Ruins of Castle in Cēsis city (80km (50mi) north-eastward from Riga) is one of the most interesting Latvia's sights.
Originally wooden castle was built in 1209, then several times rebuilt and expanded. Nowadays ruins is what is left since Swedish rule in 17 century. Since 1949 a park and The Cesis history museum are located here.
Straupe is a small town on the road from Riga to Valmiera. It is mostly famous for its Medieval castle nowadays a Narcological clinic, which helps alcoholics and drug addicted get back normal life.
Riga used to have a fortification wall as almost any other European medieval city. This renovated fragment is located on Tornu iela. Check also other photos of Riga fortifications: oldest piece of the Riga wall, Swedish Gate, another gate, Pulverturm and the Wall street, where the wall used to stay.
Līvu laukums (Livu square) is the central square of Old Town surrounded by nice buildings. It is named after Livonians, the indigenous inhabitants of Latvia, which current population is less than 200 people.
Gate to medieval city was built in wall which was sometimes up to 2 meters wide. The medieval version of Riga's Coat of Arms can be found on top of the gate. See also Riga Scutcheon, which remained almost untouched till now.
Lielā Ģilde (Great Guild) is one of Riga sights located on Livu laukums in Old Town. Centuries ago it was meeting place for merchants and craftsmen of Riga. Here was made a lot of important decisions for Riga city and its inhabitants. Nowadays it is a concert hall, mostly for classical music events.
In heraldry an escutcheon or scutcheon is the shield displayed in a coat of arms. Riga escutcheon has several elements, each of them symbolize different meaning Two towers - symbol of city rights Gate with golden lion head looking at you - strength and safety Two crossed black keys - the patronage of the pope Golden noble crown - feudal authority Golden cross - Christianity All symbols placed are on silver shield, which stands for peace and sincerity
This apartment building located on Kalnciema iela in Agenskalns area. See also other Latvian town's coat of arms.
Riga had town wall almost since it was founded. Nowadays only two pieces of that wall are still remained. One of them is located between Marstalu and Minsterejas streets, just next to November 11 embankment. The building of town wall was the business of every Riga citizen. Each person living in medieval Riga had to help built the wall. It was like a hut tax.
Jēkaba kazarmas (Jacob's Barracks) is one of the most popular sights in Riga. It is always included in all tourist hands books and advertising pamphlets. Basically it is one of the longest building in Riga. It is about 200 meters long. See also side wall of Barracks.
Blackheads' House together with St. Peters church is one of notable views of Riga Actually I have took this photo in year 2007, but I don't want to leave this picture unpublished at all. I promise that it is the last picture of Christmas this year :)
Since a long time I wanted to publish advertisement of Latvijas Krājbanka on the shorter side of Jekaba Kazarmas. The Advertisement depicts bank's presence in each Latvian region, showing coat of arms of all Latvian cities and towns. Please see also Riga escutcheon (part of Riga Coat of Arms)
The restaurant Rozengrāls is located in the centre of Riga Old Town on Rozena Street. Interesting that, wine shop was at the exact place since 1293, after that here was a tavern. And nowadays here is medieval restaurant, where food is prepared in the same way as hundreds years ago. Here is no electricity, gas or hot water, just like in medieval age.
Pulvera tornis aka Pulverturm (Powder Tower) is the only remaining tower of City Wall. Located at the end of Wall Street, it is one of Riga medieval sights. Pulverturm was built in 14th century, and originally was named as Smilšu tornis (Sand tower) because of the main sand road coming to Riga. It was rebuilt several times, last annex was built in 1930s, and the tower became as part of Art of War Museum.
Maija Grāfa svētki (Holidays of the Graf May) is an medival event taking place on Blackheads House square every year since 15th century. During this event the strongest man has been chosen as the Graf May. And the most beautiful lady has been chosen as the Gravine May.
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.
Riga Cathedral aka Riga Dom is the oldest building in Riga. Since it foundation in year 1211, Riga Cathedral was rebuilt several times. In 1930s houses on the left side of Cathedral were demolished, since then there is a Dom Square which nowadays is quite popular tourist attraction.
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