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Riga and Jurmala

Latvia

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Riga

Eight hundred years have shaped the city’s unique appearance and rich traditions. Due to its geographical location on the Baltic Sea (where East and West meets), Riga has been an important centre of trade, finance and culture for centuries. Riga has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Noveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city. Inscribing the historic centre of Riga on the World Heritage List of UNESCO recognized it. Riga belongs to the cultural space of Western Europe. Riga has hundreds of ways for enticing visitors – its rich history, architecture, spacious gardens and parks, museums, art galleries and world-class opera. Impossible not to be loved in Riga, because of its given inspiration to everyone – both for them which are delighted with ancient and which craves for new impressions. More information here and here.

House of Blackheads – The Melngalvju

Originally built in 1344, this resurrected ghost is another reminder of Riga's still-healing historical scars. Ironically located in the Town Hall Square by the Museum of Occupations, the original House of Blackheads was destroyed during the war in 1941 and buried by the Soviets in 1948. It was rebuilt in 2001 with careful attention to its original structure and exterior ornamentation to commemorate the city's 800th anniversary. Originally owned by a merchant guild, in its current reincarnation the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.

House of Blackheads in Riga

House of Blackheads in Riga

By night.

The Riga City Hall

The Riga City Hall has been built anew in 2003 in the same location where it once stood. The face of the building is decorated with the Riga emblem and the image of the goddess Themis. Every hour the inhabitants of Riga and the guests of the city may hear the bells of the City Hall clock chiming.

St. Peter's Church

This is the biggest church in Latvia. First mention of St. Peter's church was made in the year 1209. The church is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the Baltics, meant to be the main church of the town. The church was burned down and rebuilt many times trough the centuries. ..

St. Peter's Church

It first collapsed in 1666 and the last destruction it suffered was on St. Peter's Day in 1941. In 1973 the tower was restored for the last time. From the observation platform of the tower you can enjoy a wonderful eagle's-eye view of Riga.

Three Brothers in Riga

The "Three Brothers" are the best examples of residential buildings of medieval Riga. The "oldest brother" (No.17 – the white house) was built in the 15th century and is the oldest stone dwelling-structure in Riga.

Swedish Gate - Old City Walls

The Old Town of Riga used to be surrounded by walls on all sides to keep all those pesky invaders out, but over the years most of its walls either crumbled or were destroyed by aforementioned invaders or were finally torn down in the 1800s. What survives is the Old City Walls and Swedish Gate (Vecpilsetas muris and Zviedru varti). The remains of the fortifications no longer fortify anything really, but the Swedish Gate, so named because it was built by ruling Swedes in 1698, is the only gate to the city still standing, and separates a quiet part of the Old Town from the noisy bars around it.

Swedish Gate - Old City Walls

Old Town - Dome Cathedral

The Riga Dome Cathedral

The Cathedral has been built in the place of an ancient settlement, which was situated there more than 800 years ago. The Dome Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the Baltic States. The cornerstone was laid down in 1211. The Dome organ with more than 6700 pipes and 124 registers was once the biggest organ in the world.

St Saviour's Church

Old Town Riga

Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument in Riga is a symbol of Latvia's freedom and independence and was completed in 1935.

Laima Clock

Laima Clock - a popular meeting place in Riga.

Jurmala - view from the air

Jurmala is often called “Latvian Riviera” and is a resort town famous for its 33 km long sandy beach framed by dunes and pine forests.

Jurmala

View from top of the Hotel Jurmala spa.

Former bath-house of E. Racene

Jurmala: Built during years 1911 to 1916. It was possible to take a bath with the warmed-up sea water. In the Soviet times, it served as the resort's spa centre - one of the best medical institutions with the best facilities in former Jurmala.

Former bath-house of E. Racene

Jurmala beach

A beautiful morning at 7 AM in March 2008.

Sculpture Brunurupucis - The Turtle

One of the most popular tourism object in Jurmala. The Turtle symbolizes long life.

Sea Pavilion in Jurmala

Built in 1909 in the style of historism to be used for leisure activities and recreation.

House of Benjamins in Jurmala

One of the most impressive buildings in Jurmala. built in 1939.

Jurmala

Jurmala

Jurmala

Jurmala

Jurmala

Jurmala

Hotel Pegasa Pils - Jurmala

Built in the beginning of the 20th century in the late art nouveau style as a lodging-house. In the Soviet times, it was a health resort.

Jurmala

Jomas Street Jurmala

One of the central and oldest streets of Jurmala with restaurants, summer terraces, hotels and cafes.

Jomas Street Jurmala

Baltic Beach Hotel Jurmala

Hotel Jurmala spa

Hotel Jurmala spa

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