Many neighborhoods in Riga are divided in even smaller parts. They are named with ordinal numbers.
Imanta 5 is the fifth and the last section of big Imanta area, located on West Bank.
The main sight of Imanta 5 is the former big store Jūra (means Sea) depicted on photo.
Close to Jura store is Imanta Station.

Labels: buildings, imanta, neighbourhoods, shopping, soviet, suburbs

Rīgas 34. vidusskola (School number 34) is located next to Botanical gardens in Ilguciems area.
It was opened in 1946 as School #40 and in 1952 was renamed to #34.
Nowadays 34th school is recognized in Riga as English School.
The name English School means that this school gives an extra education in English language.
There is also German School in Riga.

Labels: buildings, education, english, ilguciems, pardaugava, russian, schools

One of the largest Orthodox churches in Riga is Riga Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (in Russian Рижский православный кафедральный собор Святой Троицы or in Latvian Rīgas Svētās Trijādības pareizticīgo katedrāle), located on Kr. Barona street in the section between Pernavas and Erglu streets.
By the way, today the Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Monday, which means next day after Easter.

See Also Holy Trinity Church and Orthodox Cathedral.

Guest Photographer: Oleg

Labels: buildings, center, churches, easter, holidays, orthodox, religious, sights

Some time ago here was a post about empty Strip Bars in Riga.
Flames is candidate to be in the list of dangerous places in Riga, I guess this is the reason why it is quite empty, despite even good location on Kalku street.
Although some big daddies came here by limo :)

Labels: bars, cars, criminal, night, nightlife, streets, vecriga

Infinite running way goes through all Riga central parks.
It is painted in Kronvalda park, Vermanitis, Bestejkalns and Katedrale park.
Government believes that long running way helps people do sport more.
And why it is made like Adidas sign (3 white lines) - I have no idea :)

Guest Photographer: Eva

Labels: benches, center, parks, sports

Everyday thousands of people are using railway to get into center from suburbs like Zolitūde.
During the rush hour trains are coming and departing almost every 5 minutes transporting live cargo.

Guest Photographer: Oleg

Labels: people, railway, trains, transport, zolitude

Fishermen on Kishezers lake.
Unfortunately I didn't ask how big is the catch :)

Labels: hobby, lakes, mezaparks, nature, people

I found those children playing on railway rails during the work hours :)
I believe they just escaped from the routine life for several hours, like everybody of us wants to do.

Labels: children, industrial, life, people, railway

VEF Clock Tower is located inside of the territory of the former VEF factory.
Because of the high floor ceilings, this clock tower was one of the highest building in Riga in the middle of 20s century.
Just check Panoramic view from the tower's top.

Labels: brivibas, clocks, industrial, offices, skyscrapers, teika, towers, vef

Krišjānis Barons is one of the most famous Latvian people during the whole history of the country. One of the main Riga streets named for it - Kr. Barona iela.
And Barons is the only man who is appearing on Latvian money. His portrait is on the 100 Ls (140 EUR) bank note :)
This monument located in Vermane park

Guest Photographer: Oleg

Labels: center, culture, monuments, parks, people, trees

Pils iela (Castle Street) is quite wide (comparing to other streets in Old Town) street, which runs from the President's Castle till the Riga Cathedral Square through the North part of Vecriga.
There are several nice buildings on the street and Anglican Church.

Labels: streets, vecriga

Sakta in latvian means Brooch. It is the name of area around this black building, where Brivibas street crosses Merkela street.
For long time this building was famous for it fancy shop. Nowadays there is just Post Office.
Next to this area located the biggest Flower Market in Riga.

Labels: buildings, center, jugendstil, offices, shopping, streets

Akmens Tilts (Stone Bridge) sometimes called as Middle Bridge, especially among foreigners, which doesn't know the real name of the bridge.
Stone Bridge is the middle one because it is located in immediate proximity to Railway Bridge on the South and Cable Bridge on the North.
Another one Photos of Akmens Tilts in December 2007 and in June 2009.

Labels: bridges, daugava, lights, night, rivers, sights

Dzegužkalns (Cuckoo's Hill) is one of the Pardaugava parks located in Ilguciems neighborhood. The park was opened in XVIII century, and it was partly built up in the place of old Jewish cemetery.
Now Cuckoo's Hill has the highest natural point above sea level in Riga area - 24 meters.
Therefore Dzeguzkalns is popular winter resort in Riga.

Labels: cemeteries, hills, ilguciems, jewish, pardaugava, parks, records

New and shiny skyscraper Astra Lux grew up in Purvciems suburb, and became the second tallest building in Riga's right side. The price of flats and offices varies from 2000 Eur per square meter.
Penthouse is much more expensive of course :)

Labels: houses, offices, prices, purvciems, skyscrapers, suburbs

Microbuses (Sometimes called as marshrutka or mikriņš) is one of the most popular transport among Rigans.
More than one hundred destinations to any Riga suburb and hundreds routes across the City.
Rapidity, low prices (0.5 Ls ~ 0.8 EUR) and sometimes comfort make Micro buses so popular.
This photo was taken in Microbuses hive - next to Central Station.

Labels: buses, cars, center, prices, stations, transport

Vaļņu iela (Wall Street) is one of the main streets located in Old Town. It runs parallel and next to Aspazijas Blvd.
Valnu st. starts by Powder Tower, crossing Kalku st., passing Galerija Centers and terminates at 13. Janvara st.

