Architecture
The Academy of Arts (Mākslas akadēmija)
Address: Kalpaka bulvāris 13, Rīga
The Academy of Arts, built in 1902-1905 by architect W.Bockslaff, together with sculptor A.Folz and stained glass master E.Tode, is a building combining synthesis of Neo-gothic and Jugendstil. This is the best-known project by W.Bocksalff.
W.Bockslaff (1858-1945) is a famous architect who created the English seamen club (now the Danish Embassy houses this building) in 1901, buildings on 4 Amatu Str., 6 Smilšu Str., 25/29 Jauniela, building of the Church of the Cross (together with E.Friesendorf in 1909), - all of mentioned buildings are worth seeing.
Alberta Street (Alberta iela)
Address: Alberta iela
Alberta Street carries the name of the man who founded Riga. Now it is one of the most beautiful and splendid streets in the city, representing all tat Jugendstil can offer. The construction of this street took place in a rather short period of time - from 1901 till 1908. The authors of the magnificent buildings are M.Eisenstein, N.Mandelstam and K.Pekshens.
These buildings are rich in picturesque details, free composition and perfect performance. You will find astonished faces, masks, large number of different animal sculptures etc.
Building of the Blackheads' Organization (Melngalvju nams)
Address: Rātslaukums 7, Rīga
Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga was destroyed during the II World War, because the building of the Blackheads' Organization was one of the most impressive architectural monuments in the city. This building, first mentioned in 1344, built in Gothic style, was a seat of single merchants belonging to the Merchants' Guild. Their patron was St.Mauricius, therefore it gained the name of Blackheads' Organization.
By the way, this building was not only a meeting place, but it was used as an excellent concert hall as well, R.Wagner and F.List visited this place.
The building of Blackheads' Organization was rebuilt in 1999.
Building of Cats' House (Kaķu nams)
Address: Meistaru iela 10, Vecrīga, Rīga
Not all of the buildings in Old City can be described with one or other architectural style. There is a building in Old City, decorated with two black cats on the top. The building was made by F.Shefel in 1909, using Jugendstyle elements. A story tells that the owner of the building was in anger with City Council and therefore he decided to show his attitude, putting the cats on top of the roof with their backs to City Council, but as it was late evening and the work was done very fast, cats are looking to both sides and not both with their backs to City Council.
Building of Dome School (Rīgas Doma skola)
Address: Herdera laukums 6, Vecrīga, Rīga
The premises of the former Dome monastery were used by the first school in Riga. The Dome school has established in 1211, pupils were taught in Latin and all the teachers were priests. After the Reformation the School was under the authority of City and it became the first establishment of higher education in Riga. In 1695 Dome School turned into Gymnasium. Philosophy, the history of religion, rhetoric, history, Greek, law and mathematics was taught at the School. J.G.Herder was a teacher here during 1764-1769, the monument to J.G.Herder is placed next to Dome Cathedral, similar to the monument in Veimar.
Building of Great Guild (Lielā ģilde)
Address: Amatu 6, Vecrīga, Rīga
Great Guild was originally Merchants' organization dated with 1354, its members were German merchants. The first building of Great Guild, dated from the XIV century has not survived till nowadays, only some parts are included in the building which is dated with 1854-1857, architect H.Schehl. The building is in eclectic English Gothic forms, its interior is masterfully designed.
This building was reconstructed in 1965, now Latvian Philarmonics
Building of National Theater (Latvijas Nacionālais teātris)
Address: Kronvalda bulvāris 2, Rīga
The building of National Theater was built in 1899-1902 by A.Reinberg. Till the I World War this building belonged to a Russian troupe, in the autumn 1917 Riga Latvian Society obtained these premises for a Latvian theater.
Since the beginning the Riga coat of arms from that time with the attributes of Russian Czar is placed in the facade of this building. The front sculptures are made by A.Folz. The interior is created in Eclectic style.
Building of Latvian Society (Rīgas Latviešu biedrības nams)
Address: Merķeļa iela 13, Rīga
Riga Latvian Society's activities were first dated in 1868 when a group of Latvian intellectuals, private employers and merchants joined together in a society. We can name some of Society's Members of Honor, popular public people - Kr.Barons, Kr.Valdemars, J.Vitols, V.Purvitis. Riga Latvian Society's activities covered investigations of Latvian history and folklore, teachers' meetings, Latvian theater had its origin within this society, the members of Society had hot discussions on Latvian orthography, etc.
The building of Riga Latvian Society was created by J.Baumanis, the first professional Latvian architect, in 1869. It was projected as an important Latvian culture center with premises for theater and concerts, etc. The building was rebuilt in 1909 by E.Laube and E.Pole. The decorative panel was made by J.Rozentals.
