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what restaurant has the best music
Downtown Riga is full of restaurants and each of them have another band, so no matter what music you are in to you will find a place to have a great evening. This said you also have to remember your wallet. Riga isnt as inexpensive as many other central European countries. Its opera house is well reknown, but most loved are its Art Nouveau buildings
art nouveau
Some It is an ornamental style based on curved lines, asymmetrical composition and rhythms of irregular contours. Its main motifs are nature, references to antiquity and mythology. Architecturally, art nouveau is characterised by the functional structure and a richly decorated façade, achieved by deploying all the possible means of expression in building, from the shape of window and door openings, bay windows, to reliefs, sculptures, ornamental lines or areas and stained glass. However, the main building facade is not the only essential element in Art Nouveau, but rather its overall image, therefore, “art nouveau architecture” also refers to interior design, the shape of tableware and even the inhabitants’ wardrobe. Some of the most notable architects are Mikhail Eisenstein and Hermann Otto Hilbig
In order to preserve Old Riga, Riga’s wooden buildings and the art nouveau architecture, the historical centre of Riga has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Art nouveau emerged in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century and continued its march of victory up until World War I. |
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Cat House
The Cat House (Latvian: Kaķu nams) is a building situated at 10 Meistaru iela in the old town of Riga, the capital of Latvia. It was built in 1909 according to the blueprint of architect Friedrich Scheffel. The building is styled as medieval architecture with some elements of Art Nouveau. It is known for the two cat sculptures, with arched backs and raised tails, on its roof. It is said that the owner of the house wanted the cats to be placed with their tails turned towards the house of the Great Guild, which is nearby, as he held a grudge against its members. It was later ordered that the cats should be turned so as to face the guildhouse.
One version of the legend has it that the wealthy tradesman who commissioned the building was refused membership of the Riga Tradesmen's Guild, mostly just called the Great Guild. The central element of both versions is the anecdote that seeking retribution the tradesman had two copper statues of angry-looking cats with arched backs and raised tails placed on the turret rooftops with their tails turned towards the house of the Great Guild, situated across the street. |
Freedom Monument
The idea of building a memorial to honor soldiers killed in action during the Latvian War of Independence first emerged in the early 1920s.
Finally in October 1929, the 3rd contest was announced. The winner was the design "Shine like a star!" (Latvian: "Mirdzi kā zvaigzne!") by sculptor Kārlis Zāle, who had had success in the previous contests as well. After minor corrections made by the author and supervising architect Ernests Štālbergs, construction began on November 18, 1931. Financed by private donations, the monument was erected by the entrance to the old town, in the same place where the previous central monument of Riga, a bronze equestrian statue of the Russian Emperor Peter the Great had stood from 1910 until the outbreak of World War I. It was calculated in 1935, the year when the monument was unveiled, that in four years of construction 308,000 man-hours were required to work the stone materials alone: 130 years would have been required if one person were to carry out the work using the most advanced equipment of the time. The total weight of materials used was about 2,500 tons. |
House of the Blackheads
House of the Blackheads (Latvian: Melngalvju nams, German: Schwarzhäupterhaus) is a building situated in the old town. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornamentations.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. |
House of the Livonian Noble Corporation
The House of the Livonian Noble Corporation (Latvian: Vidzemes bruņniecības nams) is a historical building in Riga, Latvia, constructed to house the Landtag of the Livonian Noble Corporation in the Governorate of Livonia. It was opened in 1867 and housed the Landtag until Latvian independence in 1919, and was subsequently damaged by fire in 1921. Today it is home to the Saeima, the parliament of Latvia. It is located in UNESCO listed Old Riga.
Construction began in 1863 and was designed by Robert Pflug, a Baltic-German, and Jānis Baumanis, the first academically trained Latvian architect. The exterior and interior were finished in Eclectic style. The façade featured a niche containing a statue by Danish sculptor David Jensen. On 17 October 1921, the building was destroyed by fire. It was restored according to the design of the architect Eižens Laube. The restoration included a new statue by sculptor Rihards Maurs of Lāčplēsis the "bear-slayer", from the Latvian epic of the same name. At the time of the building's restoration the main assembly hall was modified to meet the needs of the Saeima of the new Republic of Latvia. |
Large Guild
The Large Guild (Latvian: Lielā Ģilde) is a building situated in Riga, Latvia, and was erected in the years 1854 - 1857 after a project by architect K. Bejne in English Gothic style. The building was erected to house the guild of the same name that began in the 1330s and had its head quarter here ever since. The present facade though is frome 1930 by V. Bokslafs. Its roof burned down in 1963 and a concert hall was build. This today is home to the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. The grand hall of the guild today is beneath theconcert hall.
