RIGA – LATVIA

[ Photo Gallery # 81 ]

‘Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It is considered a cultural centre and is home to many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town has many shops and restaurants and is home to busy Livu Square, with bars and nightclubs.’  Wikipedia.

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On a visit to Latvia in 2006 I was able to spend a day wandering around its beautiful capital city of Riga.  I include a selection of my photographs below . . .

At the harbour entrance to Riga

Entering Riga via the mouth of the River Daugava

The Vanšu cable-stayed Bridge over the Daugava River 

Statue at the entrance to the sea terminal – The ‘Symbol of the Founding of Riga in 1201’

Riga’s ‘Freedom Statue’

Riga’s ‘Freedom Statue’ – close up view

Riga’s Antenna Aerial Communications Tower

St Peter’s Lutheran Church

View of Riga from the river – The Dome Cathedral on the right

Riga Castle – Official residence of the Latvian President

The Red Riflemen Monument: ‘In the centre of Old Riga stands a controversial red granite statue that was originally dedicated to the Latvian Red Riflemen, some of whom became Lenin’s personal bodyguards. Some view the monument as a symbol of the old communist system and would love to tear it down. Others believe it’s a necessary tribute to Latvians who fought in the early years of WWI. It now honours all Latvian riflemen, both Whites and Reds. Politics aside, it’s an impressive monument.’ (The background history of this statue is reproduced from http://www.inyourpocket.com/riga )

St Peter’s Church and spire

Livu Square in Riga’s Old Town

Entrance to Euro Park – for motor cars

Art nouveau caryatids on the façade of one of Riga’s many such buildings