Architecture

Alberta Street is regarded as Riga’s Art Nouveau gem, since it is full of splendid historical Art Nouveau-style buildings from one end to the other. The area was erected in a short period of time – from 1901 to 1908, each of the buildings standing alone as an inimitable 20th century architectural achievement. Eight buildings are now recognised as architectural monuments of national significance.

Riga White House - Latvian National Opera and Ballet has been operating on Aspazijas Boulevard since 1923. During the season, which runs from September to the end of May, an average of six new performances are staged, maintaining a balance between the opera and ballet genres. In addition, more than 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts are shown in one season.

One of the most extravagant examples of Art Nouveau in Riga can be found in the ‘Quiet Centre’, 4a Strēlnieku Street, in a building designed by Mikhail Eisenstein.

Art Nouveau plays an important role in the historic architecture of Riga; it is mostly concentrated in a neighborhood referred to as the ‘Quiet Centre’, which is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. It is a gorgeous feature among the historic facades of the city.

Riga Castle has stood on the right bank of the River Daugava for more than 700 years. Through the centuries, it has seen severe destruction, numerous rulers, and wars. Today it houses the residence of the President of Latvia.

The Cathedral is the largest and one of the oldest sacred buildings of the medieval period in the Baltic region, combining Romanesque, early Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau features. Today, alongside church services the cathedral hosts concerts by local and internationally renowned musicians.

Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre is the oldest still functioning professional theatre in Latvia and the oldest Russian professional theatre outside Russia. It was founded in 1883. Located in the heart of Old Riga, it enjoys popularity with both locals and tourists, while also being considered one of the sightseeing gems and presented in various city guides. The Theatre was fully reconstructed in 2010, and today, it is one of the best-equipped theatrical venues in the Baltic region.

The House of the Blackheads is among Riga's top sights, located in the heart of Old Riga, near the Town Hall Square, facing the Riga City Council. The house is very deservedly called grand and royal, and it is a must-see for every city guest.

Cinema "Splendid Palace" features auteur, art house films, festival favourites from Europe and other world regions.

The primary accent of the Latvian National Theatre is on new plays.

Opposite the Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, rises the building of the National Library of Latvia or the Castle of Light. This is one of the most significant cultural buildings in the history of restored Latvia. The library's new building was opened in August 2014, designed by the world-renowned Latvian architect Gunārs Birkerts.

A unique 19th century's complex of wooden buildings is now renovated in Pārdaugava. A group of friends and associates are actively involved in a project of preserving the historic atmosphere of the quarter and adapting it to the dynamics of the 21st century. Buildings invite you to enjoy Latvian and European design, fairs, art exhibitions and workshops at court-yards. The quarter's special feature is old LADA cars to take you into the past.

Wrought-copper cats stand on the corner turrets of a building facing the Great Guild on Līvu Square, their backs arched and tails poised as if readying for the final leap. The famous and peculiar building, once scandalous and even been the cause of a lawsuit, was named the Cat House because of these figures. Today, the cats are not only squatting on the roof of the building, but they dwell on the ground floor too.

The oldest residential complex in Riga has survived from the 15th century. The three houses, which had been cramped together, had long been called the Three Brothers - legend has it that men of the same family built them. The buildings, which are several centuries old, now house the Museum of Architecture and the National Center for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.

The Convent Courtyard is located in the oldest part of the city. Initially, the castle of the Order of the Brothers of the Sword was situated in this place. The castle was built in the 13th century but was destroyed at the end of the same century. The name of the Convent Courtyard comes from the Convent of the Holy Spirit, which settled here in the 14th century.

The so-called Swedish Gate is only gate that remains standing today of eight total in Riga's fortification wall.

The Old Town's Small Guild is used for concerts, conferences, presentations, meetings, celebratory gatherings and balls.

The collection of red-roofed buildings along Torņa Street on one side of Old Town Riga is known as Jacob’s Barracks and is home to a number of bars and restaurants, beauty salons, and travel agencies.

The origin of the Great Guild - one of the oldest public buildings in the Baltics - go back to the first half of the 14th century. It has always been open to cultural and social events.

One of medieval Riga's fortification wall towers, originally called the Sand Tower. Built in 1330.

VEF Culture Palace is among the most interesting venues in uptown Riga. The building was constructed in 1960 and since then it has served as a venue for various cultural events - international meetings, congresses and art exhibitions, as well as performances of well-known foreign artists and local theatre companies. Various events are presented here also today.

The building of the Art Academy of Latvia is one of the most notable architectural and cultural monuments located in the historic centre of Riga.

The Riga Latvian Society House is a five-story building (six stories in the courtyard wing) designed in the Neoclassical style - the very first of its kind in Riga.

In a half an hour driving distance from the centre of Riga, in the northern part of the city — Vecmīlgrāvis — there is an architectural monument of national scale — culture palace “Ziemeļblāzma” surrounded by a 5 ha large park.