Riga is a city where medieval spires are reflected in the waters of the Daugava, and Art Nouveau buildings form an open-air museum. Riga is called the "Pearl of the Baltic Sea," where for eight centuries German, Swedish, Polish, and Russian cultures intertwined, creating a unique architectural fusion. Riga`s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is recognized as one of the finest examples of medieval architecture and Art Nouveau in Europe.
History of Riga
From a fortress on the Rīdzene River to the capital of the Republic of Latvia. The official founding year of Riga is considered to be 1201, when Bishop Albert von Buxhoeveden established a fortress on the site of an ancient Liv settlement. In 1211, construction began on the Dome Cathedral, and by 1225, the city had been granted official town rights.
In 1282, Riga joined the Hanseatic League, becoming a key trading center in the region. Merchants` houses and warehouses from that time still define the appearance of Old Riga. Over the centuries, the city was under the rule of the Livonian Order, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and Sweden.
In 1710, during the Great Northern War, Riga came under the rule of the Russian Empire. The 19th century was a time of rapid growth and flourishing. After the demolition of the fortress walls in 1857–1858, the city expanded beyond its medieval boundaries; boulevards were laid out, and Bastejkalns (Bastion Hill) was created on the site of the old ramparts.
By the end of the 19th century, Riga had become the third-largest city in the Russian Empire and its largest port, with a population of about 280,000. It was during this period that active construction in the Eclectic and Art Nouveau styles began, defining the unique architectural character of the center.
In 1918, Riga became the capital of the independent Republic of Latvia. In 1940, the city was incorporated into the USSR and experienced German occupation during World War II. Since 1991, following the restoration of Latvia`s independence, Riga has once again been the capital of a sovereign state. Today, it is the largest city in the Baltics with a population of around 640,000, was a European Capital of Culture in 2014, and is one of the region`s main tourist centers.
The Architectural Code of Riga
Riga`s architecture is unique — it is an organic blend of medieval Gothic, Northern Baroque, Classicism, and, above all, unparalleled Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), for which the city is called the "capital of Art Nouveau." Over 40% of all buildings in the center are in this style, making Riga one of the world`s richest cities in terms of Art Nouveau concentration.
Middle Ages and Gothic. The historical core — Old Riga — has preserved a network of narrow, winding cobblestone streets. Gothic architecture is represented by majestic cathedrals and merchants` houses. The main landmarks are the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter`s Church with its famous spire, and the "Three Brothers" residential complex — the oldest residential buildings in the city. From the fortress fortifications, the Powder Tower and fragments of the wall in Jāņa Sēta (John`s Courtyard) have been preserved.
Baroque and Classicism. The Northern Baroque of the 17th–18th centuries is evident in the decoration of church portals and interiors, as well as in some merchants` houses. Classicism is represented by buildings designed by Christoph Haberland and the ensemble of boulevards surrounding the Old Town.
Eclecticism and Historicism. In the second half of the 19th century, during a period of rapid growth, Riga was built up with monumental buildings in the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles. This period includes the buildings of the Great and Small Guilds, the Art Academy, and many apartment buildings on the boulevards.
Art Nouveau (Jugendstil). Riga`s main architectural treasure. At the turn of the 20th century, the city became a true laboratory for the new style. Outstanding architects worked here: Mikhail Eisenstein, Eižens Laube, Konstantīns Pēkšēns, Jānis Alksnis. Alberta Street (Alberta iela) is a true open-air museum, where every building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau with mythological sculptures, female masks, plant ornaments, and geometric patterns. In total, there are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the district.
Contemporary Architecture. The 21st century has brought modern accents to Riga`s appearance: glass office buildings, reconstructed quarters, a modern bridge over the Daugava. However, the city carefully preserves its historical heritage, and new construction is organically integrated into the urban fabric.
Sights of Riga
Old Riga (Vecrīga). The historical heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets with colorful buildings, cozy squares, and ancient lampposts. Here you can wander endlessly, discovering hidden courtyards and admiring the facades. The narrowest street is Rozena Street, where you can touch both walls simultaneously.
