Riga: A Beautiful Lady in the North

As the oldest and most prosperous city in the Baltic Sea region, Riga was compared to Paris by Graham Greene, the British writer who traveled to the city. In fact, as the crossroad between East and West, Riga’s amassed diversity is incredibly rich.

The ancient city consists of two parts: old city and new city. The old city, located on the right bank of the River Daugava, covers a small area and is surrounded by canals. The old city features the characteristics of the Medieval Period, with short houses, narrow streets, red-tiled rooftops, and a rooster statue set on each rooftop. The new city looks rather modern, with broad and neat streets, magnificent buildings, fountains, and sculptures.

The Historic Centre of Riga is an important center of the Hanseatic League, and reached its peak season in trading with Central Europe and Eastern Europe between the 13th and 15th centuries. Most of the early buildings have been seriously damaged by fires and wars, but its Medieval Period center’s buildings still reflect the honor and glory of that time. In the 19th century, Riga became an important economic center, and the urban suburbs of the Medieval Period had already formed, with their style transferring to the “Art Nouveau” from the classical wooden buildings. Riga is regarded as the center of Europe’s most exquisite "Art Nouveau" architectural center.

Riga Cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Latvia, and is commonly known as Dome Cathedral. Built near the River Daugava in 1211 by Livonian Bishop Albert of Riga, it is considered the largest Medieval church in the Baltic states and it has undergone many renovations in the course of its history.

Riga Central Market is Europe’s largest market and bazaar in Riga. The main structures of the market are five pavilions constructed by reusing old German Zeppelin hangars and incorporating Neoclassicism and Art Deco styles. This market can offer you fish, meat, dairy products, articles for daily use, and produces. If you wish to know and taste the local diet, you cannot miss this market.