Temporary Riga photos are being published not in a regular manner due to blog author has moved to Vilnius.

IL-28 at Skulte


The monument of Ilyushin Il-28 military aircraft is located in a small village Skulte, 100 meters next to RIX.
Skulte was a closed military area before 1993, which was home for 27th division of Soviet Air Defence Forces.
People living in this area were also serving the Anti-Aircraft base in Marupe.

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Jelgavas Atbrīvotājiem

Jelgavas atbrivotajiem
This is a monument in Jelgava town, which is devoted to Independence fights in 1918-1920.
Writings like Jelgavas Atbrīvotājiem (For Liberators of Jelgava) always make me think..
What would be if Jelgava was not liberated?

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Snow Hills

Snow Hills
Snow Hills in the middle of Old Town, just right next to McDonalds, Laima Clock and Liberty Statue.

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500 Years

500 Years
Do you remember summer photo titled 152 Days? It was counting days left to the first Advent Sunday.
This counter was also promoting celelbration of the First Christmas Tree. It was believed that Riga had hosted the very first Christmas Tree 500 years ago next to Blackheads house.
In fact recently, some more old sources revealed that the First Christmas tree was erected in Tallinn. Sad.

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Rainis

Rainis
Jānis Pliekšāns aka Rainis used to be a big figure in Latvian literature and national movement.
In fact Rainis is the only ethnic Latvian who was candidate for Nobel Prize, although unavailing.
His wife, Aspasia was also prominent public figure; and both of them were several times in exile because of political views against the regime of Imperial Russia.

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Ulbroka Sight

Ulbroka Sight
Another monument devoted to the revolution of 1905 is located in one of Riga suburbs, Ulbroka town.
It is the main sight of the small town, which is located on the fork of two roads Riga-Ogre and Riga-Ergli.

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Uzvaras bulvāris


Uzvaras bulvāris (Victory boulevard) runs from Stone Bridge till Arcadia Park. The total length is 1024 meters.
As many streets in Kliversala area, Uzvaras Bulvaris also had past related to Watercraft. The former name of boulevard is Schoonerstrasse (улица Шкунная, Schoneru iela).
The main sights are National Library, Railway Museum, Victory park and monument.

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Triumphal Arch

Triumphal Arch
Triumphal Arch was built in 1815 in honour of decisive Russian victory over French army of Napoleon I.
The memorial has official name Alexander Gate, because initially it was built on Alexander street, next to present VEF Bridge. Nowadays it is located in Viesturs Garden.

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Chimney sweep

Chimney sweep
Albert is the name of the bronze monument devoted to Chimney sweepers.
The monument was opened less than one month ago on 22 Skolas iela.
In Latvia it is considered lucky to see Chimney sweep, so now you know where you can always find one ;)

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Football

Football
Today is the beginning of Football World Cup in South Africa. Waka Waka, this time for Africa!
Unfortunately Latvian team couldn't get into final part, hence I'm going to support North Korea this time :)
What team do you support?

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Alfrēds Kalniņš

Alfreds Kalnins
Alfrēds Kalniņš is one of the most famous Latvian composers. During his life he used to work in many cities, including New York.
His sculpture was erected in 1979, on his 100th birthday. Initially the statue was in front of Opera, but now it is looking towards Opera's back.

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Jelgava

Jelgava
Jelgava is the 4th largest city in Latvia, which is located just in 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Riga.
Many of Jelgava's 65000 inhabitants are strongly connected to Riga because of studies, work or other business and travel almost everyday back and forth.

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Victory Day

Victory Day
Today is 65 years since the great Victory of Soviet forces over German Nazis during the Second World War.
A lot of people gathering next to the Monument of Victory, lay flowers and commemorate people fallen in the war.
P.S. Do no forget that today is Mother's day as well :)

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Monument - Monthly Theme

Monument
Milda is the statue's name on the top of Brīvības piemineklis (Liberty Monument), which is erected on Brivibas bulvaris, in the very center of Riga.
The woman is holding three stars symbolizing freedom and three historical regions of Latvia - Kurzeme (including Zemgale), Latgale and Vidzeme.
Writing Tēvzemei un Brīvībai means For the Fatherland and the Freedom.
The monument is 42 meters high and was built in 1935 in the place of monument to Peter I the Great.
This photo is devoted to the Monthly Theme day, which is Statues. On photo there are two statues more at the bottom of monument. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.
BTW, today is International Labour Day and hence official holiday.

