone arches, and there is massive wooden furniture all around. The waitresses are dressed in appropriate mid-18th century attire, giving the place a unique flavor. On the shelves you can see original books of the 18th century, glass vessels from the laboratory and various copper utensils. Visitors to the bar can purchase souvenirs and, of course, an original bottle of Riga Balsam, or even two.

This concludes our walk around the city. We hope we have fully answered the question “What to see in Riga in one day” :) And we remind you that you will find this route on the interactive map of attractions, where you can add it to your favorites, shorten it, or vice versa, add it. And then synchronize with the free Ever.Travel mobile application and walk around the city without carrying bulky books and maps. For more information on how convenient it is to travel this way,

What to see in Riga in 1-2 days? On your own, that is, without the participation of travel agencies? The most interesting sights of Riga and its immediate surroundings, ticket prices 2019, how much individual excursions cost - in the review of the site.

Riga is, in most cases, the only city in Latvia that is worth visiting. The average traveler simply does not suspect anything else. Because studying a map in the era of electronic gadgets is considered a ridiculous activity, and not everyone goes!

And why?! After all, a train from Moscow will take a traveler to his destination in just 16 hours. Not too fast compared to a car. But it’s extremely comfortable – it’s almost impossible to get tired on this trip!

• Alternative

If you leave work early on Friday and take the express train with the symbolic number 001Р, then by Saturday morning you will be in Riga, rested and well-rested. The weekend is yours!

Yes, you will also have to take a working Monday morning, but the traveler gets an excellent opportunity not to run anywhere and carefully explore the capital of Latvia in almost 2 full days. What can you see during this time?

Not so little, that is, almost all the most interesting things!

Riga – 1 day

Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads are the traditional starting point for 95% of all such walks. Why Chernogolovykh, if the house looks like a typical merchant guild building?

The fact is that in the Middle Ages, trading operations were often carried out with the support of plate gloves: one hand counted out change, and the other was preparing to give an armed rebuff. And Saint Mauritius, whom the brotherhood chose as their heavenly patron, was an Arab from Egypt, that is, for Europeans, literally “black-headed.”

The House of the Blackheads dates back to 1344. But wait to be touched - the building that has survived to this day dates back to the 17th century. This is a late, no longer integral, but completely saturated renaissance. For some unknown reason, it has not yet entered the Baroque stage. Mannerism is what pundits and art critics call it.

Blackheads are not allowed inside the House. But this is not necessary - all the most interesting things are outside

Nearby there is another interesting building, the Menzendorf House (Grecinieku, 18). Today there is a branch of the Museum of the History of Riga and Shipping. And the most interesting thing about it: interiors and furniture that clearly tell about the life of wealthy Riga residents in the 17th-18th centuries. The ticket costs a ridiculous 3 €, for a tour in Russian you will need to pay an additional 12: www.mencendorfanams.com/muzejs-piedava.

Leaving the Town Hall Square (almost poetry), we look back at the House (it's worth it) and go straight to St. Peter's Church. The Gothic building of the 13th-15th centuries, significantly rebuilt in the era of the late Renaissance and early Baroque (entrance porticos, spire), attracts attention even from a distance, and even up close... The spire of the bell tower has a height of 123 meters and until the end of the 20th century had no equal in city.

You can go inside (typical Northern Gothic). And then climb to the observation deck at an altitude of 72 meters to look at Riga from above:

Ticket prices (2019):

• Adults: 9 €
• Students: 7
• Schoolchildren: 3
• Children under 7 years old are free

According to legend, the interior of the cathedral was saved by the Russian Tsar Peter I during the fire of 1721. It seems that he was not very successful, but they managed to save everything valuable. But during the Second World War, the Nazis destroyed the bell tower with a bomb attack, and then accused the Red Army soldiers of deliberately destroying the architectural masterpiece.

The Dome Cathedral

After a visit to St. Peter's Church, the Dome Cathedral is not so impressive. However, it is really great. And it is notable for the fact that it organically digested and fused in its own appearance four architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau.

• The temple was the main church of Livonia until the fall of the order in 1561. And it is still considered the largest cathedral in the Baltics

The Dome Cathedral is famous for its huge organ made by German masters of the late 19th century. And gives concerts of classical music (in the summer, sometimes even twice a day: at 12 and 19 o’clock, schedule: www.doms.lv/events/concerts.php?mnu_id=46).

Ticket prices range from 10 to 20 €. And believe me, they will not be wasted!

