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1. Dome Square
(www.vecriga.info) In the heart of Old Riga is the largest square, Dome Square (Doma Laukums), around which are situated the citys best outdoor cafes and bars. The squares current appearance goes back to the 1930s when only a portion of its medieval buildings were torn down. On the edge of the square one can see the Dome Cathedral (Doma laukums 1). It was built as Bishop Alberts Cathedral in 1211 and rebuilt several times since, so today exhibits a mixture of late Romanesque, early Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The cathedral is famous for its organ which is used in many concerts and recitals.

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2. Lvu Square
(www.vecriga.info)

Livu Square (Lvu laukums) is relatively new, built in the middle of the 20th century after World War II. An interesting complex of 18th century residential buildings have been preserved here, as well as, the 18th century built Large Guild (merchant association) and Small Guild (craftsmens association) buildings in which one can see rich, decorated interiors. In the summer a number of outdoor cafes operate in Livu Square, and in the evenings there are live outdoor concerts, restaurants, clubs, and never a shortage of people.

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3. Rtslaukums Square
(www.vecriga.info) Opposite the stone bridge there is still another important square in Old Riga the town square or Rtslaukums. In the Middle Ages it also served as an open air market. During World War II the square was completely destroyed. However, today the town hall has been completely restored as have the Black Heads (Melngalvju Nams) and Schwabes House, and the statue of Roland. Here one can also see the 1970s Soviet Era building that houses the Occupation Museum. The Riga tourism information centre is located in the Schwabes House.

Welcome to Riga!

he first, indelible impression that most visitors get of the Latvian capital is its majestic skyline, as viewed from the left bank of the Daugava River. The slender Gothic spires of the Old Towns many churches attest to the citys long history, which stretches back to the 13th century. The panoramas pleasing harmony is just the most visible indication of the superb aesthetic sense that has shaped much of the citys architecture up to the present day. The central part of Riga is the citys economic, financial and cultural core, as well as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. One will find a breathtaking range of architectural styles in the historical centre - from Baroque to Classicism, from Renaissance to Art Deco, from Romanesque to National Romanticism. Furthermore, Rigas wealth of Jugendstil or Art Nouveau buildings stands out as unparalleled anywhere in the world. Yet equally unique are the many 19th-century wooden buildings that have proudly withstood the pressures of commercialization and gentrification, retaining their place in Rigas architectural cornucopia and currently undergoing state-of-the-art facelifts. But Riga is much more than just its history. Proud of its heritage, it is a thoroughly modern city with a highly developed infrastructure and opportunities for a variety of activities and entertainment. A city with rich musical traditions, today it boasts an excellent opera, several world-class choirs and outstanding classical orchestras, not to mention jazz, rock and blues ensembles, plus a variety of other popular music bands performing in both concert halls and clubs. Riga is a lively, spirited, and future-oriented city with its own distinct aura, charm, and style.

1. Dome Square
In the heart of Old Riga is the largest square, Dome Square (Doma Laukums), around which are situated the citys best outdoor cafes and bars. The squares current appearance goes back to the 1930s when only a portion of its medieval buildings were torn down. On the edge of the square one can see the Dome Cathedral (Doma laukums 1). It was built as Bishop Alberts Cathedral in 1211 and rebuilt several times since, so today exhibits a mixture of late Romanesque, early Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The cathedral is famous for its organ which is used in many concerts and recitals.

2. Lvu Square
Livu Square (Lvu laukums) is relatively new, built in the middle of the 20th century after World War II. An interesting complex of 18th century residential buildings has been preserved here, as well as, the 18th century built Large Guild (merchant association) and Small Guild (craftsmens association) buildings in which one can see rich, decorated interiors. In the summer a number of outdoor cafes operate in Livu Square, and in the evenings there are live outdoor concerts, restaurants, clubs, and never a shortage of people.

3. Rtslaukums Square
Opposite the stone bridge there is another important square in Old Riga the town square or Rtslaukums. In the Middle Ages it also served as an open air market. During World War II the square was completely destroyed. However, today the town hall has been completely restored as have the Blackheads (Melngalvju Nams) and Schwabes House, and the statue of Roland. Here one can also see the 1970s Soviet Era building that houses the Occupation Museum.

