[LATVIA] Riga City (Art Nouveau)

The city of Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world and is generally recognized that Riga has the finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. Outside the old town, there a few more attractions which are also worth a visit including the Freedom Monument, Latvian National Opera, Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Central Market and Latvian Academy of Science where I enjoyed the panoramic of Riga City.



The 42meters high Freedom Monument is both symbol of the Latvian independence and Riga’s major landmark near the city canal. The monument was funded entirely by donations from residents and it was unveiled on November 18, 1935.



These sculptures depicts the “Chain Breakers” – three chained men trying to break free from their chain. The base of the monument is made of red granite. The column is made of travertine bearing the copper figure of Liberty lifting three gilded stars.



Its three stars rise symbolize the constitutional districts of Latvia: Vidzeme, Latgale and Courland.



The monument is 42 meters high and it is guarded by two Guards of Honour.



Further down the Freedom Boulevard, one can see the Nativity of Christ Cathedral. It is the biggest Orthodox church in the city. Having served as a planetarium and a restaurant during the Soviet era, the building has been completely restored as a church and holds regular Orthodox service.



The church has survived both world wars but the restoration of the church only began in the late 1990s.



The interior of the church.



Some of the rules and regulation of the church.



Located near the Nativity of Christ Cathedral is a statue of Michael Andreas Barclay who was Russian Field Marshal and Minister of War during Napoleon invasion in 1812.  



Next, I reached Alberta Street to see the gorgeous group of Art Nouveau buildings. One third of Riga’s city centre is built in the Art Nouveau style, making it the premier Art Nouveau destination in Europe. Many of the best examples are located here at Alberta Street and most of the buildings date between 1904 and 1914.



Albert Street of Riga is known for its Art Nouveau buildings. The street was named after Bishop Albert who founded Riga in 1201.





At the top of the building is a lion’s head to symbolize strength and power.



Many of the Art Nouveau apartment are designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, a Russian architect.









If you like Art Nouveau buildings, then you’ll be very much delighted with these buildings on Alberta Street.









The evocative female figurine, flora, twisted braids and masks are what makes up the façade of Art Nouveau buildings.



In the Old Town of Riga, you can also see many Art Nouveau architecture. The building on the right is a Neo-Classical Art Nouveau building and is a bank built in 1913.



Nearby Alberta Street is the Kronvalda Parks. It covers 11.92 hectares with the city canal running through it and is the oldest park of Riga.



Inside the park, there is a large monkey cosmonaut which reminds me of ‘Planet of the Apes’ movie.



Constructed in 1863, this building houses the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Originally constructed and utilized as a city theater, the building was handed over to the National Opera in 1919. The building has excellent acoustics and it houses world class opera, ballet, and pop music performances.



The exterior of the building resembles Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre.





I continued walking south towards Central Market. It is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe with five food pavilions located inside the vast hangars.



Riga Central Market is known for its fresh produce. The huge hangar building was actually built from parts of actual zeppelin hangars in 1920.











This is the best place to observe local people and try local produce.



Flowers are sold just outside the Central Market.



Also not to be missed is the Latvian Academy of Science where one can enjoy the panoramic of Riga City. Built during the Soviet times, after World War 2 between 1951 and 1961, the building houses the science academy of Latvia and is an association of the country’s leading scientists. Its exterior looks somewhat like the Empire State Building in New York. Built with Stalinist architecture, the building offers a view of Riga from the 17^th floor balcony.



The sightseeing platform is open from April to November, everyday of the week, from 9am to 10pm. Visit the official website for more details: http://www.panoramariga.lv/index.html



The tickets can be bought at the ground floor once you enter the building. The ticket is 5 euros per person. Group ticket is cheaper at 4 euros per person if you have more than a group of 8 people. Student ticket is priced at only 1 euro. Child up to age 12 is free.



‘Panorama Riga’ is a circular terrace on the observation deck which offers 360 degree panoramic view of Riga.



At 108 metres tall, the building was the first skyscraper of Latvia.



The ‘A’ shape building is the TV Tower of Riga which is the tallest structure in the Baltic States. Its highest point reaches 368.5 meters, making it the third tallest tower in Europe.





Riga Old Town and the Central Market can be seen from here.



The Railway Bridge of Riga was the first iron railway bridge which was erected in 1871-1872 but was bombed during WWI and WWII but was reconstructed both times. The building across the Duagava river is the National Library of Latvia.





Had dinner here at Petergailis Restaurant which offers a beautiful view of St Peter’s Church. The waiters switched on the heaters for outdoor seatings because of the chilly weather. Hard to imagine it’s summer.



The homemade bread were soft and flavorful.



We ordered three fish dishes. The first dish is a starter course from the special menu -  fried Baltic herring fillet with horseradish and spinach mouse, creamy tartar of smoked sprats, quial egg and cornichon. It was pretty good and I enjoyed it.



The main dish is selected from the special menu - fish fillet with cauliflower puree and savory carrot relish.



Another main dish is oven baked sea trout fillet with basil pesto and sweet pepper, snow peas, zucchini with white and black sesame. Overall, it’s a cozy restaurant and food is quite good.



Had a great day exploring the beautiful city of Riga. Rested for the night before heading out the next morning to explore the other parts of Latvia.