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Aspazija

Aspazija
Aspazija (Aspasia) is the most famous Latvian female poet. She is also famous as life's companion of Rainis.
Because of their political views they both were expelled to Pskov for 5 years, and then run away to Switzerland.
Upon their return to Independent Latvia in 1920, two of the most beautiful Riga boulevards were named in honor of Aspazija and Rainis.
She died in 1943 at home in Dubulti, Jurmala town. This monument is located few meters from her house.

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Velociped-Fabrik

Velociped Fabrik A Leutner
Bilingual writing Фабрика велосипедовѣ А. Лейтнерѣ (Old Russian orthography) Velociped-Fabrik A. Leutner (German) is a good monument to the first Bicycle Factory in Russian Empire, which was founded in 1886.

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Rīgas torņu skaitītājs

Rigas tornu skaititajs
Rīgas torņu skaitītājs (Riga's Towers Counter) is relatively new bronze monument next to Swedbank building.
The bronze man is sitting on the grass and counts innumerable Riga towers.
This sculpture is made as a gift to Riga by donations of Swedbank clients; sculpted by Olga; Shilova; photographed by Mike.

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Doorways - Monthly theme

Doors
This metal doors of the former NKVD building (later KGB) is untypical monument, which will always remind to people how many victims were tortured and killed because of wrong political views during the early Soviet times aka Stalin's era.
Today is the Monthly theme, which is Doorways. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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Irbīte

Irbite
Voldemārs Irbe aka Irbīte is one of the most famous Latvian painters living in Riga.
He is notable for pictures of urban environment, hence his works are more interesting for Riga lovers, like all we are :)
Painters and autumn colors always are looking more saturated.

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Bremen Town Musicians

The Musicians of Bremen
Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (The Bremen Town Musicians) is the name of bronze statue next to St. Peters Church.
It is a gift from German city Bremen, the sister city of Riga. The statue depicting donkey, dog, cat, and rooster.
Note the mouths that have become shiny. Touching the mouth is said to make wishes come true.

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Varšava

Varsava
Varšavas iela (Warsaw street or Warszawska) is a small street in Maskachka area, which delivers its name from Riga's sister city Warsaw, the capital of almost neighbor country Poland, and which is only 561 km (349 miles) away.
Before 2003 the name of this street was Īsā iela (Short street), which was used in the records since 1880.
I am interested, are there many regular readers from Poland? Please sign :)
See also other destinations from Riga.

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Пушкин

Pushkin statue at Riga
Last week was a monument opening ceremony of the most famous and high-minded Russian author Alexander Pushkin (Александр Сергеевич Пушкин), who was shot in the age of 38 (1799 - 1837)
Pushkin had a fabulous life and was recognized as genius during his life already. He wrote many chefs d'oeuvre, basically he has changed the Russian literature.
It was difficult to take a picture of statue without people nearby, because a lot of people were constantly coming here, to Kronvalda parks to see bronze Pushkin.

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Tank 1919-1920

Tank 1919 - 1920
Tank is being sculpted in Ilguciems, most probably, will be devoted to Latvian war of Independence (5 December 1918 - 11 August 1920).
Did you know that Latvia had produced their first tanks during the First World War already? At that time it was absolutely new product, which still was not available in the most of the world states.

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Where to escape

City directions sign
This sign post, located at Perses iela, shows distances between Riga and world cities.
Moscow (Maskava) 841 kilometers
Brussels (Brisele) 1455 km
London (Londona) 1674 km (1040 miles)
New York (Ņujorka) 6751 km (4195 miles)

Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is much closer, just 10 meters, but lately more and more people leave the country for developing and investing in somewhere else.
Such ideas are visiting me quite often as well. What about you, my friends?

