Riga, capital of Latvia, is situated at the mouth of the Daugava River, near the Baltic Sea. The historic center of Riga was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the many Art Nouveau buildings, comparable with Vienna, Prague or Barcelona.

Photography by decli

Riga was an ancient establishment of Livonians, which was founded in 1201 by the Bishop of Livonia. Although the city had been created by German merchants in the mouth of the Daugava in 1158. From that moment was one of the most important commercial centers of the Baltic Sea. The city converted to Lutheranism in 1521, and the country became part of Poland, Sweden, and finally in 1710 it was occupied by the Russians. The 1914 was the third city of the Russian empire. In 1918 Russia became independent and formed the capital of the Republic of Latvia. In 1940 the USSR occupied the country by force, and during the 1941 to 1944 he occupied by the Germans and suffered heavy damage and the destruction of most of its Jewish population. From 1945 to 1991 was capital of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, and since 1991 is again an independent country.

Photography by ** Maurice **

The historic center of Riga highlight to start a route Rifleman Square, where you’ll find the home of black heads (Melngaviu nams) and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. House of Blackheads was the merchants’ guild headquarters was destroyed in 1941 and rebuilt in 2001, now is the tourist office in the city. The Museum of Russian occupation of Latvia, is an impressive museum that tells the story of the occupation of the country in parallel with the Second World War, and explains how they lived in the country until 1991. The museum is free, and it is advisable to visit it, as being small and interesting not leave any visitor indifferent.

More to the center of the city is the cathedral and the church of San Pedro, where up to its high tower you can have a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the beautiful, colorful squares in the center, which in summer is filled with terraces refreshments.

In the broad avenue from Brive, is the spectacular monument of Liberty, where the proclamation of independence of Latvia in 1991. Always surrounded by soldiers on guard, is a must to stop to take a picture of rigor. Also nearby is the Riga Opera, and some restaurants to eat at a good price and no tourism.

Walking along the river also can see a beautiful view of the city, with its brand new bridge linking the two parts of Riga. In the center stand out as the medieval houses of the three sisters.

Photography by Helmuts Guigo

Tips:

– The currency in Latvia (now) is the Lat, therefore, need to change money.
– The company’s low-cost flights Air Baltic has been established at Riga airport, so you can get to other capitals of Scandinavia for quite low prices.
– Do not miss Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where you can get with only four hours by bus.

Good Luck!