The first human settlements on the site where the quarters and streets of the beautiful city of Riga now stretch appeared in the VIII century with the arrival of the Finno-Ugric tribe of Livs at the mouth of the Daugava. But the city settlement itself was founded in 1201, and got its name by the small river Riga, which now does not exist, and its ancient channel can be traced in the direction of some streets of the capital of the Republic of Latvia. The ancient city has witnessed many happy and tragic events of European history, and today we will go to this beautiful city to visit the main attractions of Riga.
1
History Center
The old city, this is exactly the place in Riga from which you need to start your acquaintance with this cozy and beautiful European city.
According to researchers, the historical center of Riga is located at the intersection of the modern Shkunyu and Kalkyu Streets. It was here, after the founding of the city, that the main temple was built, consecrated in honor of St. Peter.
The present look of old Riga was formed in the Art Nouveau style only in the 19th century. All buildings are not similar to one another, and have their own special style, which the Latvians call “art nouveau”.
2
Riga castle
Now, this is the residence of the Latvian president, and once the powerful walls of the Riga Castle, served as a reliable protection and symbol of the power of the knights of the Livonian Order of the Crusaders.
It was founded in 1330, and after the collapse of the order, it was owned by Poles, Swedes, and Russians. Over time, the castle lost its protective function, and today its walls and huge halls undergo a reconstruction process.
One wing of the historical monument was given over to the museum, but after the fire it was transferred to the stock exchange building.
3
The Dome Cathedral
The Cathedral of Riga was founded with the personal participation of Bishop Albert Buxgevden, who zealously watched its construction, and invited the best masters of Europe to build it.
The construction was delayed, and only in 1270 the cathedral began to function and the first services were held in its magnificent walls. In the XIX century, a unique organ was established in the temple, which is considered one of the largest in Europe.
A beautiful temple, built in a transitional architectural style from the Romanesque to the so-called "Northern Gothic". The oldest Baltic church has become a symbol of Riga and one of its main attractions.
4
House of the Blackheads
On the map of Riga sights there is a unique architectural monument of the XIV century, which served in the Middle Ages as a place where meetings of various public organizations took place.
In the XVII century, the house passed into the possession of the guild of foreign merchants, the patron saint of which was St. Mauritius. The black head was depicted on the coat of arms of the guild, which is why the magnificent structure got its unusual name.
The building, which was badly damaged during the Second World War, was restored, and today a museum is located in its cellars, and ceremonial receptions are held on the floors in honor of foreign delegations.
5
Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians
There are not many monuments in the world that are erected in honor of fairy-tale heroes, but in Riga there is such a monument. It is dedicated to the famous four musicians from the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.
The sculptural composition captured a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster at the very moment when they stood on top of each other. They look out the window of the hut of the forest robbers.
It was erected in 1990, and animal noses, grated to a shine, indicate that the legend has firmly established among the townspeople and tourists that the monument brings happiness and can fulfill wishes.
6
Big and Small Guild
In the photo: The Big Guild
The first merchant guilds began to form in Riga in the middle of the XIV century, and in 1330 the first building was built, in which the merchants were located.
From the old building of the Big Guild in the basement, the remains of an ancient foundation, as well as the Minister’s room and the Bride’s chambers, have been preserved. The new building for the merchant guild was erected in 1857 according to the project of the then famous architect K. Beine.
In the photo: Small Guild
The building of the Small Guild, founded in 1354, was built in the 60s of the XIX century.
Today, the City Philharmonic Hall is located in the building of the Big Guild, and state and national holidays are held in Malaya.
7
Cat house
There is also an amazing Cat House in Riga, which has nothing to do with the famous fairy tale, but is famous for its unique and exciting legend.
In 1910, it was erected by one of the richest Latvian merchants, whom the Merchants Guild did not want to see. For this reason, figures of cats turned backwards to the building of the merchant's guild were installed on the house built opposite the guild.
A big scandal flared up, the merchant was obliged to turn cats into a more decent place. The merchant complied with the instructions of the city authorities, and the figures of cats adorn the unique building today.
8
St. Peter's Church
The tall spire and the observation deck rise high above the buildings of Riga, so one of the best attractions is visible from any part of the city.
This is one of the capital’s oldest buildings, founded back in 1209, and built in the Gothic style with elements of early Baroque. Before the TV tower appeared in the capital of Latvia, St. Peter's Church, 123.5 m high, was the tallest building in Riga.
Those who wish to explore the surroundings can take the elevator to a height of 72 m, which offers magnificent views of the city and the Daugava River.
And on our site most-beauty.ru there is another interesting article about the most beautiful churches in the world. If you are interested in this topic, be sure to read the article and enjoy the beauty of these buildings.
9
Church of St. John
The beautiful brick building of the church with a turned white tower is located at Jana street, house 7. But the church leads its history from the beginning of the XIII century.