Jauniela street

The most recognizable Riga street for those who “come from the USSR”. It was Jauniela who became Baker Street in the famous Soviet series about Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson (No. 222 Bis - house No. 22). The street also “lit up” in “Seventeen Moments of Spring.” On the second floor of building No. 25-27 there was a safe house, which was busted by the Gestapo, and it was there that Professor Pleischner came.

And he admired the birds in the window of the house, the first floor of which is today occupied by the Justus Hotel. The word “boutique” in the prefix and 4 stars. The price of a room for two without breakfast is less than 90 €. Including breakfast (and in Latvia it’s worth trying!) - 110 €.

On Jauniela Street there is also a house known as the Palace of Peter I. The Russian Tsar loved Riga - he visited here 8 times - and always stayed at house No. 9 on Palasta Street.

The house was rebuilt several times, but a connoisseur will recognize the signs of Peter the Great's Baroque. A striking example is the Menshikov Palace in St. Petersburg.

Famous houses

In Tallinn there are the fused houses “Three Sisters” and “Three Brothers”; Riga responds with its “Three Brothers”. They stand on Malaya Zamkova Street, Maza Pils (17, 19, 21) and one dates back to the 15th century, and two more to the 17th century.

They are considered an excellent example of ancient Riga urban development. At house 19 there is a museum of urban architecture.

A stone's throw from the Three Brothers is the Cathedral of St. James. A beautiful example of simple red brick Gothic. Inside, notice the stained glass windows.

Another interesting house that is worth a look in Riga is the “Cat House” or “House with Black Cats”. The building, built in the early 20th century, is listed at 10/12 Meistaru Street. An example of northern modernism, but this is not why all tourists walk with their heads up. But because the turrets in the corners are decorated with black cats with arched backs and tails raised like a pipe.

Legend has it that the first owner of the house, a wealthy city dweller, was eager to join the Riga Trade Guild, but was not accepted. And in revenge, he built a house, placing the cats on the towers with their ends directly facing the windows of the guild elder. Today the cats chastely turned their tails towards the yard. Others are wonderful.

The built-rebuilt Riga Castle was once the residence of the master of the Livonian Order, and then of the Russian Governor-General of Livonia. Today the President of Latvia lives here.

The castle is small. And, despite its clearly Romanesque towers, it looks somehow too fresh.

2 day in Riga

The next day, it makes sense to get out of the city, to the famous Baltic resort of Jurmala. You may not see Laima Vaikule, but you can swim (in the summer). Or just stroll along the huge sandy beaches along the surf's edge, enjoying the intoxicatingly healthy aroma of the pine forests.

Jurmala has a large water park “Līvu Akvaparks”. If you go on a trip to Latvia with a child, he will receive compensation for the adventures of the first day. By the way, you can visit the water park during the cold season (it is closed) - check the schedule on the official website.

They go to Jurmala from exactly the same station where you arrived. But there is a nuance - you shouldn’t look for a station called Jūrmala, it simply doesn’t exist! We get off at the stops Lielupe, Dzintari or Majori.

In the Vidzeme region north of Riga there is the Munchausen Museum - the legendary baron-storyteller was married to a Riga woman and lived for several years in Livonia. Architecture lovers should pay attention to the Rundāle Palace of Biron (it was built by St. Petersburg Rastrelli) and the Bauska Castle of the Livonian Order - they are located 75-80 km south of the Latvian capital.

Then you won’t be able to do it over the weekend - you need at least 3 free days. Cruise ferries of the Tallink-Silja Line company depart daily from Riga to Stockholm (at 17.30).

A cabin with a sea view for 1-4 people will cost 176 € with a sailing on Saturday or only 90 € if you are going on a trip on Sunday. A day in Stockholm and back in the evening (this is already included in the indicated price).

What to see in Riga in 1 day. My short guide - How to get there, where to stay, where to eat, as well as transport and attractions.

My trip to Riga, like most trips to Europe, was determined by chance, or rather a $30 discount on booking 3-5 star hotels, which turned out to be most successful to use in Riga. After that, all that remained was to watch for a promotion on bus tickets Minsk-Riga-Minsk and here, too, we were lucky to start a sale with a 50% discount.

How to get to Riga

You can get to Riga, like most European capitals, by plane, bus and train. I took a night bus from Minsk for 6.9 €, but I can’t guess your option, so I’ll tell you about the main directions.

1. : a ticket for a city bus from the airport costs 1.15 € if you buy an E-Ticket in advance, a single ticket from the driver will cost 2 €. Transfer from the airport can be ordered for 30€.
2. : buses travel up to 10 times a day, the average ticket price is 13 €, you can buy or. Flights from 30€ can be found on.
3. : buses to Riga go up to 4 times a day, tickets are sold from 15 €. The train costs from 40€.

