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.
Cape Kolka is extreme geographical point of Latvia and one of Lativan nature monumenets.
It marks the border between Baltic Sea and Riga Gulf, unfortunately every year Cape Kolka is getting smaller and smaller because of being eaten by the Baltic Sea.
Although this huge-size 32-meter diameter antenna is not located in Riga, it is one of remarkable sights in Latvia.
It was built in 1971 in the Westernmost point of USSR to intercept radio waves over Atlantic.
Another, smaller locator (16-meter in diameter) is located several hundreds meters away.
See the photo of RT32 in 2012.
I have to announce that I'm also leaving Riga in two weeks and most probably I will discontinue to publish new photos on daily basis very soon. Therefore I kindly ask you, my visitors, maybe somebody has willingness to take and publish pictures of Riga instead of me? If so, please contact me.
Town Sqaure aka Ratslaukums or Melngalvju laukums is one of the most famous tourist points around Riga. Square is located between 4 buildings - City Hall, Blackheads House, Kungu iela 1 (on the picture) and Occupation museum. In the middle there is the statue of Roland. Under the square is a huge exhibition space, which is called Riga Art Space.
Reflection of water is making an optical illusion of continuous basin depicted on this photo. In fact here are 2 water bodies; a pool next to Swedbank and Daugava river, which flows on different level. This picture is participating in Monthly Theme Day Reflections. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
The best souvenirs from Latvia are amber stuff, flax clothes, black balsam and of course fridge magnets :) What else would you recommend to buy in Latvia?
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.
Lido Restaurant at Krasta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Riga. National Latvian cuisine, local own brewing and live music can be found in Lido. It was opened in 1999 and initially was one of the cheapest food place in Riga. Indeed, you could eat as much as you can for 1-2 Lats (3-4 EUR), then times has been changed and Lido became a place with average prices. After the crisis came, Lido was one of the first companies who had reduced their prices, almost in twice.
Pavilions of Central Market is remarkable sight of Riga since the market grand opening in 1930. The famous urban legend says that these pavilions were used as hangars for dirigibles before. In fact they were built using reinforcing steel, which were only designed for hangars, but never used so. Nowadays Riga Market is the biggest in Europe and has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the picture are 2 of 5 market's hangars - vegetable and fish pavilion.
A view of street called Bīskapa gāte (Bishop gutter) towards Lutheran Cathedral, better known as Riga Dom. The church's tower was built in 1776, at the time when Herder have been working here. The Cathedral tower is 90 meters high and it is one of the most famous Riga sights.
Fridge magnet is a popular souvenir from any destination of the world, including Riga, Latvia I collect fridge magnets as well, just because they are good elements to create the unique vision of the world or kind of geographical atlas in the most visible place at home. So, if are coming to Riga, I kindly ask you to bring some nice magnet for me. In exchange for magnet, I can show you Riga around in the most interesting way. I mean a city tour in real, not just photos :)
Svētā Jēkaba Romas katoļu katedrāle (Saint Jacob Roman Catholic Church) is a Catholic Cathedral of Latvia. In other words this is a church that contains the seat of a bishop. On top of that, this church is one of the main Riga sights and one of the old town landscape towers.
Latvijas Nacionālais teātris (Latvian National Theater) was officially opened in 1902 as second city theater after German theater. Many times National Theater was place of main political events like in 1918 here was declared the independence of Latvia.
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.
Alberta iela (Albert street) is one of the most famous streets and sights in Riga because of Art Nouveau style buildings. The street itself was named after Bishop Albert from Bremen, the founder of Riga. Each building on the street is unique peace of art, all of them were built in the beginning of 20th century. Since then Alberta iela became the prestigious place to live or have an office.
I guess Black Cats House is one the few Riga sights, which still have not been presented on Riga Daily Photo. The urban legend says that initially Black Cats were installed like they were sh*tting on the Great Guild, the building which is just across the street. Then the guild elders forced owner of this yellow building to turn the cats. Also, here is a famous place called Melnais Kakis.
Dear Anonymous, I have been coming to this house many times during the past month in order to catch better picture and better light, but this is maximum, what I could take with my camera.
