Riga

Wine cellar in Riga

In the manuscript of 1293, the Riga Wine Cellar is mentioned as a place of wine storage for local nobility. The cellar was also considered a place of social life: deals were made here, cases were discussed, celebrations were arranged. At the beginning of the 17th century, the building that belonged to the magistrate was transferred to a private person, and a house was built over the cellar.
During the Second World War, this building was destroyed, so no one knew about the existence of the cellar for several decades. The premises were discovered only in the late 1960s due to architectural studies.
Today, the premises of the former cellar is occupied by the restaurant “Rozengral”, decorated in a medieval style. It is noteworthy that the interiors are recreated in accuracy according to the preserved documents. There are no light bulbs, candles light up the halls, medieval clothes are on waiters, and bread is served in canvas bags.

The city hall Riga

Riga City Hall – the building that served as the residence for the Riga City Council (the highest authority in Riga). The Town Hall building was rebuilt three times. At the end of the XIX century, the Town Hall turned into the main city library of Riga. During the Second World War, the building was badly damaged due to the bombardment of the Wehrmacht. Only the ruins remained, the town hall was in such a state until 1954. In place of the Riga Town Hall, it was decided to build the Riga Technical University. Today, after the renovation of the Town Hall, carried out in 2003, a copy was built on the site of a historic building, the building serves as the residence of the Riga City Council.

The cat house

The house with black cats is a building designed by architect F. Schefel in 1909 in the style of the late rational modern.
According to a legend, the house was built by a wealthy Latvian merchant who was not accepted into the Great Guild (a merchant organization formed in Riga in 1354). The merchant was very offended, so he put two metal cats on the roof of his house, with tails facing the Great Guild building, thereby showing his cynical attitude to the organization and its members. Such an act caused a big scandal, it even came to a lawsuit. Cats were turned to the other side by order of the city authorities.
In the middle of the facade of the house there is a symbolic image of an eagle with its wings wide open.
Now on the first floor of the building there is a jazz restaurant “Carpe diem”, as well as a restaurant and casino “Melnais kaķis”.

St. Peter’s Church

The first mention of the church of St. Peter is dated back to 1209. The church was planned as a folk, so its construction was financed by artisans, merchants, actors and everyone.
In 1456 the reconstruction of the church began, it lasted until 1473, when the famous tower was built. In the 17th century, the facade of the church was actively decorated, at the same time the first spire appears, in the form in which we know it. According to a legend, when a lightning struck the tower in 1721 and it caught fire, Peter I himself took part in extinguishing the fire. Unfortunately, the tower could not be saved, but by decree of Peter the same year, the restoration of the spire began, which ended only 20 years later.
Unfortunately, the church was almost completely destroyed during World War II. The spire was fully restored only in 1973, and now it has two viewing platforms, which are very popular among tourists.

Russian Theater named after Mikhail Chekhov

The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre (until 2006, the State Riga Theater of Russian Drama), the oldest Russian theater in the world outside Russia, was opened on October 2, 1883.
Until 1883 there was no permanent Russian theater in Riga. Occasionally, only amateur performances were given, and there were several cases of arrival of small provincial troupes here.
Only in the early 80s of the XIX century, the construction of the house of the Russian craft artel and the society “Beehive”, in which there were halls with scenes, was completed. Now it is possible to start the implementation of the idea of ​​arranging permanent Russian theater performances in Riga. This idea began to emerge in the 60s of the last century, since the Russian public movement appeared in Riga, the result was the emergence of the first Russian public institutions.
The year of foundation of the permanent Russian theater in Riga is 1883.

Riga TV Tower

The Riga TV tower with a height of almost 369 meters is the tallest structure in the entire Baltic region, and also the third in Europe after the Kiev and Ostankino towers.
At an altitude of 99 meters there is a viewing platform, from which all Riga with its suburbs, as well as the Gulf of Riga, is visible.
Externally, the tower is a structure of a spire and has three “legs.” In the “legs” of the tower there are two inclined rail elevators, as well as a regular elevator that connects the observation deck with the technical floors. At the main entrance of the tower is a stone “Sputnik” by Kristaps Gulbis.
The tower is not only a technical facility, broadcasting radio stations, television channels and providing people with electronic communication services, but also a real symbol, without which it is difficult to imagine Riga.