Housing in Riga

1. Apartments: It’s best to book apartments for a day on Airbnb, and to save money, use. Most apartment owners speak Russian.
2. Hotels: if you don’t want to overpay and there are no promotions, then use a combination of a search engine and the function. The search engine will find the best deal, and CashBack and coupons will reduce the price by up to 20%.

I was lucky to book a 4-star hotel for €13 for two with breakfast (using a discount coupon), but such promotions are very rare. The hotel is located almost in the very center of the city on the island of Kipsala. Breakfast is a buffet with a large selection of food, and the hotel also has a free sauna for guests.

Public transport in Riga

The tourist part of the city is very small, and is also located next to the railway station, and if you come to the city for less than a day, then public transport may simply not be needed.

If your route involves the use of public transport, then it is worth knowing that in Riga there is an electronic fare payment system, and tickets are called E-Talon. You can buy them at any newsstand.

It is best for tourists to use disposable yellow E-Talons. A ticket for one trip costs 2.5 €, but if you plan to travel more than once, then it is profitable to buy a pass for a day for 5 €.

Sights of Riga

Before I move on to the description of my walk around Riga, as usual, I will provide several links that should help you organize your trip in advance and save time.

1. Tourist bus Riga Sightseeing Tour - and. More expensive than a city transport pass, but it is more convenient to get to some attractions.
2. — 15€.
3. Excursion — — 25 €.
4. — 69€.

What to see in Riga in 1 day

Although I was in Riga for almost two days, due to bad weather, my stay in Riga itself as a tourist was reduced to 3-5 hours. This is enough to explore the tourist center of the city and the main attractions of Riga.

Central station

I will start covering my walking route from the Central Station - the place of arrival of almost all tourists in Riga.

Latvian National Opera

You don’t have to go straight to the historical city, so as not to make an extra circle and go for a walk in Bastion Hill Park, where you can see several attractions at once. The first thing along the way is the building of the Latvian National Opera, built in 1863.

The next point will be the Freedom Stella, located in the center of the park. It was erected in 1935 as a symbol of freedom of the Latvian people.

We continue our walk through the park to the place that gave it the name Bastion Hill. There is little left of the slide itself, but you can get good views from it in good weather. Our case was an exception and the weather was bad.

Powder Tower

We go down the hill and go towards the Powder Tower, the peak of which is visible in the previous photo. The Powder Tower is practically the only thing left of the city’s defensive wall. Nearby there are some more remains in the form of the Ramer Tower and a piece of the fortress wall.

Powder Tower

The corresponding thematic Latvian War Museum is located next to these buildings. The museum is open every day from 10 to 17-18 hours, in admission is free, address Smilšu iela 20.

cat house

We continue to move deeper into the historical part of the city and come to a building called the Cat House, for which they came up with a whole legend about cats on the spire of its roof. According to this legend, the cats were initially turned with their backs towards the building of the Riga Merchants Guild, and this was done due to the refusal to admit one of the merchants, who was the owner of this building, to the guild.

Today, the spiers of this building with cats are one of the symbols of the city; even a tourist magnet is rarely complete without images of these cats.

cat house

From the cat's house we move towards Dome Square, where the Dome Cathedral is located, but we will not go to the square and the cathedral for now, but will walk a little to the right to the Cathedral of St. James.

And now we go out to Dome Square and the cathedral of the same name.

Nearby is Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. Entrance to the museum is 4.27 €, for adults, but it is better to immediately buy a subscription to 3 museums for 5.69 € ( Museum of Riga History and Navigation, Menzendorf House and Latvian Photography Museum).

If you are not interested in the museum, then we move to the central square of Riga and the House of the Blackheads located on it, as well as the Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians, which is hidden around the corner of the House of the Blackheads.

Not far from the House of the Blackheads there is another one of the main attractions of Riga - the Church of St. Peter.

This is practically all that we managed to photograph during our walk around Riga and the entire story “What to see in Riga”; a light rain prevented us from taking more photographs. But in Riga, in the old town, there are still a dozen or two interesting houses that could be photographed, and you can also find the house that was filmed in the Soviet film about Sherlock Holmes and passed off as his place of residence on Baker Street.

National Library of Latvia

And the last photo is now also a landmark of Riga - the new building of the National Library of Latvia, opened in 2013. I got here because my hotel is located nearby.

Where to eat on a budget in Riga

I’ll finish my story about Riga with a snack, or rather lunch. In Riga, if you don’t want to overpay for restaurants and expensive cafes, it’s better to go to LIDO. It’s tasty, satisfying and inexpensive, and also somewhat similar to canteens, but much nicer and cozier.