Building of Small Guild (Mazā ģilde)
Address: Amatu iela 3/5, Vecrīga, Rīga
Craftsmen did not have such an importance influence to city's activities as merchants did, therefore even their Guild was called the Small, just opposite to Merchants' Guild. Small Guild was established in 1352, the number of corporations increased till 40 in the XVIIIth century.
The building of Small Guild was built in the XIVth century, big reconstructions took place in 1694 and 1743-1744. The present building of Small Guild was built in 1864-1866 by J.D.Felsko who completely destroyed the former building. Now a culture house "Guild" is situated there.
Church of Maria-Magdalen (Marijas Magdalēnas baznīca)
Address: Klostera iela 2, Vecrīga, Rīga
Church of Maria-Magdalen is the only building that survived of the former Cistercian Nunnery (1255 - 1582). During the period of Swedish rule this church was renovated, after Riga was incorporated in Russia the church was renamed as Alexander Orthodox Church. The church has been rebuilt and renovated in 1746 by architect N.Vasiljev who incorporated Baroque style in this building. Now this is a Catholic church, and services are held here.
Cinema "Riga" (Kinoteātris "Rīga")
Address: Elizabetes 61, Rīga
Cinema 'Splendid Palace' (1924), now cinema 'Rīga' is the first architect's F.Skujinsh work, that made him popular. A similar cinema building in Tallinn 'Crystal-Palace' was destroyed during the II World War.
This cinema building is rich in forms and elements of Baroque and Rococo. There is a cafe established in the 60-ties by E.Vecumnieks project in the basement.
The Common Grave Ensemble (Brāļu kapu ansamblis)
Address:Aizsaules 1b, Rīga
An unforgettable ensemble analogue of which is hard to find in Europe, is devoted to the memory of those who fell during the I and the II World War. A group of famous Latvian artists took part in this project created by K.Zāle: landscape architect A.Zeidaks, architects P.Feders, P.Kundzinsh, A.Birzenieks, sculptors J.Cirulis, F.Valdmanis etc. It took 12 years from 1924 till 1936 to create the ensemble in Constructive style, using separate monumental figures and landscape possibilities.
The Dome Cathedral (Rīgas Doma katedrāle)
Address: Herdera laukums 6, Vecrīga, Rīga
The foundation stone of the Dome was laid in 1211, when Bishop Albert had a great plan of building a church, a monastery, some more buildings to present the power of Catholic church in Riga.
Its present appearance is a result of impact of numerous architectural styles during centuries. The oldest part, built in the manner of Romanesque, is the Altar. Gothic style has left its influence on the development of Basilica, Baroque has changed the Dome Spire to present state, by the way, the height of the spire is 90 m, as well as the Easter Pediment. The pseudo-gothic Western Entrance was built in the second part of the 19th cent. (architect J.Felsko). Then stained-glass panels were placed in the windows also.
The Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ, constructed by a German company "E.F.Walker & Co" in 1884. The reconstruction of it was carried out by the Dutch company "Flentrop-Orgelbow B.V.-Zaandam".
Now the services are held in the Dome Cathedral, as well as you can enjoy the organ concerts there.
St. George Church (Dekoratīvās mākslas un dizaina muzejs)
Address: Skārņu 10/20, Rīga
Contacts: http://www.dlmm.lv
The oldest building in Riga, survived from the Castle of the Sword Brotherhood Order, founded in 1202. St. George church was developed on the basis of a meeting place and later - a chapel. It is the only Romanesque monument in Riga, you can find two small windows, very thick walls, round arches, massive vaulting.
Now the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts is situated in this building.
St.John Church's Courtyard (Rīgas Sv. Jāņa baznīca)
Address: Jāņa 7, vecrīga, Rīga
Contacts: www.janabaznica.lv
The beginning of the church was dated at the end of the XIII century, when the Dominicans built a church for the necessities of a cloister. This church was destroyed several times, therefore we can find a fusion of different architectural styles, but in fact, this is not the only example of this kind architectural monuments in Riga due to complex history of the city.
More than 400 years services in Latvian have been held in this church.
A fragment of the fortification wall surrounding the city of Riga can be seen in this yard. The walls were 11 m high and up to 2.5 m thick. St.John Church's Courtyard was reconstructed in the 60-ties.
The Mentzendorf's House (Mecendrorfa nams)
Address: Grēcinieku 18, Vecrīga, Rīga
The Mentzendorf's House is the architectural monument from the 17th and the 18th century. The name was derived from the last owners of this house - the Mentzendorfs. In 1992 museum was established; the house - museum of the 17th- 18th century Riga citizen gives an insight in the house and mode of life of Riga's wealthy burghers, as well as collects, compiles and investigates materials on the building, its former owners, the life style of Riga inhabitants and history of the German-Baltic culture. Articles exposited in this museum are mostly from the repository of Riga History and Navigation Museum.