Dome Cathedral (Rīgas Doms). The main symbol of Riga and the largest medieval church in the Baltics. Founded in 1211. The cathedral is famous for its unique organ, built in 1883–1884 by the master Walcker. It is one of the largest historical organs in Europe, with 6,768 pipes. Organ music concerts are regularly held in the cathedral.
House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams). The jewel of Town Hall Square. Built in 1334 for the Brotherhood of Blackheads merchant guild. Originally a Gothic building, it was rebuilt multiple times. Destroyed in 1941 and reconstructed for Riga`s 800th anniversary in 1999–2001. Its richly decorated facade and interiors are stunningly magnificent.
St. Peter`s Church (Sv. Pētera baznīca). The tallest church in the Old Town, with a tower 123.5 meters high. First mentioned in 1209. The tower features a clock with the largest dial in Latvia. At a height of 72 meters, there is an observation deck offering a breathtaking panorama of Riga and the Daugava.
Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi). A complex of three residential buildings on Maza Pils Street, vividly illustrating the evolution of residential architecture in Latvia. The White Brother is the oldest stone residential building in the city; the Yellow Brother represents Dutch Renaissance; the Green Brother is in the Baroque style. The Latvian Museum of Architecture is now located here.
Powder Tower (Pulvertornis). The only remaining tower of the medieval fortress, built in the 13th century. Originally called the Sand Tower, it was converted into a gunpowder storage facility in the 17th century. Cannonballs from the 1621 siege are still visible embedded in the walls. The tower now houses the Latvian War Museum.
Riga Castle (Rīgas pils). Founded in 1330 as the residence of the Livonian Order. Rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia. Several state museums are also located within the castle.
Cat House (Kaķu nams). A late Art Nouveau building on Līvu Square, designed by Friedrich Scheffel in 1910. Famous for the figures of black cats on its turrets. Legend has it that a wealthy Latvian merchant, denied membership in the Great Guild, placed the cats with their backs turned towards the guild building in revenge. After a long lawsuit, the cats were turned around.
Riga`s Districts, Palaces, and Other Gems
Alberta Street (Alberta iela). The epicenter of Riga`s Art Nouveau. The most impressive Jugendstil buildings, designed by Mikhail Eisenstein and other architects, are located here. Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8 are true architectural masterpieces.
Art Nouveau Museum (Jugendstila muzejs). Located in the former apartment of architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns at 12 Alberta Street. The interiors recreate the atmosphere of the early 20th century.
Great and Small Guilds (Lielā un Mazā Ģilde). Historic buildings of merchant associations. The Great Guild now houses the Riga Philharmonic.
Kalnciema Quarter (Kalnciema kvartāls). A restored complex of 19th-century wooden buildings. Weekend markets are held here, and craft workshops and cafes operate.
Central Market (Centrāltirgus). One of Europe`s largest and most colorful markets, housed in five former zeppelin hangars. Here you can buy fresh produce, sample local delicacies, and soak up the authentic Riga atmosphere.
Mežaparks. A prestigious district with early 20th-century wooden villas and a vast park. It is home to the Riga Zoo and the Great Bandstand, where Song Festivals are held.
Riga`s Parks, Water, and Special Flavor
Bastejkalns (Bastion Hill). A picturesque park with a canal, bridges, and alleys, laid out on the site of the demolished fortress fortifications. A favorite spot for strolls among locals and couples.
Vērmanes Garden (Vērmanes dārzs). Riga`s oldest public park. A cozy place for relaxation with a music pavilion.
Canal and Daugava River. Boat trips offer a completely different perspective of the city. Evening trips at sunset are particularly romantic.
Unusual Corners and Contemporary Spaces of Riga
Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. A sculpture gifted to Riga by the German city of Bremen in 1990. Located near the wall of St. Peter`s Church. The noses of the donkey, cat, and rooster are shiny from the touches of tourists making wishes.