The interior of the church is strict and elegant at the same time. The vaults rely on majestic Tuscan-style columns, and the ceiling is decorated with an exquisite metal mesh. The marble altar is made in the Baroque style, and a large crucifix was placed in its very center.
Like many buildings in the Latvian capital, the church suffered during the war years and was restored in the 60-70s. It is noteworthy, but from the Soviet period, it remained valid.
10
Russian Drama Theater
In 1882, a theatrical drama troupe was organized under the direction of Efim Sokolov, and today it is the oldest Russian drama theater outside of Russia.
In 1883, a new building was built specifically for the theater’s productions, which has become an effective cultural center of the Russian diaspora in Latvia.
Outstanding actors performed on the stage of the theater, including the famous actor and talented director Mikhail Chekhov who worked here in 1931. The theater building now bears the name of Chekhov, and in 2008 it was completely renovated, and it became even more comfortable and beautiful.
11
Gertrude Old Church
For the first time a beautiful church, which is at the intersection of Gertrudes and Baznicas Streets, is mentioned in historical documents under the year 1413.
For its construction, for the first time in the history of Riga, a special place was allocated, namely the octagonal square, traditional for the cities of the Baltic states. The first building of the Lutheran church died during a fire, and the architect Johann Daniel Felsko rebuilt it in the middle of the XIX century
The beautiful and majestic church became a vivid example of an eclectic trend in European architecture, and the name "old" took root, so as not to be confused with the eponymous church in honor of Gertrude, built a little later.
12
National Museum of History
One of the oldest museums in the Baltic States, founded in 1869, located its exhibits and storerooms in Riga Castle. Today, in its exposition, there are over 1 million.
The museum consecrates the history of Riga from ancient times to the present day, and especially valuable exhibits are represented by a collection of rare coins and medieval weapons.
Adults and children in the halls of the museum can familiarize themselves with the life of a medieval knight, as well as learn a lot about the traditions and life of the Latvian people.
13
Museum of Old Cars
The main attractions of Riga also include the unique Museum of Antique Cars, which contains rare historical specimens of automobile transport.
One of the best museums of this type in Europe, located far from the center, in a small suburb of Mežciems. It is best to look at old cars, get to it by your own vehicles, as a bus trip will take a lot of time.
It was founded in 1972, and the initiators of its creation were the Latvian Club of Antique Car Lovers.
14
Museum of Architecture
Among the many museums in Riga it is worth mentioning the magnificent museum of architecture. He appeared on tourist guides in 1994, when he opened his doors to visitors.
The museum is located in three unique houses of the Middle Ages, which are known as the Three Brothers. There are Three Sisters in Tallinn, but brothers in Riga.
Note that the museum does not have a permanent exhibition, but works according to the system of the exhibition hall. But the exhibitions that take place in its halls tell about the history of the development of Latvian architecture, providing visitors with rare drawings and records of architects of the past and present.
15
Riga Zoo
It is difficult to find the best place in Riga for children and a comfortable pastime for their parents. An amazing garden complex was founded in 1807, and received zoo status in 1912.
On an area of 20 hectares live more than 3 thousand species of various animals and birds. The uniqueness of the zoo is that many animals that do not carry danger to humans freely walk around the territory.
It is especially beautiful here in spring, when trees bloom and rare kinds of flowers bloom. Especially popular among visitors is feeding animals.
16
Kalnciema Street Quarter
Each city has its own remarkable street where tourists can experience the national charm and traditions of the Latvian people. On the left bank of the Daugava there is a street that is not inferior in its color to the quarters of Old Riga.
Small restaurants, souvenir shops fit in a small area. Here is a unique corner of wooden buildings, and stone buildings are real masterpieces of architecture of the XVIII-XIX centuries.
Especially popular among tourists is the restaurant "Maja", which in translation into Russian means "Home". It is here that you can taste excellent Latvian cuisine, as well as enjoy live music.
17
Riga TV Tower
We complete the journey near the unique engineering building that grew up in the city in 1989. The construction of the tower, whose height is 368 m, took 10 years.
At that time, for the first time, instead of reinforced concrete, new material was used in the construction of such structures, and the unique tower was built of iron sheets. According to engineers, the margin of safety of the tower is designed for 250 years.
There are two observation platforms and a restaurant on the tower itself. But due to the fact that there is no kitchen in the restaurant, food has to be raised from below, which is why the restaurant is not popular with townspeople and tourists.
Finally
So our journey to Riga came to an end, in which we presented photos and descriptions of the sights of this magnificent ancient city.
Many sites offer tourist routes, and advise, if a person is limited in time, what to see in Riga in one day. We have expanded the scope, and also told about beautiful places that are definitely worth visiting when you arrive in the capital of Latvia. We assure you that it is quite problematic to visit all the architectural monuments and cultural sights of Riga in three days, and it is necessary to come to this city for at least a week.
Article author: Valery Skiba