The capital city of Latvia is blessed with natural, historical and cultural beauty. It is the largest city of Latvia and more than one third people of Latvia lives in this city. According to a census of January, 2014, the population of this city is over 693,064. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga and at the mouth of the Daugava. Riga has covered an area of almost 307.17 km2 (118.60 sq mi). The average soil level of Riga is 1 to 10 metersabove the sea level. This city is rich with its ancient history and cultural heritage and so it is a point of attraction to many travelers and visitors. The city was established in 1201 and now it is a world heritage site, announced by the UNESCO.
Let’s have some introduction with some interesting attractions point of Riga that you may visit while you are traveling thorough Riga.
Map Of Riga
Old Riga:
It is located on the right bank of the Daugava and one of the mostly visited and popular historical centers of Riga. It covers relatively small area and it is rich with unique architectures and monuments from medieval period of time. Among the most beautiful structures the White Stone Palace,the yard of the Convent of the Holy Spirit, St. Peter’s Church,The Three Brethren and others are mentionable.
Riga central market:
Riga central market is located a bit far from the old Riga town and it is right beside and Central Railway Stationand the Riga Bus Station. It is one of the biggest markets in whole Eastern Europe. Almost 80,000 to 100,000 people come here to shop every day. You can find almost everything you want to buy in this large market of Riga.
Latvian open-air ethnographic museum:
It takes half an hour to reach this museum from the center of Riga by driving car and it is placed on the shore of Jugla Lake. This museum is an active gallery of the history of life of the ancient Latvians. The arts and sculptures of Latvian people busy with skiing, walking, fishing, dancing has brought a magnificent magical and alive environment in the museum.
Riga dome cathedral:
It is a church of the Dome parish and also the Latvian Archbishop’s cathedral. The features of the Early Gothic,the Romanic, Art Nouveau and Baroque can be seen in the cathedral. It is one of the largest and oldest sacral establishments those were built in the medieval period.
House of the black-heads:
It was built in 1334 and at this time, it is known as the New House. This house contains the history of the German merchant’s society and this society was popular as the Blackheads’ Society.
ST Peter’s Church:
It is another marvelous illustration of medieval architecture those stand on Riga city. This valuable monument is placed in the historical center of Riga. It was announced as a world heritage site by the UNSECO in 1997.
Latvian National Opera:
The journey of opera in Latvia was started first in the 18th century and now it has obtained a great position there. The Latvian National Opera is the home of national opera and the ballet companies at this time. It bears the long cherished cultural and historical history of Latvia. This opera house is situated beside the picturesque city canal on the Basteja Boulevard.
These attractive and historical places of Riga contain the culture and history of the city as well as the country. So, whenever, you go to Latvia, you must see these to perceive the cultural beauty of Latvia and Riga.