Riga is the largest city and the capital of Latvia. It is located on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea. Riga is home to about 605,802 inhabitants, around a third of Latvia’s total population! The population of Riga metropolitan area, which stretches beyond the city limits, is estimated at 860,142 (as of 2023).
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Etymology
There is some debate as to where the name Riga comes from. One possibility is linked to the ancient Celts based on root similarity to words such as Rigomagos and Rigodunon. Another possibility is that it is a variation of the Liv ringa meaning loop, referring to the ancient natural harbor formed by the tributary loop of the Daugava and being and earlier and common Liv place name for such formations.
The most conclusive, however, is that Riga owes its name to its already-established role in commerce between East and West, as a borrowing of the Latvian rija, for warehouse, the “y” sound of the “j” later transcribed and hardened in German to a “g”—most notably, Riga is named Rie (no “g”) in English geographer Richard Hakluyt’s 1589 The Principal Navigations. The origin of Riga from rija is confirmed by the German historian Dionysius Fabricius (1610): “Riga nomen sortita est suum ab aedificiis vel horreis quorum a litus Dunae magna fuit copia, quas livones sua lingua Rias vocare soliti.” (The name Riga is given to itself from the great quantity which were to be found along the banks of the Duna of buildings or granaries which the Livs in their own language are wont to call Rias.) (1)
The Old City Center
The Old City Center was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is noted for its Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture and 19th century wooden architecture. Emerging in Germany around 1895, Jugendstil, named after the Munich magazine “Die Jugend,” challenged artistic conventions while drawing inspiration from Art Nouveau. This dynamic style unfolded in two stages: a pre-1900 phase heavily influenced by English floral motifs and Japanese art, and a later, more abstract phase spearheaded by Viennese architect Henry van de Velde.
This is a touristic map of Riga I found useful:
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The House of the Blackheads / The Town Hall Square
This perhaps the most iconic and beloved building in Riga. Its original was built in 1334 as a warehouse, meeting and celebration place for merchants. It was the biggest public building of Riga. From mid 15th century it was also used by Brotherhood of Blackheads. This was a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners and foreigners in Riga.
Major works were done in the early 17th century, in the style of Dutch Renaissance adding most of the mannerist ornamentation. In the 19th century some of the sculptures were made by the workshop of August Volz. Additionally, it is the site of the first decorated Christmas tree, which was erected in 1510.
In the fateful hours of June 29, 1941, the building, along with much of the old town, succumbed to the ravages of World War II, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Despite passionate pleas from residents and historical preservationists, the remains were demolished in 1948. Yet, even as the dust settled, hope flickered. Through meticulous research and dedicated efforts, Riga Polytechnic Institute meticulously documented the building’s original design throughout the 1980s. These intricate studies became the cornerstone of a remarkable undertaking – the resurrection of The House of the Blackheads from its ashes.
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Photo of what it looked like after World War II:
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This is a really great video where you can see more of the interior of the building while you hear interesting facts:
One interesting fact is that two chapters of this Brotherhood of Blackheads are credited with documenting the display of the First Public Christmas Tree. Yes, simultaniously! In 1510, both chapters placed fig trees in the main plazas and decorated them with paper flowers then they danced and lit it on fire!
The marker is imbedded in the cobblestones of Riga’s Town Hall Square, between the NE corner of the Museum of the Occupation and the NW corner of the House of the Black Heads. At Christmas time there is a decorated tree at the spot. The rest of the year a metal tree sculpture covers the spot. (2)
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The Riga Castle
The current Riga castle is the third one in this place and the official residence of the president of Latvia since 1922. This castle was built for the first itme in 1330 in the banks of the Daugava river by the Rigans and Livonian Order through a treaty. It was completely destroyed by the Rigans in a civil war against the Livonian Order.
A second castle was built in the 14th century. After the Treaty of Vilnius the Livonian order ceased to exist and in 1561 the Castle became Lithuanian and then in 1569 – a Polish-Lithuanian stronghold. The third castle was built in the 15th century. In 1621 Riga came under Swedish rule and the Castle was used to house Swedish administration. They constructed spacious annexes in 1641. This is a drawing form this time:
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After the city came under the Russian Empire in the early 18th century, the castle housed administration and courts of Riga Governorate (which included most of present Latvia and Estonia) and served as residence of Governors General.
This castle once housed the National Museum of History in one of its buildings. There was a fire in 2013 and it was moved. This year, 2024, the History museum will go back to the castle premises. I also read the castle has an art museum.
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Saint Peter’s Church
First mention of the St. Peter’s Church is in records dating to 1209. The church was of masonry construction. The old bell tower was replaced in 1456, and a bell was hung in the new tower in 1477. A 136 metres (446 ft) octagonal steeple was added to the tower in 1491, which, along with the church’s front facade, dominated the silhouette of Riga. The tower collapsed 11 March 1666, destroying a neighboring building and burying eight people in the rubble. The cornerstone for a new tower was laid 29 June 1667.
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The last severe damage this church endured was in 1941 by artillery – a fire broke out and destroyed the steeple.
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View from the steeple:
The Three Brothers
Nestled in the heart of Riga stands The Three Brothers, Latvia’s oldest surviving residential complex. These three houses, though distinct in appearance, are bound by history. Each one embodies a different chapter in the evolution of Riga’s dwellings, from late-medieval to Baroque grandeur and currently house the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
The building at 17 Maza Pils Street is the oldest, dating from the late 15th century. The exterior of the building is characterized by crow-stepped gables, Gothic decorations, and a few early Renaissance details. Originally the building consisted internally of one large room and an attic used for storage. The house was restored in 1955–57 by architect Pēteris Saulītis.
The neighbouring house, 19 Maza Pils Street, has an exterior dating from 1646, with a stone portal added in 1746. The style of the building shows influences from Dutch Mannerism.
The last house of the three, located in 21 Maza Pils Street, is a narrow Baroque building which gained its present look probably during the late 17th century.
Museum of Occupation of Latvia
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The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is a state accredited private museum, founded in 1993. It is maintained and managed by the public charitable organisation the Occupation Museum Association of Latvia (LOMB). When I saw this museum I was so impressed by how the structure and design of the building lives up to its name. Oppresion, Occupation.
The mission of this museum is as described in its website is to:
Remember what happened to Latvia, to the people and land of Latvia during the Soviet and German National Socialist regimes, from 1940-1991.
Commemorate those who were unjustly convicted and murdered, who died in foreign wars, those who suffered and died during the repressions and deportations, those who fled the occupation forces, and those scattered throughout the world.
Remind the powers of the other states of the world of the offences carried out against the Latvian state, its land and people.
And to end in a more uplifting note, this is the Freedom Monument right outside of the the Old City Center. It is also where one finds the beautiful Art Nouveau District. I will cover this in a separate post.
The Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis) in Riga was unveiled in 1935. This 42-meter masterpiece honors soldiers who were killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920). Crafted from granite, travertine, and copper, it features 13 sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting Latvian history and culture. Towering at its peak is a travertine column crowned by a copper figure of Liberty, arms outstretched holding three gilded stars, a beacon of hope and unwavering national spirit.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons.
This is a very complete video about Riga. You can fast forward to sections of your interest as it has info markers. Enjoy!
If you are from Riga and I forgot to cover something important, could you kindly let me know? ^ ^
Sources
(1) Wikipedia
(2) Atlasobscura.com
My Virtual World Trip 