There are 4 such establishments not far from the center, and one of them is right in the historical center. The Lido in the center is constantly crowded due to its good location, so it’s better to walk a little and have lunch at any other one. Below are the addresses according to distance from the center.

Last modified 09/24/2018

It’s quite possible to walk around Riga in one half day. 4-5 hours was enough for us with a rest in a wonderful cafe. In the article, I share in detail all the significant attractions of Riga with exact addresses and other important information, and also attach an itinerary for you to print out and use on your trip.

How to get to Riga

1. by bus;
2. by train;
3. by car

Bus St. Petersburg - Riga

There are 2 bus companies throughout Europe:

The buses are new: the seats are comfortable and recline as much as possible for a comfortable sleep, there are sockets at each seat, individual multimedia devices (Internet, music, movies, games), free WiFi, free tea or coffee, air conditioning and a toilet.

Train St. Petersburg - Riga

Departure from Vitebsky station, the most beautiful station in St. Petersburg (Pushkinskaya metro station - red line No. 1).

The schedule and ticket prices can be found on the website Tutu.ru

To Riga by car

Also carefully read the article about, where I advise where you can inexpensively leave your car for a long time if you are flying away from Riga on vacation.

What to see in Riga in one or two days

Once upon a time, Riga Castle served the knights of the Livonian Order and had a defensive function. Today it is the residence of the President of Latvia.

Three Brothers (Trīs Brāļi)

Address: Mazā Pils iela 17, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Architecture of Medieval Riga. “White Brother”, “Middle Brother” and “Green Brother” - 3 buildings that show the development of residential building construction in medieval Latvia.

Zviedru varti)

Address: Torne iela 11, Riga

The Swedish Gate is unique in that it has been preserved in its original form. According to legend, they appeared thanks to a merchant who did not want to pay money to enter the city. He cut a gate in his own house and took a fee from those who wanted to enter the city.

There are also rumors that a young girl was walled up in the gate, who secretly from her parents met with a Riga officer. She was caught and walled up in the walls of the Swedish Gate. Local residents say that sometimes they hear the crying of the unfortunate person.

Cat house (Kaķu nams)

Address: Meistaru iela 19, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

This building, with the wonderful cat on the roof, has nothing in common with the fairy tale. However, he still has a legend: a rich merchant built himself a house and installed cats on the roof, pointedly turning their backs towards the Guild building, where they did not want to take him. With the scandal, the cats were eventually turned around, and they still show off to this day.

WatchLaima (Laimaclock)

Address: Aspazijas bulvaris 20, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

The clock was installed in 1924 to ensure that citizens were never late for work. Later they were decorated with the logo of the Laima confectionery company.

Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis)

Address: Raiņa bulvāris 11 Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

The Freedom Monument is located between the new and old towns. It was built in 1931 with the money of the townspeople. There is a woman standing on a pedestal 19 meters high.

Latvian National Opera (Latvijas Nacionālā opera un ballets)

Address: Aspazijas bulvaris 3, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

A very beautiful building, built 1860-1863.

Church of St. Peter (Rīgas Sv. Pētera baznīca)

Address: Skārņu iela 19, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

You can go up to the observation deck and appreciate the beauty of Riga from a 72-meter height.

Working hours:

The ticket office closes 1 hour early

Tuesday - Saturday

Winter time (September - April): from 10.00 to 18.00

Summer time (May-August): from 10.00 to 19.00

Sunday

Winter time (September - April): from 12.00 to 18.00

Summer time (May-August): from 12.00 to 19.00

Monday- closed

Entry tickets:

For adults: EUR 11.00

House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams)

Address: Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Completely restored in 1999 after destruction during World War II.

The Dome Cathedral (Rīgas Doms)

Address: Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

The way the cathedral looks now, it was created at the end of the 19th century. The cathedral is the center of the Latvian musical movement. The Riga Dome Cathedral also hosts religious services and concerts by famous musicians.

Where to eat inexpensively in Riga

The best restaurant chain in Latvia is “Lido”. They have a promotion for lunch: on weekdays from 12.00 to 15.00. For 3.90 euros you will be offered soup, main course, bread and drink.

If you are by car, then a convenient restaurant for a full lunch is the Lido Recreation Center (Lido Atpūtas centrs)

at the address: Krasta iela 76, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1019, Latvia

A very beautiful place, with fountains and outdoor tables. Parking here is paid, but it is quite inexpensive (0.50 euros). When purchasing lunch at the checkout, you need to buy a special token for leaving the parking lot.

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