See also memorial distance sign to Warsaw.

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Deportation Wagon

Deportacijas vagons
During early Soviet times more than 50 000 people living in Latvia were deported to Siberia and Central Asia in such wagons. It was about 2% of country population and all of them were classified as enemies of workers.
Deportation of Latvian people was just a little part of something much bigger. Total more than 3 millions of people were transferred in USSR for 8 years between 1941 and 1949.
It was a big crime against freedom and human being in general.

This wagon is forever parked at Tornakalns station, which is infamous because of such events.
See also another memorial to deported children.
BTW, Ozols has a great rap song about this events called Deportacija.

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Berlin Wall

piece of Berlin Wall
This big piece of concrete is a fragment of Berlin Wall, which was dividing a great city into two pieces for almost 30 years.

P.S. This photo was used in Berlin Wall Exhibition of U.S. Diplomacy Center.

Visit also our partner website Berlin Daily Photo.

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Dirty Pond

Dirty Pond
This dirty pond is located in Viesturs Garden, just in front of the monument to the elders of the Latvian Song.
This park has been hosting the very first Song and Dance Festival, therefore it is also known as Park of Song Festival.

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Runestone

Latvian Runestone
Apsīšu rūnakmens (Apsites rune stone) located just several kilometers from Rūjiena town.
It is one of the oldest memorials in Latvia and dated circa 9th century AD.
Runestone is left by Scandinavian vikings visiting these lands for trading with Latvian ancestors.

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Pauls Stradiņš

Pauls Stradins statue
A granite monument in the garden in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, which is located in Agenskalns area.
It is a bust of Pauls Stradiņš (1896 - 1958), the most famous Latvian doctor, surgeon and oncologist.
He had founded Medicine University, was head of Major Hospital in Latvia and many other medicine institutions.
The importance of his works and contribution to the science can scarcely be overestimated.

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Herder

Johann Gottfried Herder in Riga
The monument of Johann Gottfried Herder is located next to Riga Dome, where he used to work as teacher.
Young Herder spent in Riga 5 years and his first major works were written in Riga. The people didn't understood his new wave thinking, so he had to leave Riga, but not for ever.
See also German school named after Herder.

BTW, name Johans Gotfrīds Herders is a good example of Latvianization. Every male name should be ended with S letter.

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С Днём Победы

Flowers at victory monument in Riga
Today the Russophones of the world commemorate the victory over German Nazi in the Second World War.
It is the greatest day for most of Russian-speakers in Latvia too and tens of thousands of people come to Victory Monument to lay flowers.
This is the day which unites national minorities of Latvia and being intensively used by left wing parties as well.

С Днём Победы! (S Dnem Pobedy means Happy Victory Day)

See also nice photo of 2008 Victory Day.

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Synagogue Ruins

Old Synagogue Ruins in Riga
Riga Old Synagogue Ruins located between Central Market and Market of Latgale on Gogola street.
Synagogue was burned during Nazi Occupation of Riga in 1941.

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George Armistead

George Armistead - Riga mayor
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.

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Stone Heads

Exposition of famous busts
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

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Blackheads' Tree

Blackheads square in Christmas time
Square of Blackheads house (Ratslaukums), with Christmas attributes and Roland in the middle.
By the way, just few meters from current position is the monument of the first ever Christmas tree in the World.

See also Webcam on Ratslaukums

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Kārlis Ulmanis


Kārlis Ulmanis was one of the most notable Latvian persons. Smart politician and wise governor.
Actually he is the one of few who gain independency for Latvian people.
He is the one, who was not afreaid to dissolve parliament and take control over country. And he was doing the right thing. During his 6 years of rule Latvia was in its golden age.
Unfortonutely, he died as many other Latvian élite people, in exile.

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Ever Memorable Children


This sad monument located in Mežaparks area reminds people of brutal regime.
Writing on granite stone means
Deportētajiem, ceļā un svešumā
mirušajiem Latvijas bērniem

To deported children of Latvia died on the road
and in strange lands

During years 1941-1949 about 35 thousands of people were deported from Latvia as part of the procedure for carrying out of Anti-Soviet Elements.