St.Peter Church (Rīgas Sv. Pētera Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca)
Address: Skārņu 19, Vecrīga, Rīga
One of the most significant and beautiful Gothic churches in Riga and the Baltic states. The Church was mentioned first in 1209 as the merchants church and it served as their meeting place, as well. It was a Catholic church until 1523, when during the Reformation it turned Lutheran. The Church gained its present look during several centuries. At the end of the 17th century the main facade of the Church gained a Baroque look by city building master R.Bindenschuh. The tower of the church was destroyed the several times, last it burnt down in 1941. St.Peter church was restored in 1954-1973.
Now you can use an elevator till height of 72 m, and have a nice bird's eye view of Riga from the observation platform. You can visit this church to see some exhibitions or to enjoy concerts, as well.
The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis)
Address:Smilšu 20, Vecrīga, Rīga
Contacts: http://www.karamuzejs.gov.lv
This is one part of the former fortification system, surrounding Riga. It was first mentioned in 1330 and it was originally called Smilsu Tornis (The Sand Tower), but from the 17th century when the powder had been kept in it, the Tower gained the name of Powder.
The diameter of this round tower is 14.3m, height -25.6m, the width of the walls reaches 3m.
Now the Latvian War Museum is situated there.
Reitern House (Reitera māja)
Address:Kr. Valdemāra iela 118
The first new style living house in Riga built in 1685, by city building master R.Bindenschuh for one of the most important Town hall members and merchants of the 17th century - Johann Reitern. This is the most beautiful merchant living house in Riga, a wonderful monument of Baroque. A prosperous man wanted to present his power not only in business but in something permanent, too. This house was a kind of revolution in the building traditions - for the first time a house was situated with its long side along the street, for the first such a high ceiling is used in living house and for the first time there were large widows in the building. The fascinating facade, made by stone cutter A.Smysel, was just another kind of building, compare with the earlier dwelling house manner and style.
Now Latvian Journalists' House has been settled here with an exhibition site and a cafe.
Dannenstern's house (Dannenšterna nams)
Address: Mārstaļu iela 21, Vecrīga, Rīga
House of Dannenstern is one of the most impressive examples of the baroque style architecture. It consists of three mutually connected blocks – the main block at the street and two others bending at the courtyard, all connected by a driving passage. The main block is a two-storey building with an attic, a basement, and five attic floors built into the roof.
The author of baroque style portals is sculptor Dietrich Valter. The house was built in 1696 and used to be the largest private house in Riga. The owner of the house was the merchant from Holland, Ernest Metsu, who owned more than 150 ships and who was granted the title: “von Dannenstern” by the King of Sweden.
Unfortunately, Dannenstern’s house was not inhabited a long time and thereby was included in the list of hundred most endangered cultural monuments of Latvia. Today House of Dannenstern is undergoing culturally inapropriate reconstruction.
Riga Castle (Rīgas pils)
Address:Pils laukumā 3, Vecrīga, Rīga
Built for the Order in 1330, Riga Castle served as the seat of the secular power for a long time. The place on the banks of the Daugava was chosen for purpose to oversee all the ship which came into the port, this place was strategically important, as well. A building of this castle was a square with a tower in each corner.
Beginning with the second part of the 16th century, when the Order was reformed, the members of Polish, Swedish and Russian secular power had their seat there. The building was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, the beginning of the 19th century when the third floor was built.
The last reconstruction was made in the 30-ties of this century by architect E.Laube, the gate, interior and furniture was designed by A.Cirulis.
Now the President of Latvia - Valdis Zatlers - has his residence in one wing of the castle.
Riga History and Navigation Museum (Rīgas vēstures un kuģniecības muzejs)
Address: Palasta 4, Rīga
Contacts: http://www.rigamuz.lv
Riga History and Navigation Museum was founded in 1773. It is one of the largest and the oldest museums in Latvia, as well in the Baltic states. The number of items kept in the repository exceeds 500 thousand and they are of great cultural-historical and artistic value.
The Museum compiles materials and gathers information on history of Riga city and history of Latvian navigation. It is situated in a building of Riga Dome Ensemble, which is an architectural monument of the 13th century.
The repository of Riga History and Navigation Museum and the exposition halls present numerous of unique exhibits, interesting for Latvian and other countries' researchers.
The Museum has several branches, specialising in different fields of Riga city and Latvian navigation history. The History Museum of Photography covers the history and development of photography; the Menzendorf's House: The house - museum of the 17th- 18th century Riga citizen gives an insight in the house and mode of life of Riga's wealthy burghers, as well as collects, compiles and investigates materials about the building of the museum, its former owners, the life style of Riga inhabitants and history of German-Baltic culture.