Riga central market

The central market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Eastern Europe. Approximately one hundred thousand people a day visit the market.
The range of the market attracts with its diversity. Here you can buy everything: from salted cucumbers and all kinds of sausages to folk craftwork and exotic goods. You can try and compare groceries with each other before you buy.
The market is distinguished by its pavilions, which were built in the twenties of the XX century as military buildings. During World War I, the pavilions served as hangars for airships of the German army.
In 1998, the territory of the central market was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Riga Castle

Riga Castle is a building in the heart of Riga, with a rich and complex history, which began in the XIV century. Now it is the residence of the President of Latvia.
During its long history, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, survived more than one siege and was the administrative center of the rulers of several states. From the moment ofRiga Castle construction, from the middle of the 14th to the middle of the 16th, the castle belonged to the Livonian Order. After the Order ceased to exist, the Riga Castle at various times became the residence of Polish, Swedish and Russian governors.
Initially, the architecture of the castle was quite simple, as the building was military in nature: it was a closed rectangle with a courtyard and two round corner towers. In the following centuries, the castle was completed. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle significantly changed its appearance due to the fact that a representative function began to dominate the original defensive function: a new wing was added in front of the castle, a castle square appeared next to it, and in the beginning of the 19th century a garden was arranged in the northern part of the complex. The final modern look of the Riga Castle complex was acquired in the late 30s of the XX century.
Currently, the castle houses the Museum of Foreign Art, the Museum of the History of Latvia, as well as the Museum of Literature and History of Art named after Rainis.

Museum of old cars

Motor Museum of Riga is a museum of automobiles, the collection of which includes more than 230 cars, mopeds and motorcycles of the 20th century. Founded in 1989, the museum is the largest museum of ancient transport in the Baltic countries.
Fans of technology will see sports and military cars, Latvian cars and rare cars in the museum (Brezhnev’s limousine, Molotov’s car and others).
The exposition of the museum with an area of ​​16 856 square meters is divided into several parts: cars made in Latvia, Soviet cars, military equipment, motorcycles, bicycles and others. All exhibits are located on three floors. The museum also has a library with 1,470 items.

Riga Art Nouveau Museum

The unique attraction of Riga, because there are only a few such museums in the world. It is necessary to clarify that the capital of Latvia is one of the few European cities in which a large number of Jugendstil buildings have been preserved.The Riga Museum is a luxury apartment of the beginning of the 20th century decorated in art nouveau style. Visitors can see a magnificent spiral staircase, a dining room, several living rooms, a kitchen and even a bathroom. In addition, the museum contains many items of interior and everyday life, which are of no less interest to the modern man, although not executed in art nouveau style.

Powder tower

The first mention of the Powder Tower in the ancient chronicles dates back to 1330. Its original name is Sandy, as it was located on the Great Sandy Road leading to the city. During the Middle Ages, the tower guarded the northern part of the city and was a strategically important defense point. In 1621, during the Swedish-Polish war, the tower was destroyed, but almost immediately rebuilt. Around the same time, it became known as the Powder Tower. There are several versions of the origin of the name, but the most likely one is due to the fact that the tower was constantly attacked, so it was lost in clouds of powder smoke.
At the time of the Russian Empire, the tower was not used for its intended purpose and therefore stood abandoned. According to the plan for the reconstruction of the city, all outdated defenses should have been demolished, but the Powder Tower was decided to be left for posterity. A few decades later, the tower was overhauled. During the 20th century, various institutions were located in the tower.
Now the building of the Powder Tower is occupied by the Military Museum.

The historic center of Riga

This is a rather small historical part, which can be bypassed by a leisurely walk in a few hours. Here are the oldest buildings of the city, the most beautiful cathedrals and cozy streets with low houses under a bright tiled roof. Walking here on the stone pavement you will understand what real Riga is.
Walking through the narrow streets of the Old City you will plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Riga Castle is in this part of the city – the palace of kings and the modern residence of the president. Once it was surrounded by impressive stone fortifications, but today only the Powder Tower has been preserved. Nearby is the church of St. Peter, which houses one of the largest organs in Europe. You can listen to it during Sunday service or at specially organized concerts, in which the church choir also participates. Next to the church is the central market, where it is best to look for rare and unusual souvenirs and just amazing shopping.
The old town is famous for its cafes and restaurants.

Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians

Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians is one of the most popular monuments of the Old Town. The monument was made by the Bremen sculptor Christa Baumgertel and installed in 1990. The monument is a sculptural composition of the Bremen Town Musicians, consisting of four animal characters in a folk tale known in the retelling of the Grimm brothers.
There is a belief that if you rub the nose of a donkey and make a wish, it will come true. It is possible to realize three more desires by rubbing the noses of other animals. The most intimate desire is fulfilled by the rooster, which is the hardest to reach. According to another version, each next animal increases the chances of fulfilling one cherished desire.

Little Guild

The Small Guild originated in the 13th century and was the first organization to unite all Germans living in Riga. In the 14th century, it was divided into two independent organizations.
The building of the Small Guild was built no later than 1210. For a long time, the building was used by members of the Livonian Order, but in the 14th century the building was rebuilt and occupied by the guild of artisans. In the 17th century, the building underwent another reconstruction to meet the new requirements. According to some reports, the reconstruction was unsuccessful, so after 50 years the building was rebuilt again. In 1774 the building was slightly modernized and began to resemble the building of the Great Guild.
Now most of the building is occupied by a museum, which is dedicated to the development of handicraft art. Also on the territory of the building there is a craft school, in which souvenirs are made for a local shop.

