Historic Centre of Riga

Background

Riga's Old Town (Vecrīga) lies in the centre of Riga, the capital of Latvia, on the right (east) bank of the Daugava River. Immediately to its north is the Art Nouveau district, best represented by Alberta Street, and both belong to the World Heritage site “Historic Centre of Riga”. The Historic Centre of Riga was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 (No. 852, criteria i and ii) and is known for the unparalleled quantity and quality of its Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) buildings, as well as for its 19th-century wooden architecture. The heritage area includes both the Old Town and the Art Nouveau district and is much larger than the Old Town core; the core itself covers about 94.4 hectares, and the two areas should not be confused. Sights include Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads (built in 1334, bombed to ruins in 1941, its remains demolished in 1948, and rebuilt and opened on 9 December 1999); St Peter's Church, whose tower you can climb for views over the red roofs and the Daugava; Riga Cathedral, begun in 1211, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles and housing a large organ; the Three Brothers houses and the Swedish Gate; the Cat House (1909, architect Friedrich Scheffel); the Alberta Street Art Nouveau ensemble, with many works by Mikhail Eisenstein; Riga Castle, residence of the President of Latvia; and the Freedom Monument (1935), just north of the Old Town. Riga was founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, joined the Hanseatic League in 1282 and was an important Hanseatic city from the 13th to the 15th century; most of its medieval buildings were lost to fire and war. The city grew rapidly from the late 19th to the early 20th century, leaving Europe's greatest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. Riga was European Capital of Culture in 2014. Latvian is the official language; Russian and English are also widely used in tourist areas, and a greeting in Latvian is a courteous touch.

Local customs

• Start at Town Hall Square to see the House of the Blackheads and the Roland statue (now a replica)
• climb the tower of St Peter's Church for views over the Old Town
• walk to Alberta Street to see the Art Nouveau facades
• look up at the copper cats on the turrets of the Cat House — legend says the owner fell out with a guild and turned the cats' tails towards it
• wander the lanes around Riga Cathedral and the Three Brothers houses
• stroll along the Daugava riverside in the evening.

Travel tips

• The Old Town is walkable, with many cobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes
• climb the tower of St Peter's Church only as far as you feel able
• in winter the pavements can ice over, so watch your step. Opening arrangements for museums and churches follow on-site notices and official announcements.
• The Old Town is the centre of Riga, and the railway station and long-distance bus station are a short walk to the east
• trams and buses reach the edge of the Old Town, and inside it you get around on foot. For specific routes, fares and timetables, check the latest local official information. Summer (usually June–August) is best for strolling and climbing
• in winter there is a Christmas market on Town Hall Square
• spring and autumn bring fewer visitors and suit a closer look at the buildings.