Riga review: what everybody should know about the city
Monday, October 20th, 2008Welcome to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Shining high-rise buildings, business-centers, narrow streets of the middle age Old City and cozy cafes and bars attract many visitors. It’s not a secret that the city has a famous to be “Northern Paris”. Riga is one of the cultural and scientific centre of Europe. There held international exhibitions, seminars and scientific conferences annually. Riga is one of the most important traffic centre.
Tourists like most of all the Old City that is a labyrinth of twisting streets, ancient buildings and churches. Next to the Bastecalns Park is situated the New City, a commercial and business centre of Riga.
The Latvian capital is the nicest place of tourism and rest. So that’s why here is the Riga review to make you knowledgeable about this marvelous city.
One of the most famous is Riga castle built in 1330 that used to be the residence of the temporal power. In the 18th century the castle was rebuilt and in the 19th one it was added with the third floor. Today the right part of the castle is the place of the Latvian president residence.
Then comes Domsky Cathedral. It is the biggest cathedral in Baltic. It was founded in 1211 by the first Riga bishop Albert. Then the building was rebuilt for many times that’s why it has today a wonderful mixture of architectural styles. The main zest of the Domsky Cathedral is its organ, created in 1884 that was the biggest in the world for that time. Today the Domsky Cathedral is the symbol of the Old City.
The gigantic Satue of Liberty (Brivibas Piemineklis), located in the centre of Riga, is considered to be the sacred place for every Lett. The project is made by the famous Latvian sculptor Carlis Zals. The monument is crowned with the figure of a girl that symbolizes freedom. It has three stars in her hands that embody country unity. Today it is the highest monument in the city and is the popular place of meeting among the youth.
Making the Riga review one can’t but mention the House of the Blackheads. In 1334 this house belonged to the big merchant guild. In the 15th century the house was owned by the other merchant guild. The guild of blackheads had its representation in all Baltic cities and was the unity of single foreign merchants. Blackheads’ houses combined the function of clubs and hostels.
The beautiful gothic building with the Dutch renaissance façade was destroyed in 1941. But it was repaired in 2001 in honor of 800th anniversary if the city.
St Peter’s Church is the first place among the tourists to visit. Besides its unique construction it’s tower it the best place to see he whole town from the height. There is a viewing platform there. Today St Peter’s Church is one of the best examples of gothic architecture not only in Riga but in Baltic in general. There held various exhibitions and concerts in the church building.
And in conclusion one can’t but visit the architectural complex called “The Three Brothers” (”Tris brali”) situated in the heart of the Old City. It is the typical example of the middle age Latvian architecture.
The oldest of the houses – “The White Brother” was built in the 15th century and it absorbed all the middle age features. This building is the most ancient in Riga. “The Middle Brother” was built in 1646. Its date of birth is written on the façade. “The Green Brother” is the youngest one. It was built in the 18th century.
With the facades looking to the street these buildings incarnate typical middle age architecture principles. The buildings title is explained by the fact that many years ago various professions representatives lived at the same street. “The Three Brothers” was the building on the Bakers Street. Thus, this historic landmark is very important to Riga.
The main port and the capital of the country is Tallinn. The city was transformed in the middle ages. The city, a member of UNESCO world heritage was founded in the 12th century. During its history it was under the rule of Dania, Sweden, Gernany and Russia and all these countries made their marks in the city architecture. It is one of the most beautiful middle age cities with a great atmosphere due to its sea nearness, ancient vallum, church spires and houses with red tile roofs.
Among the places to go in Kazakhstan is the ancient “Great Steppe”, a keeper of many past secrets. It is very beautiful in April when orange, blue, yellow and red flowers and plants give it an appearance of a magnificent place.
Tunisia is washed by
Here the Robinson Crusoe dream can come true. One can settle in the separate isle hotel or in the traditional bungalow, covered with palm leaves. The remarkable isle service is combined with natural exotics. Guests can visit aborigine villages, learn their traditions and customs especially their famous ritual dances on chark. Active time spending lovers can do diving, fishing, surfing and have an entertainment sea cruise.