Sporta Quarter (Sporta kvartāls). A modern cluster with trendy restaurants, bars, and creative offices in former industrial buildings.
Miera Street (Miera iela). A center of alternative culture with independent galleries, designer shops, and cozy cafes.
Latvian National Opera. A magnificent 19th-century building and one of the country`s main cultural centers.
Riga`s Surroundings: Gems Beyond the Capital
Riga is beautiful, but the true magic of Latvia unfolds when you leave the capital and head to its picturesque surroundings. Medieval castles, resort towns with sandy beaches, national parks with virgin forests, and Baroque palaces — all are within an hour or an hour and a half`s journey from Riga`s center.
Sigulda. Distance from Riga: ~50 km, 50–60 minutes by train or car. "Latvian Switzerland" is famous for its picturesque hills and medieval castles. Main attractions: Turaida Castle (13th century) on the banks of the Gauja with its tower and sculpture park, the ruins of Sigulda Castle of the Livonian Order, Gūtmaņa Cave with its healing spring, and Latvia`s only cable car over the Gauja valley.
Cesis. Distance from Riga: ~90 km, 1.5 hours by car or train. One of Latvia`s oldest towns with a unique medieval atmosphere. Here you will find the impressive ruins of Cēsis Castle of the Livonian Order with dungeons and a viewing tower, the 18th-century New Castle with a history museum, the oldest St. John`s Church, and a picturesque English-style park.
Jurmala. Distance from Riga: ~25 km, 30–40 minutes by electric train or car. A famous resort on 33 kilometers of sandy beaches with pine forests and thermal springs. Main points of interest: Jomas Street promenade with cafes and the Dzintari concert hall, unique wooden architecture of 19th–20th century dachas, and the picturesque Ķemeri Park with bridges over the Vēršupīte River.
Rundale Palace (Rundāles pils). Distance from Riga: ~80 km, 1 hour 20 minutes by car. A jewel of Baroque and Rococo, designed by Rastrelli as the summer residence of the Dukes of Courland. Visitors can see luxurious interiors with authentic 18th-century furniture, a painting collection, and the magnificent French formal garden with fountains and a rose garden.
Gauja National Park (Gaujas nacionālais parks). Distance from Riga: the entrance starts about 50 km from the city. Latvia`s largest national park with picturesque sandstone outcrops along the Gauja River. Hiking trails are laid out here, medieval castles and ruins can be seen, and in Līgatne, the famous caves and tunnels in the sandstone.
Kemeri National Park (Ķemeru nacionālais parks). Distance from Riga: ~50 km, 50–60 minutes by car. A unique area with extensive raised bogs and sulfur springs. The main attraction is the wooden boardwalk stretching for kilometers into the Great Ķemeri Bog, as well as the historic Ķemeri resort park.
Practical Tips
When to go. The best time is May–September: warm, green, many outdoor cafes and festivals. In November, the grand "Staro Rīga" Light Festival takes place. In winter, Riga is magical thanks to Christmas markets and festive illumination.
Book tickets in advance. For the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter`s Church observation deck, and the Art Nouveau museum, it`s better to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Transport. Trams, trolleybuses, and buses cover the entire city. Riga has no metro. The Old Town is easily walkable. For trips to Jūrmala or the airport, electric trains are convenient. Riga Airport is the largest in the Baltics, just 15 minutes from the center.
Where to eat. The best places for authentic cuisine are in the Old Town, around Alberta Street, and at the Central Market. Be sure to try: grey peas with bacon, smoked lamprey, fish casserole, cumin cheese, bread soup, piparkūkas, and the famous "Vecrīga" pastry.
What to drink. Riga Black Balsam is the city`s calling card. Local beer. Berry wines and herbal liqueurs.
Riga is the capital of Latvia, the largest city in the Baltics with a population of around 640,000. It is a city where the Middle Ages meet Art Nouveau, where the Hanseatic spirit of merchants lives on in narrow streets, and the elegance of Jugendstil captures the imagination. Riga is not just a destination; it is a city to be discovered, savored, and one you will definitely want to return to.