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Latvian Academy of Sciences
The Academy of Sciences edifice was built after World War II, between 1951 and 1961, collecting the necessary financing from the newly established kolkhozes in Latvia and - as further expenses increased, collecting the finances as "voluntary donations" deducted from the salaries of the Latvian rural population.
The building is decorated with several hammer and sickle symbols as well as Latvian folk ornaments and motifs. The spire was originally decorated with a wreath and a five pointed star, which was removed after Latvia regained independence in 1991. Being 108 metres (354 ft) tall, it was the first skyscraper in the republic and was the tallest building until the construction of the Swedbank Headquarters in Latvia, and at the time, one of the highest reinforced concrete buildings in the world. The building, designed by Osvalds Tīlmanis, Vaidelotis Apsītis, and Kārlis Plūksne, is a cousin to similar Stalin-era skyscrapers, which were representative of what became known as Stalinist architecture (sometimes referred to as Socialist Classicism). The architecture of the skyscraper resembles many others built in the Soviet Union at the time, most notably the main building of Moscow State University. Local nicknames include Stalin's birthday cake and the Kremlin. The view of Riga cityscape is open for public viewing from the 17th-floor balcony (height of 65 metres, 213 ft). |
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Latvian National Opera
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The National Opera House was constructed in 1863 by the St. Petersburg architect Ludwig Bohnstedt, for the then German-speaking City Theatre, and has been refurbished several times; 1882-1887 (following a fire in 1882) by Reinhold Schmaeling, 1957–1958, 1991-1995 (following independence). A modern annex was added in 2001 with a 300-seat New Hall.
The first attempt to create a Latvian national opera was 1893, when Jēkabs Ozols' Spoku stunda ("The Ghostly Hour") was performed.[2] The Latvian opera (Latviešu Opera) was founded in 1912 by Pāvuls Jurjāns, though almost immediately, during the First World War, the opera troupe was evacuated to Russia. In 1918, the opera restarted (Latvju Opera) led by Jāzeps Vītols, the founder of the Latvian Academy of Music. The debut performance, on January 23, 1919, was of Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer. From 1944, following the occupation of Latvia by Soviet Union, and incorporation into the Soviet Union, the Latvian National Opera became the Latvian S.S.R. State Opera and Ballet Theater. In 1990, the theater was renamed the Latvian National Opera, but almost immediately the building was closed till 1995 for renovation and the company moved to temporary premises. For the reopening in 1995, the first opera was Jānis Mediņš’ Uguns un nakts (Fire and Night). |
Nativity of Christ Cathedral
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral (Latvian: Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle, Russian: Христорождественский кафедральный собор), Riga, Latvia was built to a design by Nikolai Chagin and Robert Pflug in a Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic provinces built with the blessing of the Russian Tsar Alexander II on the initiative of local governor-general Pyotr Bagration and bishop Veniamin Karelin. The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is renowned for its icons, some of which were painted by Vasili Vereshchagin. During the First World War German troops occupied Riga and turned its largest Russian Orthodox cathedral into a Lutheran church. In independent Latvia, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral once again became an Orthodox cathedral in 1921. Archbishop Jānis Pommers, a native Latvian, played a key part in the defence of the cathedral, including defence from the Latvian government which was extremely unfriendly to Orthodox Church in the first years of an independent Latvia. In the early 1960s, Soviet authorities closed down the cathedral and converted its building into a planetarium. The cathedral has been restored since Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
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Powder Tower
For the first time the tower was mentioned in 1330 as the Sand Tower (the name apparently comes from the sand hills opposite the tower). The entrance of the tower was located 5 m above the ground and it was entered only through narrow stairs. In 1621 it was destroyed through the Swedish attack. Only the basement remained intact on which was built in 1650 the now visible Powder tower. The horizontal cross-section of the tower was a horseshoe: in some places up to 3 m thick walls faced out of the city, while the city side was made of wood (bricks was an expensive building material). The name is from the 17th century (since 1650 becourse of the supposedly stored gunpowder stocks). TIn the tower was placed 11 guns installed in the "ball catcher": between the fifth and sixth floors laid in meter thick ceiling of three rounds compound oak and pine logs. Later there was a prison, including torture chambers. Weapons stored here until the year 1883. In the tower walls you can see the cannon ball which immured in memory of the Second Northern War.
