Riga, Latvia

Riga was founded in 1201 and much of the old town center is a UNESCO site. It was a center for Viking trade from the Middle Ages and it's language is distinct from any other language along with Lithuanian. Many people in Riga speak English and almost everyone speaks Russian, though they are not fond of the Russians. The people of Riga say, you must speak Russian if you want a job since Russia still exerts power over this region even though Latvia is an independent country, member of the European Union, and NATO. This post will mostly be photographs with some explanation just to give you a taste for this eclectic city.

House of the Blackheads, 14th century guild hall

Riga Cathedral was built in 1201, and is one of the largest churches from the Middle Ages in the Baltic region. Pope Francis was there while we were visiting Riga. You can see him on the jumbotron in front of the church. We were not invited inside.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, also known as the Nativity Cathedral was built in the late 19th century. Reflecting the tumultuous history of Latvia it was dedicated by the Czar Alexander II and then turned into a Lutheran church by the Germans in WWI, then back to Orthodox church in 1921 though the Soviet regime was unfriendly to all religion, and ultimately restored in 1991 when Latvia became independent.

Unlike other old cities in Europe, Riga is a bit of an eclectic mix of old and modern. It's a bit jarring and one wishes there was a better city planning department.

Cobblestone streets and arches make this a walking adventure.

Powder tower from 17th century, part of the old city fortifications.

When Latvia got its independence from the Russians who had ruled with a heavy hand one of the first things they did was topple the statue of Lenin in 1991.

One of many plazas or called more market squares in this part of the world.

Example of an Art Nouveau building (more on this next post)

Cloister of the Riga Cathedral

Art Nouveau to the left and Neoclassicism to the right.

The Monument of Freedom was erected to honor those who died in the first war of Independence (1918-20). It's very much in the Russian Realist style. When the Soviets took over they wanted to remove it, as it symbolized Latvian independence. The Russian artist Vera Mukhina convinced the Soviets not to take it down. However, if one laid flowers or otherwise acknowledged it during Soviet times it was punishable by death. Notice the bouquet of flowers left at the foot of the monument by Pope Francis. It's significant he left the flowers there as his sermon that day in Riga encouraged the Latvians to continue down the path of self determination.