The Baltic States, St. Petersburg, and Moscow
September 26 - October 14, 2013
Part Two - Latvia
Page Three - Beyond Central Riga, Salaspils Monument, and Art Nouveau
Part of one day we drove around some of the outer areas
of Riga. Here's a view of some of the many town spires.
Victory Monument, which was built by
the Soviets to commemorate the communist victory over
fascism in WWII and "liberation" of Latvia. It is a controversial
subject, as many Latvians see it as a symbol of Soviet
reoccupation of Latvia after the Germans were defeated.
Salaspils Memorial
Salaspils is a small village outside of Riga on the banks of
the Daugava River. This Memorial was built in 1967 during the Soviet
era to remember those who died in a Nazi concentration camp
located here.
The camp had 39 barrack buildings, which from
1941 to 1944,
housed thousands of inmates, including many children.
Jews
and resistance fighters from Riga and elsewhere in the occupied
areas were massacred here, many dying from disease, hard labor,
and inhuman treatment.
Overview of the Memorial
Statue at Salaspils symbolizing a woman trying to protect
her children from the Nazis by hiding them behind her.
Quiet Center, Riga's Art Nouveau district. Riga has over
750 Art Nouveau style buildings, making it the city with
the most Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
Art Nouveau architecture was most popular in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries
Gargoyles and praying goddesses adorn the buildings.
Inside Riga Art Nouveau Museum, located in the former
apartment of Latvian architect Konstantins Peksens, who lived
there until 1907. This photo was taken looking straight up from
the first floor at the circular staircase leading up to floors above.
Our guide through the museum wearing a typical
dress from the 1920s.
Our distinguished tour group wearing hats from the period.
Ralph, Tom, Marie, Elisabeth, Pat, Kathy and Fran behind her,
Gertrud, Lora Lee, Lloyd, Sherry in front, with Nancy and
Martine behind, and Miina. Joan is hidden behind Gertrud.
Now I know why I do not wear dress hats.
Link to Page Four- Riga and Cesis Castle
Pat's Home Page