Labels: cars, people, streets, vecriga, walls

I met those people with Riga paper bags in front of Melngalvju Nams.
I suppose there was some meeting about Riga future development plans :)

Labels: people, riga, vecriga, writings

Ķīšezers is the biggest lake inside of Riga borders. Ķīšezers is popular resort for walking, camping, boating, fishing and sometimes even swimming.
Lake located on north-east of Riga, bordering with Mežaparks, Sarkandaugava, Vecmīlgrāvis, Jugla and other Riga suburbs.

Labels: jugla, lakes, mezaparks, nature, rivers, sarkandaugava, vecmilgravis

Alksnaja street located on the south part of Old Riga Town, next to 13th January Street.
It is very cozy and sunny street during summer :)
You can see here Saint Peters Church as well.

Guest Photographer: Eva

Labels: streets, vecriga

This is Misisipi ship docked in Agenskalna licis, Pardaugava.
It's passing through last repair works before summer season, when a local people and tourists using Misisipi as entertainment transport over Daugava river

House of Press and HansaBanka building can be seen in background.

Labels: boats, pardaugava, rivers, ships, skyscrapers, spring, trees

Rīgas pils (Riga Castle) is a major sight in Riga and the official residence of Latvian President.
Castle was founded in 1330. It was rebuilt and renovated many times due the rule of different powers like Germans, Polishes, Lithuanians, Swedes, Russian, Soviets and of course Latvians itself.
Pils was always very important stronghold over the whole Baltic Region.
Hotel Latvia can be seen on the Right.

Labels: buildings, castles, churches, daugava, government, medieval, presidents, sights, skyscrapers, towers, vecriga

I found Guntis (54) boiling potatoes on Akmenu street, next to LNB future building.
He reluctantly told his tragic story..
Briefly, tens years ago his wife has gone to another man, but Guntis stayed to live in house legally belonging to wife..
After years all houses near to future building of LNB were demolished and legal owners got some compensation.
Of course his wife didn't even think to share the compensation with her ex-husband Guntis, who lived there for more than 30 years :(

See Pirate as well.

Labels: abandoned, bums, camps, food, life, pardaugava, people, poverty

Ģertrūdes iela (Gertrude's Street) is one of the main Riga center streets.
Gertrudes iela is named after Saint Gertrude.
The Street originates at Old Gertrude's Church (you can see it obscured far away) and runs southwards through the heart of Business Riga, crossing such major streets as Brivibas, Kr. Barona and Caka. It terminates at the Valmieras iela, where this shot was made.

Labels: center, churches, streets

No doubt that one of the most famous sights depicting Russian Empire Epoch in Riga is this Pareizticīgo Kristus dzimšanas Rīgas katedrāle (Orthodox Cathedral) built in 1884. Katedrale was closed down during Soviet Epoch (inside was opened observatory and cafe) and reopened again as church in 1992.
It's located in very center, next to Hotel Latvija.
See Orthodox Cathedral during the winter.

See Also Riga Cathedral.

Guest Photographer: Eva

Labels: brivibas, buildings, center, churches, orthodox, religious, russian, sights

Kaļķu iela (Chalky Street) is the main street in the Old Town.
It starts by the Blackheads Sq. and runs till Aspazijas Blvd passing a lot of shops, cafes, clubs and hotels. It turns into Brivibas blvd.
The name Kalku derieves from the old times, when the houses on the street where made from limestone and people walking by often got dirty their clothes with chalk :)
Kalku street is one of Riga's most touristy streets, with lots of entertainment and souvenirs sold.
On Kalku Street you can often meet such persons: Dancing Granny and Playing Grandpa :)
Traffic through the street is particular forbidden.

Labels: brivibas, rain, sights, streets, vecriga

This monument located on Daugavgriva (Mouth of Daugava river) area, within former fortress and later military base territory.
During the 700 years of stronghold lifetime, it was belonged to different nations and forces.
during the Soviet Epoch here was a Soviet Navy Base.
Writing on monument in russian language means:
Nobody is forgotten
Nothing is forgotten...
Glory to Heroes - Submariners of Baltic Sea

Watch Tower can be seen at the background.

Labels: bolderaja, daugavgriva, military, monuments, pardaugava, russian, towers, writings

XXL Video Bar is a nightclub opened in year 1999 within Riga Center Area. The dance club is famous and popular among the Riga's gay community.
Together with Rainbow Sauna and Sex Video Cabins located next door, and Riga Gay Hotel placed just opposite, XXL made Alfreda Kalniņa street as known as Gays Street in Riga.

Labels: bars, center, clubs, night, nightlife, queer, streets

As always I write about holdiays day after they have been.
Yesterday was a Fool's Day :) I didn't notice any hoaxes or jokes walking in Riga, so I decide to put this Organ Grinder who plays almost everyday in front of Europa Club Casino on Kr. Barona Street, but yesterday he was without his White-headed Capuchin monkey.
Maybe monkey get sick :(

Labels: casinos, center, holidays, jobs, music, people

Riga Reservoir built on Daugava river in 1974 close to Salaspils town.
This is the main source of tap water and electricity for adjacent cities, like Riga.
Electricity made by Rigas HES (Riga Hydroelectric Power Plant) and distributed through Electrical wiring.

This photo is for Monthly Theme Day, which is "Water"
All other blogs participating in this theme day: Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria Joao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Paris, France by Gordio, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvorosvar, Hungary by Elise, Pont-a-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrucken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setubal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Szekesfehervar, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Labels: daugava, industrial, rivers, salaspils, suburbs, themes, water