The Baltic States, St. Petersburg, and Moscow
September 26 - October 14, 2013
Part Two - Latvia
Page Two - Old Town Riga
We did a walking tour through Old Town Riga, a World Heritage site.
This is the famous Cat House. According to legend, the building
owner was rejected from the local merchant's guild across the
street. He exacted revenge by placing a black cat on the top of his
turret with its tail raised toward the Great Guild Hall. The Guild's
members were upset. After a lengthy court battle, the merchant
was admitted to the Guild on the condition that the cat be turned
in the opposite direction.
Buildings in Old Town Riga
Riga is known for its 19th century architecture
and Art Nouveau architecture. It was a center of
Viking trade in the early Middle Ages.
Old Town Riga is a maze of cobbled streets, big squares,
church spires, and crooked alleyways.
Street scene in Old Town Riga
In Old Town, a guy hoping for donations. I have no idea
how he was able to manage staying in this position.
Cobblestone street with Dome Cathedral in the background.
Top of the Town Hall which is located in Town Hall Square in Old Town.
St Peter's Lutheran Church, thought to be
about 800 years old.
Riga Town Hall Square
House of Blackheads in the center and right.
Tall spire on the left is part of St Peter's.
The Blackheads' House was built in 1344 as a
fraternity house for the Blackheads guild of unmarried
merchants. It was flattened by the Soviets in 1948, and
an exact replica was completed in 2001 for Riga's 800th
birthday.
The Powder Tower in old town near the Freedom Monument
It dates back to the 14th century and is the only survivor of 18
original towers along the old city wall. Today it is a Museum
of War that focuses on the political and military history of Latvia.
Child sound asleep in a baby carriage.
Young children in the Baltic States always seem to have caps
on. Our tour guide said this was also the practice
in summer.
Central Market of Riga that dates back to the 1300s, but was
moved in 1930 to its current location on the border of central
Riga and a neighborhood called "little Moscow." As it continued
to grow, the City brought in 5 enormous zeppelin hangars to
add space for vendors.
Mushrooms are a popular item
Riga Clock Tower at the central railway station
Link to Page Three- Beyond Central Riga, Salaspils Monument, and Art Nouveau
Pat's Home Page