Since a couple of years it is illegal to drive through Dome Square, but many drivers still don't know it and get caught by police, which always is very helpful and show you the right direction, especially if you are sitting behind the wheel of the new expensive car.
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.
Pils laukums un skvērs (Palace square and garden) is located next to Riga Castle. It was formed in 18th century as prestigious walking place for official parties. In 1928 it was renamed after Janis Cakste, the first president of Latvia. During Soviet times it was named as Pioneru laukums (Pioneer square), since 1987 original name and purpose was placed back. Nowadays it ceremonial place for dear foreign guests, like visits of other countries presidents.
Christmas Market next to Dome Cathedral. Every year hand-knitted socks, lather wallets, soap, cookies and other stuff is being sold here as Christmas gifts.
13 krēsli (13 chairs) is brasserie in Old town on Dom Square. The Hanseatic buildings around make 13 chairs a lovely and favourite place for many locals and foreigners. The terrace is busy all summer season, but now they are going to close it down for cold winter season.
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.
Doma Antikvariāts (Dome Antique dealer) and nice Brasserie outside located at Herder square in Old Town. Take a look at the custom license plate of BMW 645CI Convertible :)
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is one of notable views of Riga Actually I have took this photo in year 2007, but I don't want to leave this picture unpublished at all.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 :)
Last week Riga Stock Exchange has been renamed to NASDAQ OMX Riga, therefore became more reliable part of NASDAQ. Warm advertisement welcomed Riga all day long at Times Square in my favorite city New York. Author of this picture is unknown.
Līvu square in winter period. It is one of the few squares in Riga Old Town area. On the right hand we can see Guild Houses, and on the left we can see the outdated poster of Staro Rīga event.
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.
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.
Replica of the Blackheads House in Riga was built in 1999. Original building was destroyed by Nazi aircraft during Second World War. In front of Blackheads House is statue of Roland. Blackheads House is full of detail work, take a look also at Black Heads :) See also Webcam staring at Blackheads House.
Doma Laukums (Dom Square) is getting smaller. Somebody who owns the land here, has decided that is more profitable to build a building instead to keep open space. Living places in Vecriga are very expensive, they are comparable to world major cities like London, Paris, Moscow. But actually, just 75 years ago Dom Square wasn't a square :) It was just a street, with 1-2 levels wooden houses. Take a look to Riga Cathedral aka Riga Dom.
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