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Road Sign

Riga Sign
Almsot every Riga road entrance decorated with the big Riga sign.
This one is taken on the way back from Kekava.

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Barclay de Tolly


Михаил Богданович Барклай-де-Толли (Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly) was a Russian Field Marshal and Minister of War during Napoleon's invasion of Russian Empire in 1812.

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Laima Clock


Laimas pulkstenis (Laima Clock) is the public clock next to Freedom Monument. It is built in 1924, and quickly became as one of the Riga symbols.
No doubt that Laima Clock is the most important meeting point in Riga. It is used not only by ordinary people, but by political parties and movements.
See also Origo Tower Clock, the second important meeting point in Riga.

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Lucavsala Monument


The Lucavasala Monument to 400 russian soldiers fallen down here in July 10, 1701 during the Great Northern War.
The Russian forces tried to cover the retreat of Russian-Saxon army, but the whole battalion was destroyed by Swedes.
The writing is in pre-reform russian langues is
Памяти
400 русских войновъ
геройски павшихъ
при защитѣ острова
"10 іюля 1701 года"


Prominent spike is the top of Riga Tower.

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Andrejs Upīts

Andrejs Upits
Andrejs Upīts (sometimes as Andrei Upitis) was famous Latvian poet and short-story writer.
He was born in 1877 in Skrīveri (Skriveri), which is 70km far from Riga. As young person worked in school as teacher, spoke in several languages - Latvian, Russian, English, German, Italian and French.
Despite being communism follower, his monument isn't removed as it did to many other Soviet figures in Latvia.

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Barons Monument


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

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Glory to Heroes


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.

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Uzvaras Piemineklis


Uzvaras Piemineklis (Victory Monument) is a large military monument in Pardaugava Victory Park.
The monument was erected in the spring of 1985 to commemorate the victory over the fascism during the 2nd World War.
The central Obelisk symbolizing salute volley, statue on the left is the statue of the Mother Motherland, and on the right are soldiers representing different types of forces.

Victory Monument is always in the middle of enmity between Russian and Latvian communities.
Obelisk was blown up several times during the last 15 years.
Latvian patriots say that monument is symbolizing Soviet Occupation, but not the Victory.

See also photos of events happening annualy here:
2008 - Victory day ladies
2009 - Victory day flowers

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Latvian Legion Day


16 March is a kind of Patriots' Day in Latvia.
This Day few Nazi veterans, who still alive, lay wreaths on Freedom Monument in Riga.
It is not an official holiday anymore (it was till 2000).
Worldwide Nazism is convicted, but not in Latvia. 16 March is used by the Right political parties as Hate Speech Day between Latvian and Russian communities in Latvia.
This is a big waste of time and money. Just imagine how much cost to protect those 50 old dudes from furious contraries.
Everybody should understand that there is nothing about the freedom.

Please, see Latvian Legion Day in 2009 photos as well.

Guest Photographer: Dezidor

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Riga Roland


As in many European cities Riga has statue of Roland.
Roland is epic hero, who became symbol of city independence.
But, frankly speaking, Riga was never an independent city.
Roland is placed on Blackhead's House square, faced to Riga Town Hall.
See also Riga Webcam with Roland in the middle.

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Old Trolleybus


When it is difficult weather conditions, everything is going bad. New transport breaks down, but old, tens years ago resigned transport come out for air :)
Like this good old trolleybus, which is big rarity now.
Photograph was taken yesterday on Brivibas iela, next to Famous Freedom Monument.

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Soboleff


Do you know who is Mr. Soboleff? Soboleff is a new rising star in Riga.
He started to make funny videos in internet just one year ago.
After several months he was recruited by draugiem.lv (kinda Latvian myspace) and continued making videos for them.
He won some contests and started to work as reporter of Hello, Jūrmala (Latvian version of Star Academy)
After just another victory Parex Banka placed a monument to him on Andrejsala.
Monument is made of plastic, but it looks impressive :)

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Winter Night Freedom


Alley on Brivibas street towards Freedom Monument at winter night.

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