State Museum of Fine Arts (Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs)
Address: K.Valdemāra 10a, Rīga
Contacts: www.vmm.lv
The building of the city art museum has a long history, including the open competition in 1897. This is the first building created specially as a museum.
It was built by a famous art scientist and architect W.Neumann (1849-1919). The reconstruction of the Dome Cathedral was made under the leadership of W.Neumann, besides, he has published more than 40 books on history of architecture and arts in Baltic.
This monumental building has Eclectic forms, but the interior reflects details of Jugendstil, because the time when the building was created is the flourishing period for Jugendstil. The entrance staircase and the sculptural group of fronton is made by A.Folz.
The collections of fine arts are kept and exhibitions of Latvian and Russian art take place here.
Swedish gate (Zviedru vārti)
Address: Aldaru iela, Vecrīga, Rīga
One of the most interesting buildings in Old Riga. It belongs to the former fortification wall surrounding all of the Old City. In one of the wings the Swedish gate, built into the fortification wall in 1698 has situated. Except for the recently restored small exit from St.John Church's Courtyard into Kaleju Street, this is the only Riga gate that has survived in its original form.
Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi)
Address: Mazā Pils 17, 19, 21, Vecrīga, Rīga
The tradition that members of one handicraft live on one street was in full force and effect in medieval Riga, too. So we can find three dwelling-houses surviving from the former Backer Street side by side to each other, perhaps this is the reason why these houses are called Three Brothers.
The oldest brother was built at the end of the 15th century, it is the only premise that survived originally from that time, the next house is dated from 1646, but the last building is from the end of the 17th century. With the pediments facing the street these houses present the main principles of medieval building manner.
Reconstruction carried out by P.Saulītis and G.Jansons.
Museum of Architecture is settled in 2 of these buildings.
Usma Church in Open-Air Museum (Usmas baznīca Latvijas Etnogrāfiskajā brīvdabas muzejā)
Address: Brīvības gatve 440, Rīga
Contacts:http://www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs , http://www.muzejs.lv , http://www.virmus.lv
Lutheran church built in 1704 near the lake of Usma (close to Kuldiga town) was moved to Open-Air Museum in 1935. The church has been rebuilt and renovated several times, organ was made by Kreslinsh, organ craftsman from Jekabpils, in 1860.
There is a pillory and a punishment equipment near the church - it was a characteristic feature till the second part of the 19th century that the mentioned things were placed near churches.
Usma church is a prominent monument of Kurzeme district, the painting of the ceiling is one of a few, left from the great number of decorative church paintings in Kurzeme.
The Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis)
Address: At the crossing of Brīvības blvd. and Raiņa blvd.
The Freedom Monument is a symbol of Latvia’s freedom and independence, erected by the architects Kārlis Zāle and Ernests Štālbergs. People donated money for the project, which was completed in 1935. On the front wall of the monument is the inscription “Tēvzemei un Brīvībai”, or “For the Fatherland and Freedom” - an expression of the meaning of the monument.
Convent Yard of the Holy Ghost (Konventa sēta)
Address: Kalēju iela 9/11
The Convent Yard is located in Old Riga between Kalēju and Skārņu Streets, covering an area of 260 m2. Originally there was the Castle of Knights of Sword Order (the so called White Stone Castle), which was destroyed in 1297. The castle was rebuilt on the embankment of the Daugava in the former site of the Holy Ghost Hospital (which therefore was rebuilt instead the ruins of the White Stone Castle). After some time this place was renamed as the Convent Yard of the Holy Ghost.The Convent is the foundation of 1220 by Bishop Albert for supporting the disabled and feeble persons of all nationalities and layers. In the 15th century this was Kampenhauzen’s House for the poor or “Non-German Asylum” in which widows from the poorest and lowest social class lived. The Convent Yard included also “Asylum of the Grey Sisters”, a hospital and nursery home for the ill. The hospital was built in 1488 and rebuilt in 1860. The name “Asylum of the Grey Sisters” originated from grey cloaks the nuns there were wearing. In the end of the 17th century a road was made in the Convent Yard between Kalēju and Skārņu streets.
Nativity of Christ Cathedral (Rīgas Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle)
Address: Brīvības bulvāris 23, Rīga
Built between 1876 and 1883, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the Baltics. Every day of the week one will find large numbers of Riga's almost 45% of Russian speakers under its arches, lighting the traditional long Eastern Orthodox candles. Its Neo-Byzantine exterior is matched on the inside with icons traditional of Orthodox cathedrals, some of which are painted by Vasili Vereshchagin. During Soviet times, the cathedral was turned into a planetarium, but apparently religion has trumped science in this debate, and the cathedral has returned to its original function.