Most probably these lovely romantic writings on AB Dambis are devoted to some person living at Kugu iela 26. In the beginning there was only You are my #1, then I can't live without you appeared, and only then banal I love you was written. These lyrics are being updated approximately each 4-6 months. What do you think, who is more able to do such things: a man or a woman? :)
Akmens tilts (Stone Bridge) is full of cars during rush hour. This is the only Riga bridge where runs Tramway traffic The Bridge was built in the place of old wooden bridge in 1953, which was called Zemgalu tilts. The spike in the middle is the tallest church in Riga Pētera baznīca.
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.
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.
Today is the monthly theme day, which is feet. I didn't think to long what to make a picture of. Riga is very famous for its beautiful girls and this is the main reason why many people come to Riga :) Legs, feet and some other body parts of Riga girls eclipse even St. Peter's Church.
The tallest structure in European Union is Riga TV Tower. Its height is almost 370 meters. Observation deck is 97 meters above ground level or 104 meters above sea level, so if the weather is fair enough you can easily see the Baltic Sea and the cargo ships sailing in it. The express elevators Otis bring you on top in less than one minute just for 2,50 Latvian Lats (3 EUR)
Swedbank main office building in Riga is the tallest skyscraper in Latvia. Actually, the building name is Saules Akmens, which literally means Stone of the Sun. Saules Akmens had been built in 2004, and at that time it was residence of Hansabanka, which had been bought to and renamed to Swedbank in the end of 2008.
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.
Fully restored 1901 Riga streetcar. Nowadays this tram is used for tour journeys around Old Town or to Riga Zoo. Tram exterior design pictures Blue House, an example of Riga Art Nouveau aka Jugendstil.
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.
Svētā Jāņa Baznīca (Saint John Church) is Evangelical Lutheran Church in Old Town on Skarnu iela. It is one of Riga sights, located just next to St. Peters Church. The building was built in 13th century and used for many pursposes like horse stable or weapon workshop. Since late 16th century it became as church again and to recover spiritual value, two monks were mured up in church wide wall, where they died after several years of living in darkness and getting fed through small window.
One of the most important Riga meeting points is below this Origo Clock or Origo Tower. Romantic meetings, business meetings, but mostly buying and selling things are happening around this place every minute. This place is very popular among Riga visitors because of this location - next to Central Railway Station.
It is impossible to show all amazing animals from Riga Zoo. Riga Zoo must be included in your Riga visiting tour as one of the most interesting Riga places which is home for more than 3000 animals (approx 500 species)
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.
Trokšņu iela (Noisy Street) is very narrow street in Old Town, basically it is one of Riga historical sights. This area has rich history, it was formed next to city wall in the 13Th century. It is Noisy because of a lot of trade shops was here. In the 19Th century Trokšņu iela became the haunt of prostitutes who rented the one-roomed apartments in houses along the street. At that time you only needed to clap your hands and women's heads would appear from the upper windows beckoning you to enter. Nowadays Noisy street looks more as Calm street, because of its small size and quiet location next to Latvian Parliament. Swedish Gate located on Troksnu iela.
Centrālais tirgus (Central Market) is one of the most impressive buildings in Riga. Uncommonly giant pavilions are always full of people buying food. These pavilions are just the beginning of the huge market which stretches far away. I would recommend to visit market until the noon to feel the right atmosphere :) See also another popular photo of pavilion.
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.
Zviedru vārti (Swedish Gate) is one of Old Town sights, located next to another one famous Riga sight Jacob's Barracks. Swedish Gate was one of the eight gates in Riga Defensive Wall. This gate was built in 1698 making way through already built house. All gates in Riga were opened at sunrise, and closed down at sunset.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vanšu tilts (Cable Bridge) was built in 1981. At the opening time it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. To this date it is the last opened bridge over Daugava River in Riga. Soon Dienvidu tilts will became the newest one :) Every year there is at least one incident, when somebody climbs on bridge tower via cables.
Riga Tower Clock on Central Railway Station is one of the modern Riga sights. During Soviet epoch clock was digital. After Central Railway Station reconstruction in late 90s new tower was built with analog clock and magnificent bar on top. Bar is open to everybody and has nice view of the city.
Riga Photos, Top Stories, Wonderful Sights, Remarkable Places, Typical & Famous People, Travel Guides & Official Information, Shopping, Party & Nightlife, Glamour & Fashion Clubs, Sport & Crowdy Bars, Alternative & Underground Pubs, Luxurious & Cheap Hotels, Live Webcams, News, Vague Rumors & Wild Facts about the biggest City in Baltic States
