Riga

Riga is Latvian capital and the largest capital of the Baltic States, with about 700,000 inhabitants. Due to its position and historical background, it has become a trading center. Riga is 1/3 less than Vilnius in areal, but it has about 80000 more inhabitants.

 Legend saying that  in the cave in river lived a giant Christopher, who helped people move across the river. One night, a terrible storm hapend, when Christopher heard the baby crying. The giant got out of his cave and found a baby in the dark. He took him to himself, fed him, and laid him in his bed. Walking up in the morning he did not find the child, but there was a lot of gold in the cave.  And he built the city of Riga.
There is a sculpture on the bank of the Daugava to remember him.

 It is easy to get to Riga by bus, car and ferry. Riga is very popular among weekend travelers, so the trip should be planned in advance, as prices rise.

Rigas Old Town is included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage in recognition of its Art Nouveau architecture. Riga is rich in Gothic churches, built by Riga's founder Livonian Order and Riga Archbishop.
Getting to know Riga is not a necessity to stay in the city center,it makes  very easy to reach the city's sights on foot. In the Old Town you must visit St. Peter, St. John, and St. Jacob's Churches.
The history of Riga begins settled by Livs and Kurs.It was used by vikings trade route to Byzantium.Place was good for trade, natural harbor located at the mouth of the Daugava River.
The date of the Riga City is considered to be 1201 years with arrival of Crusades. The first missions to the Baltic States were launched at the end of the 12th century. After a series of successful marches in 1197-1199, a colony of German knights was established along the river Daugava. It was founded by Bishop Albert (Albert von Buxhowden, 1165-1229), who was the founder of the Order of the Swords. Later, in 1255, an archbishop settled in Riga, who will have a significant role in the further development of the city. Also in relations with neighbors Lithuanians.
In 1282, the city became a member of the Hanseatic League. From the founding of Riga until the 16th century, only Germans lived in the city. The German administration tried to keep this German island in the Baltic environment, limiting Latvian residence rights.

In the old town, the eyes are trapped behind the ornate palaces, named as the home of blackhead knights. It was a brotherhood house, owned by unmarried foreign merchants, celebrated in a fun way. Their name stems from the fact that the founder of the fraternity was black, St. Mauritania, a former Roman legionary, martyr. The association was active in Livonia, and we can find its buildings in Tallinn. The members of the Order not only engaged in trade, but also city defense.
After the division of the Livonian Order, the city has been independent since 1561.
1581 comes to the Republic of the Two Nations. From now on, the Germans are losing their exclusive rights.
1621 - 1709 Riga is ruled by Swedes, Latvian itself is named as the golden age.
1710 - 1914 Riga is an integral part of the Russian Empire. But it also brings positivity.

 Riga is becoming the most important port of the empire. The population is growing four times. Half of the population in 1900 was Germans, the other part was Russians and Latvians. The so-called cat house, built in 1910, is built as the city grows. The legend tells us that at that time there was a very rich Latvian merchant who did not belong to any merchant guild, because the Germans did not want to accept it. So he bought a plot in front of one of them and built a house that at its height exceeded the guild house and at that time was considered the highest in Riga. The Germans felt offended and filed a Latvian merchant in court. And he said he couldn't command his animals how they should sit. Finally, the stubborn Latvian was taken to the guild, and the cats did not turn their tails into the guild building, but snapped.

Riga is the most impressive collection of Art Nouveau in the world. The golden age coincided with a sudden economic growth in Riga - a glamorous architectural style, has become popular over the years has become dominant in the city. There are more than 700 art nouveau buildings in the Latvian capital - more than in any other European city. Some of them are in the Old Town, but you will see the most impressive examples of this architectural style on the three streets - Elizabetes, Alberta and Strielnieku.

The art nouveau style began to cross Europe through the 19th century. late 20th century early in the year. Two main branches are distinguished. In Paris and Brussels, curved, swirled decorations prevailed, while straighter lines and more geometric buildings sprouted in Vienna and Glasgow. The cities of Eastern Europe, such as Riga, Prague and Budapest, have inspired Western inspiration with their own traditions and symbols, creating exceptional examples of art nouveau.

 In Latvia, the art nouveau architecture weaves in the threads of different cultures. For example, the most famous architect of this style, Mikhail Eisenstein, was born, raised and studied in Russia, and was inspired by German designers to create inspiration in Latvia. He is considered to be the best creator of art nouveau eclecticism, whose representatives focused on stylistic details of facades.In the 20th century At the beginning of the 19th century, sophistication began to get out of fashion, and the place of national romanticism, which was the result of Latvian national architectural style searches, came to its place. The buildings of that time are full of Latvian folklore symbols and national motifs. After a while, new details on the buildings were inflated with memories of classical Greece and the Roman Empire, as well as Russian winds. In Riga, Art Nouveau styles were accompanied by symbols from different cultures, continents and civilizations. Some of them came from nature, others from myths. At first glance it may seem that Riga's buildings are chaotic and changing, but each of them is another layer of art nouveau. 

When the First World War began, fascination with luxury and lavishly decorated in this style declined and was later replaced by art deco. In many parts of Europe art nouveau buildings have had to give way to new architectural ideas, and when many cities can boast impressive but individual examples, the Latvian capital is like an open-air museum.





1918 -1940 Riga was the capital of the independent Republic of Latvia.

1940 - 1941, 1944 - 1990 Soviet occupation , Riga was occupied by Germany during World War II and was headquarters of the Ostland Commissariat.
Until now, Riga has more ethnic Russians than Latvians, and relations between the two groups are rarely sincere.

After exploring the Old Town, you can follow the Freedom Monument. And take it straight out of Brivibas Street. On the right hand side you will find the Vermare Garden, built in the 19th century, and on the left - a plan for a park where you can relax after a long walk.
The hungry can go to the many restaurants, including Latvian cuisine. For those who like exotics - I recommend the market, which is located near the station. This market was once considered one of the most modern and largest markets in the world.
The history of the Latvian Museum of War and Occupation can be visited  - the National Museum of Art, recommended.. If you want to hear more about the history of the city, the Riga Museum of History and Navigation would be suitable.
Those who are interested in entertainment will find them in the central part of the city.