There are very few cities around the world influenced so much by so many different cultures. Latvian, Russian and German cultures haveintertwined so oddly over the centuries that sometimes you can’t even see where the influence of one ends and the other one begins. Nowadays Riga is a very international city and it gives it real appeal.
Old Riga
The oldest part of the Latvian capital and its centre is a favourite place for leisure and entertainment. The Old Riga is characterized by diverse styles of: romantic and gothic, barocco, classicism and modern. The streets of Old Riga are filled with a plethora of cafes and restaurants for every taste
Dome Square
The largest square in Old Riga is located at the heart of the historical part of the city. Here, as through blood vessels, life flows from the nearby streets. The square keeps memories of the most important events in the country's history over the past 20 years. There is a point in its centre from which you can see all three gilded roosters of the Riga churches. Riga Dome Cathedral was founded on July 25, 1211. The construction of the original building was completed in 1270, and the cathedral received its present appearance at the end of the 19th century. Today in the Riga Dome Cathedral, besides worship services, concerts are held, sometimes with famous musicians.
Town Hall Square
The square was rebuilt, because during the Second World War, it and its immediate surroundings were completely destroyed. Today, the most beautiful building on the Town Hall Square is the restored House of the Blackheads, as well as the City Hall located opposite. It was this square where 500 years ago the first Christmas tree was lit - now there is a memorial tablet, and every year a festive Christmas tree is lit again.
St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church was built in 1209, but now only the outer walls of the side aisles and a few supporting pillars remain from those days. St. Peter’s Church is located in the historical centre of Riga. Here you can enjoy art exhibitions and concerts, as well as the breath-taking panoramic view over Riga from the top of the tower.
Riga Castle
For over seven centuries, the Riga Castle has stood on the banks of the Daugava. During its long history, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, survived many wars and rulers. Today the Riga Castle is the residence of the President of Latvia.
Jugendstil
According to the legend, Riga was founded by one Bishop Albert, and one of the most beautiful streets of the Latvian capital is named after him. Alberta Street is the pearl of the Riga Jugendstil, along its entire length there are luxurious historic buildings in the style of “art nouveau”. Each of these houses is a unique achievement of the construction art of the beginning of the 20th century, and the buildings were created in a relatively short period of time - from 1901 to 1908. There is also the Riga Art Nouveau Museum on the street, where you can familiarize yourself with this particular art style.
Riga Russian Theatre
The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, the oldest Russian drama theatre outside of Russia, opened its doors in 1883. The theatre repertoire includes Russian and world classics, as well as contemporary plays. Performances of all genres, including children's and musical performances, are staged in the Grand and Small Halls.
Latvian National Opera
LNO honours the traditional values of classical and romantic operas and ballets, while striving to search for modern forms of expression. On the LNO stage, successful performances of classical operas, modern opera and ballet productions, children's operas and original works by Latvian composers are regularly shown. The season lasts from September to June. During the season, the LNO shows about 200 performances, offering an average of five new productions of opera and ballet, as well as several concerts of symphonic and chamber music.