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RIGA
Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographical centre of the Baltic States.
The city's cross-roads location between Western Europe and huge Eastern markets has always been - and still is - one of Riga's attractions for business activities.
The name of Riga is known across Europe.
When in the 14th and 15th centuries Riga became one of the most important trade centers of the Hanseatic League, the city was granted special rights to transport goods along the Daugava further to the East.
Nowadays, Riga is also an important transport junction. The main elements that make the city as a transit center are the harbor of Riga, the Riga international airport and developed railway and road networks. The historically developed transportation infrastructure has facilitated Riga's evolution as the major industrial and business center in the Baltic region. The city is well known for its architectural and cultural values, skilful labor and developed infrastructure.
Riga is not only the backbone of Latvia's economy but also the largest center of education and science. This is confirmed by a large number of cultural events, international exhibitions, scientific conferences and seminars that every year take place in Riga.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
1. Alberta Street
Alberta Street carries the name of the man who founded Riga. Now it is one of the most beautiful and splendid streets in the city, representing all tat Jugendstil can offer. The construction of this street took place in a rather short period of time - from 1901 till 1908. The authors of the magnificent buildings are M.Eisenstein, N.Mandelstam and K.Pekshens.
These buildings are rich in picturesque details, free composition and perfect performance. You will find astonished faces, masks, large number of different animal sculptures etc.
2. Building of the Blackheads' Organization
Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga was destroyed during the II World War, because the building of the Blackheads' Organization was one of the most impressive architectural monuments in the city. This building, first mentioned in 1344, built in Gothic style, was a seat of single merchants belonging to the Merchants' Guild. Their patron was St.Mauricius, therefore it gained the name of Blackheads' Organization.
By the way, this building was not only a meeting place, but it was used as an excellent concert hall as well, R.Wagner and F.List visited this place.
The building of Blackheads' Organization was rebuilt in 1999.
3. Building of Great Guild
Great Guild was originally Merchants' organization dated with 1354, its members were German merchants. The first building of Great Guild, dated from the XIV century has not survived till nowadays, only some parts are included in the building which is dated with 1854-1857, architect H.Schehl. The building is in eclectic English Gothic forms, its interior is masterfully designed.
This building was reconstructed in 1965, now Latvian Philarmonics
4. Building of Small Guild
Craftsmen did not have such an importance influence to city's activities as merchants did, therefore even their Guild was called the Small, just opposite to Merchants' Guild. Small Guild was established in 1352, the number of corporations increased till 40 in the XVIIIth century.
The building of Small Guild was built in the XIVth century, big reconstructions took place in 1694 and 1743-1744. The present building of Small Guild was built in 1864-1866 by J.D.Felsko who completely destroyed the former building. Now a culture house "Guild" is situated there
5. The Dom Cathedral
The foundation stone of the Dome was laid in 1211, when Bishop Albert had a great plan of building a church, a monastery, some more buildings to present the power of Catholic church in Riga.
Its present appearance is a result of impact of numerous architectural styles during centuries. The oldest part, built in the manner of Romanesque, is the Altar. Gothic style has left its influence on the development of Basilica, Baroque has changed the Dome Spire to present state, by the way, the height of the spire is 90 m, as well as the Easter Pediment. The pseudo-gothic Western Entrance was built in the second part of the 19th cent. (architect J.Felsko). Then stained-glass panels were placed in the windows also.
The Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ, constructed by a German company "E.F.Walker & Co" in 1884. The reconstruction of it was carried out by the Dutch company "Flentrop-Orgelbow B.V.-Zaandam".
Now the services are held in the Dome Cathedral, as well as you can enjoy the organ concerts there.
6. The Powder Tower
This is one part of the former fortification system, surrounding Riga. It was first mentioned in 1330 and it was originally called Smilsu Tornis (The Sand Tower), but from the 17th century when the powder had been kept in it, the Tower gained the name of Powder.
The diameter of this round tower is 14.3m, height -25.6m, the width of the walls reaches 3m.
Now the Latvian War Museum is situated there.
7. Riga Castle
Built for the Order in 1330, Riga Castle served as the seat of the secular power for a long time. The place on the banks of the Daugava was chosen for purpose to oversee all the ship which came into the port, this place was strategically important, as well. A building of this castle was a square with a tower in each corner.
Beginning with the second part of the 16th century, when the Order was reformed, the members of Polish, Swedish and Russian secular power had their seat there. The building was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, the beginning of the 19th century when the third floor was built.
The last reconstruction was made in the 30-ties of this century by architect E.Laube, the gate, interior and furniture was designed by A.Cirulis.
Now the President of Latvia - Vaira Vike Freiberga - has his residence in one wing of the castle.
8. Three Brothers
The tradition that members of one handicraft live on one street was in full force and effect in medieval Riga, too. So we can find three dwelling-houses surviving from the former Backer Street side by side to each other, perhaps this is the reason why these houses are called Three Brothers.
The oldest brother was built at the end of the 15th century, it is the only premise that survived originally from that time, the next house is dated from 1646, but the last building is from the end of the 17th century. With the pediments facing the street these houses present the main principles of medieval building manner.
Reconstruction carried out by P.Saulītis and G.Jansons.
Museum of Architecture is settled in 2 of these buildings.
9. St. Peter Church
One of the most significant and beautiful Gothic churches in Riga and the Baltic states. The Church was mentioned first in 1209 as the merchants church and it served as their meeting place, as well. It was a Catholic church until 1523, when during the Reformation it turned Lutheran. The Church gained its present look during several centuries. At the end of the 17th century the main facade of the Church gained a Baroque look by city building master R.Bindenschuh. The tower of the church was destroyed the several times, last it burnt down in 1941. St.Peter church was restored in 1954-1973.
Now you can use an elevator till height of 72 m, and have a nice bird's eye view of Riga from the observation platform. You can visit this church to see some exhibitions or to enjoy concerts, as well.
10. St. John Church`s Courtyard
The beginning of the church was dated at the end of the XIII century, when the Dominicans built a church for the necessities of a cloister. This church was destroyed several times, therefore we can find a fusion of different architectural styles, but in fact, this is not the only example of this kind architectural monuments in Riga due to complex history of the city.
More than 400 years services in Latvian have been held in this church.
A fragment of the fortification wall surrounding the city of Riga can be seen in this yard. The walls were 11 m high and up to 2.5 m thick. St.John Church's Courtyard was reconstructed in the 60-ties.
