Riga 1 of 5

Riga is the capital of Latvia, a country that has had a tumultuous history, dating back about 4500 years, being conquered by Sweden, Russia, Germany and the Soviet Union. Riga was founded in 1201 with the arrival of traders, mercenaries and crusaders. Peter the Great invaded Riga in 1710 and the port town went on to become one of the largest industrial centres of the Russian Empire. Latvia finally became independent after World War One but was later invaded by Nazi Germany then became part of the Soviet Union after the war. Finally, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Latvia became an independent nation in 1991 with Riga as the capital. The city is also famous for the first Christmas tree that was reportedly set up in the year 1510.

Our cruise ship was able to "park" alongside the fairy tale old city of Riga, with its cobbled streets, quaint houses and medieval spires.

Riga 2 of 5

A short walk from the ship brought me to the beautiful canal, parks and the freedom monument. In the canal were a number of striking fountains as well as some small boats and beside the canal a number of well set out paths and seats located in ideal areas for relaxing and enjoying the surrounds.

 

The country of Latvia has struggled for long years under repressive regimes of invaders. Under the Soviet Union there was a freedom underground movement that lasted for many years so it is particularly moving to see the freedom monument that had been erected where a busy street crossed over the area of the peaceful canal and park.

Riga 3 of 5

The streets of the old town of Riga are stunning in their fairy tale beauty with unusual names of buildings such as the House of the Blackheads which was originally built in the first third of the 14th century for the of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, ship owners, and foreigners in Riga.

Another curious building is the cat house with statues of cats around the roof. As well as these statues there are statues of various animals around various areas of the public squares.

Riga also has a link with the creation of modern dress attire worn by so many people all over the world today. One of Riga's enterprising tailors migrated to the US and along with Levi Strauss patented strong work pants enforced with rivets at the seams – We know them as denim jeans.  And there was a strange long word displayed in a shop window - must be Latvian.

Riga 4 of 5

I visited St. Peter's Church, one of the oldest and largest houses of God, in the Baltic countries. It is the Reformation Church of Riga and has been a landmark with its Baroque spire for over 800 years. 

Here, in this church, the reformation began in 1522, five years after the posting of Luther's thesis. In 1525 there was an announcement that freedom of belief was now permitted in Latvia.

I took a lift up the church spire where there were good views of the old city.

Back inside the church, I came across a very interesting painting of Jesus the Messiah where Jesus is depicted surrounded by  a group people dressed in various outfits representing the different eras of the history of Riga.

Riga 5 of 5

Finally, as I headed off towards the ship I watched the guards in front of the Riga Castle which is now the residence of the president of Latvia.