I, as most people in the west, didn’t know much about Latvia or the other Baltic states, Estonia and Lithuania prior to this trip. If interested, here is a fairly brief article summarizing the history of Latvia. But for my purposes and interests, I’ll stick to my casual observations as an American tourist. I’ve included pictures from touring the Old Town area of Riga which has quite a few historic structures nestled along winding medieval streets. Outdoor cafes and shops line the streets which make cafe sitting just as interesting and appealing as a Paris street. You will also see a few images of Art Nouveau buildings and interiors which were the architectural style in Latvia around the turn of the century. I’ve also added a video clip of an unexpected encounter with the President of Latvia and his entourage as we were concluding a tour at the Freedom Monument.
Riga, Latvia
Turtle club at Riga sign
House of the Blackheads
The Freedom Monument of Riga, Latvia honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. It is considered an important symbol of the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia.
Tree lined walkway leading to the Freedom Monument
Building in Riga Old Town
Art Nouveau district building
Buildings in Art Nouveau district of Riga
Building in Art Nouveau district in Riga
Building of Latvian Academy of Sciences, built in 1951, Stalinist Architecture
Art in Riga park
Rest facilities in the park
Locks adorning walking bridge rail in Riga park
Wine bar/shop in Art Nouveau of Riga
House of the Black Cat, Riga Old Town
Die Bremer Stadmusikanton sculpture in Riga
Die Bremer Stadmusikanton sculpture in Old Town of Riga
Vecrīga is the historical center of Riga, Latvia
Building in Dome Square, Old Town of Riga
Latvian Museum of Architeture, and yes, the building in the middle is crooked
Swedish Gate in Riga, erected in 1698
Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Riga (Russian Orthodox)
Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Riga, Latvia (Roman Catholic)
Riga Cathedral, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Riga
Dome Square, Riga, Latvia
St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Old Town of Riga, Latvia
Art Nouveau building
Art Nouveau building in Riga
Spiral staircase in Art Nouveau Museum
Parlor room in Art Nouveau period house
Bedroom in Art Nouveau period house
Kitchen in Art Nouveau house
Kitchen in Art Nouveau house
Bathroom in Art Nouveau house
Water closet in Art Nouveau house
Music room
Parlor area
Art Nouveau building
Art Nouveau building
Row of Art Nouveau buildings
Streets of Old Town Riga
Cafe scene in Riga Old Town
Municipal Library of Riga
1905 Revolution Monument on banks of Daugava
Latvia TV and Radio supporting Ukraine
Beach view in Jurmala on the Baltic Sea
Me in front of Jurmala sign at the beach on the Baltic
Me with turtle in Jurmala
Shopping street in Jurmala, Latvia on the Baltic
Street scene in Jurmala
Main shopping street in Jurmala, Latvia
Interesting home in Jurmala
Russian Orthodox Church in Jurmala
Russian Orthodox Church in Jurmala from side
Russian Orthodox Church interior
Riga Cathedral (Evangelical Lutheran)
Ancient sculpture from original Riga Cathedral built in 14th century
Riga Cathedral mural of pipe organ
Riga Cathedral stained glass
Stained glass in Riga Cathedral
Stained glass in Riga Cathedral
Pulpit in Rigal Cathedral
Alter in Riga Cathedral
Organ in Riga Cathedral
Latvia National Museum of Art
Me in front of Latvia National Museum of Art
Below is a video clip of the President of Latvia (taller man on left in suit) welcoming the President of the Order of Malta to Riga in a brief ceremony at the Freedom Monument in the center of Riga.
I’m not sure what this is, but an interesting scene we happened upon walking back to the hotel after a river cruise on the Daugava River and dinner in Old Town.
Nothing like a little “Elvis” to make us feel at home. This Russian duo was playing at an outdoor bar/cafe in Riga Old Town. I talked to the horn player at the end and he said he had left Russia after the war started and had settled in Latvia after spending a couple of years working on a cruise ship. They played mostly familiar big band tunes and oldies with a little Elvis thrown in, so helped make us feel almost at home.
Here is a brief clip of the beginning of the organ concert at Riga Cathedral (Lutheran). The organist is Kristine Adamant (graduate of the Latvian Academy of Music) and she is playing Bach’s Prelude and fugue in C Major.
