Riga is the capital of Latvia and its largest city, being today a cultural and business center. It is also the largest city in the Baltic States and faces the Baltic Sea. The Daugava River that crosses it has been a great trade route since before the Middle Ages, which led to the development of the city.
Let's see what places of interest the Riga city in Latvia, with an old town that has been declared a World Heritage Site. We can enjoy its monuments, art nouveau houses and old buildings that have an excellent state of conservation.
About Riga
This city is the capital of Latvia, being the largest city in the Baltic States. It is located in the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Duvaga River. This city is part of the Union of Baltic Cities. It is divided into six districts which in turn are subdivided into 58 different neighborhoods. It was founded in the XNUMXth century, although it was a trading area from even earlier.
What to see in Riga
If you are going to travel to the city of Riga, you will have to do a small list of all sights, which are not few. It will take a couple of days to visit the entire city.
Monument to freedom
Inside the Bastejkalns Park is the Freedom Monument. The Bastion Hill is a beautiful park crossed by a canal that can be navigated by boat. In the center of the park you can see a huge 42 meter high obelisk, built in 1935. This monument represents the freedom of the Republic of Latvia and is also a monument that pays tribute to those who fell during the War of Independence. It is an essential visit that is also in beautiful surroundings.
Town Hall Square
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the most central place in the entire city, a large esplanade that always has a great atmosphere. In this square there are several ancient buildings of great beauty, among which the House of the Blackheads. Its initial construction was from the 1999th century and it was intended to hold public celebrations or to house official institutions. The Second World War destroyed part of the city and also this building. It was rebuilt in XNUMX and currently houses the Tourist Office, making it a great visit in which to find out about everything we can see in the city.
Riga Central Market
This central market is one of the largest and most amazing that can be visited. It is situated in the ancient zeppelin hangars that were used in the First World War. They have 72.000 square meters in which basic necessities and typical foods are sold. It is the ideal place to enjoy a walk through a typical area in which to see the atmosphere of the city.
Riga Cathedral
Many of the elements of this cathedral date back to the XNUMXth century, but the appearance it has today is rather the result of the reconstruction in the twentieth century. It has a fairly simple interior and a beautiful cloister, a large organ and some stained glass windows. Although it is not one of the most spectacular cathedrals that you can visit, it is also a place of interest.
St. Peter's Church
This church is near the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and is a place that draws attention for its facade. The church was also restored during the XNUMXth century, like much of the city. Its bell tower is the perfect place to see the city from above. East bell tower measures 70 meters, although the highest place is the Television Tower.
The three brothers
This peculiar name is received by all three buildings located on Maza Pils street, at numbers 17, 19 and 21. The three houses are united inside, although they are from different periods and their appearance is very different, with number 17 being the oldest of the three.
Livu Square
This square is one of the liveliest places in all of Riga. It is the perfect place to enjoy the restaurants, bars and the atmosphere of the city. In this square there are also some interesting buildings such as the House of the Cats in art nouveau style.
Old walls of Riga
All the Riga city walls were from the XNUMXth century but today there is very little left. On Troksnu Street you can see the Swedish Gate, which is the only gateway to the city that remains standing. Near this door are some old military barracks that have been converted into trendy restaurants and bars.