House of the Blackheads in Riga

In the middle of the 14th century, the Order of the Blackheads appeared on the territory of modern Latvia and Estonia. It was completely secular association of foreign merchants and shipowners. Initially, this military structure was designed to protect the city. St. George was the patron saint of this place.
The first building was built by Blackheads for public use. It housed the exchange, which gathered a lot of foreign merchants and clerks. Over time, the corporation gained a strong influence in the city and country, ceremonial receptions and balls began to be held in the house, members of the fraternity gathered here to relax and solve social issues. Today there are numerous concerts of classical music.
The facade of the building was rebuilt several times and was completely destroyed during the Second World War. Today, the original appearance of the building is unknown and the modern reconstruction is based on the later sources of the XVII-XVIII centuries. Brick building is in the style of Northern European Mannerism. The facade is decorated with sculptures of Neptune, Mercury, Unity and Peace and wrought elements. Before entering the building on the square of the Latvian Red Riflemen, there is a sculpture of Roland as a symbol of freedom, judicial authority and trade protection.

The Dome Cathedral

The Riga Dome Cathedral, founded on July 25, 1211 by Bishop Albert Buksgevden, on St. Jacob’s Day, is the largest and oldest sacred structure of the Middle Ages in Latvia.Riga Dome Cathedral – the cathedral of the Archbishop of Latvia – one of the main attractions, located in the center of Riga.This amazing cathedral combines the features of the Romanesque, early Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau. Throughout its history, it has expanded several times: the western nave was erected, the height of the central nave was increased, and the height of the spire reached 140 meters – before the cathedral was damaged in the fire of 1547.Having been here, you can enjoy the music of the organ, which was installed in 1883-1884, which includes 6,768 pipes. Another interesting place is the Museum of the History of Riga, located in the ensemble of the cathedral, which has a collection of 500,000 exhibits.

Complex Three brothers

The Three Brothers is the name of the architectural ensemble located in the center of old Riga. Three buildings built close to each other are examples of the architecture of their era.
There is a legend associated with this interesting architectural complex, the legend says that these houses were actually built by three men of the same family. “The eldest (or” white “) brother” is the oldest, its construction dates back to the end of the 15th century. The only decoration of the modest building are stone benches on both sides of the entrance – a typical element for the late Middle Ages. The “middle brother” has the most luxurious facade, features of Dutch mannerism are visible, this style is characteristic for the middle of the XVII century. The “younger (or” green “) brother” was built at the end of the seventeenth century. It is decorated with a typical baroque element – a curved gable on the roof.
Now the buildings of the complex are occupied by the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Monuments of Culture, the Latvian Museum of Architecture, the Union of Architects of Latvia and the editors of an architectural magazine.

Church of St. John

The Church of St. John is a Lutheran church in Riga, which represents an incredible interweaving of architectural styles: late Gothic, Northern Renaissance, Mannerism, and even Baroque are reflected in the walls of this outstanding monument of medieval church architecture.
The temple is part of a former Dominican monastery. The church was destroyed several times and each time it was restored. After the Dominicans were driven out of the city in the 16th century, the destroyed church was purchased and it was used as a stable and storehouse for grain. During the Livonian War, a weapon warehouse was located in the temple. In Soviet times, the church functioned as a Lutheran church.

The old church of Gertrude

The church of St. Gertrude was first mentioned in 1413 (1418), therefore it is often called the Old Gertrude. Saint Gertrude Nivelska (626-659) is the patroness of travelers. All who went on a long journey, went to the church for a blessing. The church is a typical example of eclecticism, the structure has rich neo-gothic forms. Three-nave pseudo basalica with short transverse aisles. The building is directed from the south-east to north-west. The altar is located on the northwest side of the church. In this direction, the ground level is greatly reduced and this made it possible to build large basements. The height of the middle nave is 13 meters, length 34.5 meters. Exterior walls are built of bricks, without plaster, and portals, phials, cornices and window overlaps are made of concrete. The height of the tower is 63 meters. The spire is covered with copper tin. The tower simultaneously performs the function of a bell tower and a chapel. The large bell (diameter 97 centimeters) was cast from bronze in 1867. The tower clock, whose dials are located on three sides, is currently not working.
In 1906 the building of the New Church was built.
In 1906, an organ was installed in the Old Church – one of the best in Riga. Concerts of organ music in the church of Old Gertrude occur at about the same frequency as concerts in the Domskoy Cathedral on the Walcker organ.
After World War II, the parish was not numerically large. But, despite this, the church remained active throughout the Soviet era.