Balasta Dambis (Stranded levee) is one of the most beautiful streets in Riga, because of the nice views you get when you walk through it. Balasta Dambis originates at Raņķa dambis in Agenskalns (mainland part) and runs into Kipsala (island part) where it twists along Daugava river. This picture has been taken at the crossroads of Ranka dambis and Balasta dambis, where this street begins. See also Swedbank skyscaper.
Palasta iela (Palace street) is a small street in old town with a big name. Palace street is famous because of the house which was the residence of Peter I the Great of Russia in the beginning of 18 century. At that time, in 1710 Riga became city of newly raised Russian Empire and remained in it until it had fallen during 1st World War.
Riga (and Latvia) has almost the highest percentage of houses supplied by district heating in European Union. The chimney at the background is district heating plant of Kliversala neighborhood in Pardaugava. Such plants produce warm water from natural gas. This water is being used not only to take shower, but to warm our houses as well, which is especially important during winters.
Latvijas Apvienotā metodistu baznīca (Latvian United Methodist Church) is kind of branch of Church of England. Methodism is not very popular in Latvia, less than 1000 of people practise this relatively new religion. See also Latvian Good News Church.
There is an expression in Russian that Ice hockey is the game only for real men! I guess this several guys which are always one the ice as soon as it is get frozen are the real men in some way :) Sometimes they play Ice Hockey even in the night time. Today is the Day of defenders of Motherland, which widely interpreted as the Day of Men. So, my congratulations to all men of the world ;) check another angle of this Ice hockey game.
I guess that nobody in Riga think that residence of American Embassy on Raina boulevard is a nice building, which adorns city. Despite its very center location (it is next nearest building to French Embassy) it looks like a fortified warehouse. For openers the building has 24*7 strong security, 2 fences and the window guards.
A typical Riga building for the end of 19 century. There are still a lot of such two storey wooden houses in some Riga areas like Agenskalns, Ciekurkalns, Tornakalns and Zasulauks. It is very rarely, when such houses are with all conveniences, so the pricing for flat rent in such house is quite low. This one is located on Kapselu street, Agenskalns.
The name of this gentleman with the spouse is George Armistead, the most notable mayor of Riga through its all history. During his rule 1901-1912 Riga has been changing a lot. He is the person who wasn't afraid to change Riga look, destroy wooden houses and build new building in Art Nouveau style. He had built many schools, hospitals, central market, had setup a Riga Zoo.
Kinomuzejs (Museum of Cinema) is the only museum about art of film making in Latvia. It was opened in warehouse on Peitavas iela in 1988. After it was moved several times and had no permanent exposition. in 2006 it had finally settled down at the same place when it was opened very first time. Guest photographer this time is Carolina.
Elizabetes iela (Elizabeth Street) former Kirova iela (Sergey Kirov Street). On the street are located many hotels and embassies, so it is one of the most prestigious streets to live in Riga. Hotel Latvia is shining at the background.
Latvijas Universitāte (University of Latvia) is the oldest and the largest University teaching in Latvian language. LU was opened in 1919. The base for it was the Riga Polytechnic Institute. Today it is the largest university in Baltic States giving lectures for almost 25 000 students from all around the world.
Ambassade de France (Embassy of France) resides in one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga. This house is a perfect architectural example of Art Nouveau or Jugendstil how it is called more often in Riga. Actually in the beginning of the last century it was the residence of British Embassy. Next nearest building is American Embassy, which could play a role of negative for French Embassy.
Railway Bridge over frozen Daugava river. Skyscrapers buildings of Panorama Plaza at the background are disturbing Pardaugava's flat panorama. By the way, this view was used in the movie Escape from City 17, the creation of movie was inspired by Half-Life game. Guest Photographer: Vlad
As almost everywhere else in the world, Riga is also get colored in red at 14th of February each year. Lovers and looking for love are celebrating Valentine's Day. This picture has been taken in Jelgava city at the international Ice Sculpture contest.
Reval Hotel Elizabete is one of the last opened hotels in Riga and obvious it is located on Elizabetes iela. Remarkable exterior design made of glass and metal makes this hotel looking very modern. In fact, the building was built from bottom up. See also: Reval Hotel Latvia
Huge bollard or knight in former ship repairing yard located in Pardaugava on the beach of Agenskalna bay. After 10-20 years the coast of this bay will be settled by the residents of new fancy cottages.
Stone busts of famous Latvian people in front of exhibition hall Arsenal of Latvian National At Museum. Here are busts of the most famous Latvian art workers like Krišjānis Barons and Raimonds Pauls
Hotel de Rome is one of the few 5 star hotels in Riga. De Rome is situated at the Old town main street Kalku iela. This is quite new hotel, but it had adopted the name of the famous Hotel Roma, which were located in place of modern Hotel Riga.
Recently I've met one German guy, who is traveling around Eurasia on his 4-wheel bicycle. Interesting that he is going to cover 40,000km in 2 years treadling days and nights, sleeping in the forest despite freezing weather. His route is from Berlin to Hanoi making several circles around Europe. And now he is just left Latvia. Riga Guest was Marco.
This red brick house is the former Police department of Zemgales borough.
This building was especially built for Police Service during Russian Empire times.
During Soviet epoch it was residence of Militsiya of Riga Leninsky District.
Dept moved to the new place more than 10 years ago and since then this nice building left abandoned.
UPDATE: In 2017 the building was destroyed.
Last days is so freezing cold in Riga that even Ice fishermen wear special plastic bag to keep warm air inside :) Picture has been taken on Agenskalna licis, on the background are Trinity Church and some1 building.
1st day of each month all City Daily Photo bloggers post monthly theme photo. Today the topic is Paths and Passages. I have chosen the road in the snow, which is very common for Riga and surroundings during February. Check the road to Gaizinkalns as well. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
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