4. St Peters Church
St Peters Church (Skru iela 19) is another imposing red brick church, first built from timber in 1209, then rebuilt in stone. A lift inside the spire takes visitors to two viewing platforms providing a fantastic panoramic view over the red roofs of the Old Town and across the river Daugava.

5. The Freedom Monument

The symbol of Latvian independence and Rigas major landmark is the Freedom Monument. Standing on the main street Brvbas iela it can be seen from far away. Its three stars rise above the trees of the central parks. To the north of the freedom monument near the city canal is one of Rigas sand hills Bastejkalns, which is a part of the park green belt around the Old Town.

6. The House of Blackheads

The House of Blackheads (Rtslaukums 7) built in 14th century belonged to the Guild of Unmarried Merchants. At the time it was the richest and most prestigious venue in the whole city. It was severely damaged and pillaged during WWII, but was rebuilt again in 1999 as an exact copy of the original with a magnificent Dutch Renaissance facade and amazing ceiling paintings inside.

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7. The Powder Tower

The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) is one of Rigas fortification towers and was originally called the Sand Tower. It dates back to 1330. Rebuilt numerous times, it gained its current name in the 17th century when they began to store gunpowder in the tower. Since 1919 it houses the Latvian War Museum.

8. The Speri creative quarter

The Speri creative quarter is now home to more than a dozen cultural, creative groups. Located a stones throw from the Central Market by the shores of the Daugava River, Speri hosts regular art exhibitions organized by the kim? creative group, as well as high-calibre music concerts in the concert hall. Restaurants and cafes in Speri are also worth visiting.

9. Three Brothers
Three Brothers (Maz Pils iela 19) is a charming group of residential houses each from a different century, the oldest dating back to the 15th century.

10. Art Nouveau

One third of Rigas city centre is built in this attractive style, making it the premier Art Nouveau destination in Europe. Many of the best examples are located on Elizabetes and Alberta streets, some designed by well-known architect Mikhail Eisenstein, father of the famous Russian filmmaker, Sergey Eisenstein.

11. National Opera

The pride of Latvian musical and cultural life is the National Opera, which is located next to the city canal. The building was constructed in 1863 as the German Theatre. In 1995 a full restoration was completed. The opera has excellent acoustics and houses world class opera, ballet, and pop music performances. The buildings exterior resembles Moscows Bolshoi Theatre. The interior is finely decorated.

12. The Central Market

The Central Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe with five food pavilions located inside vast converted Zeppellin hangars. In stalls around and between them, everything from clothes to flowers is sold. Its always bustling and a great place to observe local people, try local produce and buy some bargains.

13. Riga Castle

One of the most striking features of the Old Towns classic skyline is the Riga Castle, which has served as the seat of various rulers throughout the centuries. After independence was restored in 1991, the castle became the primary workplace of the President of Latvia.

14. Latvian National Art Museum

The Latvian National Art Museum offers one of the best opportunities to witness the development of visual art in Latvia, the Baltics and Russia from the 18th century to the present. The works of the Latvian-born, avant-garde, Soviet propaganda artist Gustavs Klucis are well represented, as are those of the Russian mystic Nicholas Roerich and his son Svetoslav.

15. Kalnciema iela quarter

Across the river, in Prdaugava, lies the Kalnciema iela quarter of freshly renovated wooden houses. This began as a private initiative to renovate several neglected but stately wooden buildings on both sides of Kalnciema iela, one of the main streets in Prdaugava. Rigas wooden architecture is considered to be a valuable, cultural heritage by UNESCO, and the Kalnciema iela quarter is a good place to witness it in its renewed glory, either by attending the regular Saturday markets, or by browsing through the interior design stores that have now set up shop there, together with a number of business offices.

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Riga Tourism Development Bureau Trbatas 14, Rga, LV 1011 E-mail: feedback@liveriga.lv www.liveriga.com
Photos: from the archives of Latvian Tourism Development Agency and Riga Tourism Development Bureau