Sights Riga, Latvia

Acquainted with the Old Riga is best when walking through the city. Narrow streets so interesting for its unique, ancient buildings, buildings that in the quest for new sights and new personnel can wander for hours through the Old Town.

Old Town is built medieval buildings - the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter, the Swedish Gate, Riga Castle, the Powder Tower.

Riga Castle was founded in 1330, now here is the residence of the President of Latvia. In addition, the castle opened several museums: the Museum of Foreign Art, History of Latvia, literature, theater and music.

Dome Cathedral and the monastery on the square of the same name was founded in 1211, its construction lasted for many centuries. Cathedral is decorated with 90-meter tower, and inside it is one of the largest organs in the world. The height of the body - 25 m, width - 11 m. In the Cathedral is constantly hear the sounds of organ and regularly attend worship.

The main church structure of medieval Riga - Cathedral of St. Peter. The first mention of it relates to 1209. Until recently, it was the tallest building in the city (123 m). At the church tower are two viewing platforms where you can get on the elevator, and the spire of the tower is crowned with a rooster.

Near the cathedral stands Blackheads House, named in honor of the famous brotherhood of merchants - Brotherhood of Blackheads. He was first mentioned in 1334 as a place of assembly of citizens. It was a beautiful Gothic building in the spirit of the Dutch Renaissance. House of Blackheads was badly damaged during the Second World War and was rebuilt in 2001 to 800 th anniversary of Riga. On the square in front of the House of Blackheads is a statue of Roland - the symbol of the judiciary, freedom and independence of the medieval city, as well as the protection of trade. Now here is a museum and concert hall.

It is interesting to see the Swedish Gate, which had been cut out at the Riga castle wall back in the 17 th century, they survived to the present day. Remained untouched and the Powder Tower, where in the Middle Ages, gunpowder, now here is the Military Museum.

In the center of Riga is the statue of Liberty - a symbol of Latvia's independence. It was built in the years 1931-1935 by the architect Karlis Zale. The monument is a statue of liberty, which holds three stars - the symbols of the historic regions of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale. Near the monument installed a guard of honor.

As in all ancient European cities in Riga Central Market. This is one of the largest markets in Europe, with an area of about 73 thousand square meters. It consists of four main pavilions - meat, fish, vegetables, dairy.

Be sure to visit the Ethnographic Museum - open-air museum where you will see Latvia in miniature.