You'll soon discover why this Old Town Riga recreation and green space is a hit with travelers. If you're searching for other things to see here, House of the Blackheads, Riga Castle, and Riga Cathedral are in the area as well. They won't take very long to get to from Bastion Hill.

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Tours & day trips

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From Riga: Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Gems Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

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Adventure & outdoor

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Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

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Spa & wellness

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Riga Aquapark Day

Classes & workshops

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Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of Riga

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Popular places to visit

Freedom Monument

4.5/5(100 reviews)

This large historic monument near Riga’s Old Town is a national shrine of great importance where public ceremonies are held.

Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic states. It is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus, as well as a maritime border to the west with Sweden. Latvia has 2,070,371 inhabitants and a territory of 64,589 km2. The country has a temperate seasonal climate. #Latvia #weekendgetaway

Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park is just one of the places to see in Riga, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia

Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec

House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga.

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members.

The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”.

The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world.

Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.

Art Nouveau Buildings

Learn about the local history of Riga when you take a trip to Art Nouveau Buildings. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Cathedral of Christ's Nativity

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Visit a grand church that once served as a planetarium and is now known for its architecture and rich collection of religious icons.

Pilsetas kanals

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pilsetas kanals during your travels in Riga. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Powder Tower

4/5(37 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Riga with a trip to Powder Tower. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.