In 1892, the student corporation Rubonia approached the town board with a request to allow the installation of the tower of the Convent of the seat. The Board defined the requirements for the necessary repairs and set a symbolic rent - 1 ruble per year. The tower was restaurated by architect H. Hilbig. 1916 the newly established Latvian Riflemen Regiment Museum was opened and in 1919 renamed "the Latvian War Museum." 1937-1939 the tower was added a new museum building with neoeklektisku warrant Corinthian pilasters theme facades by architect A.Galindoms. |
Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral (Latvian: Rīgas Doms) is the Evangelical Lutheran cathedral in Riga, Latvia. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Riga.
Built near the River Daugava in 1211 by Livonian Bishop Albert of Riga, who came from Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany, it is considered the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. It has undergone many modifications in the course of its history. David Caspari was rector of the cathedral school in the late 17th century. His son Georg Caspari also served at the cathedral. Religious services were prohibited during the Soviet occupation from 1959 to 1989, and the cathedral was used as a concert hall. In 2011 the copper roofing above the nave was replaced. In 2015 the tower exterior was also re-plated and it's wododen support structure renewed. |
Riga Castle
Riga Castle (Latvian: Rīgas pils) is a castle on the banks of River Daugava in Riga, the capital of Latvia. The castle was founded in 1330. This structure was thoroughly rebuilt between 1497 and 1515. After the Union of Wilno order ceased to exist in 1561 the Castle became Lithuanian and in 1569 - Polish-Lithuanian stronghold. In 1621. Riga came under Swedish rule and the Castle was used to house Swedish administration. Upon the castle's seizure by the Swedes, they constructed spacious annexes in 1641. After the city came under Russian Empire in early 18th century, the castle housed administration and courts of Riga Governorate (which included most of present Latvia and Estonia) and served as residence of Governors General. The fortress was continually augmented and reconstructed between the 17th and 19th centuries. Since 1922 the castle became residence of the President of Latvia. Sometime in the 1930s, some renovation work was done by architect Eižens Laube. After Soviet occupation the castle housed Council of People Commissars of Latvian SSR in 1940-1941. In 1941 Young Pioneer organization of the Soviet Union moved into northern part of the castle, which therefore became known as the Pioneer Castle. Today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia as well as home to several museums. It came under fire in 2013 during a renovation.
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Small Guild
St. James's Cathedral
The church building was dedicated in 1225. It was not originally a cathedral since the Rīgas Doms served that function. At the beginning of the 15th century the Holy Cross Chapel was built at the south end of the early Gothic church, and part of the church was transformed into a basilica.
In 1522 during the Protestant Reformation the building became the second German language Lutheran church in Riga. In 1523 it became the first Latvian language Lutheran church there. In 1582 it was given to the Jesuits as part of the Counter-Reformation when Stephen Báthory of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth gained control of Riga. In 1621 it was given back to the Lutherans after Gustav II Adolf of Sweden occupied Riga. At various times it served as a Swedish language, German language, or Estonian language Lutheran church. In 1812 it was used as a food storehouse by Napoleon's troops. In 1901 the oldest Baroque altar in Riga from 1680 was replaced by a new one. Following a referendum in 1923, the building was given back to the Catholics for use as their cathedral. |
St. Peter's Church
St Peter’s Church was built in 1209, but just some walls and some pillars have remained from that time. Initially it was a small hall, possibly with a separate bell tower. The current basilica was created during renovations in the 15th century.
The church hall leaves a grand impression, the middle part of it reaches a height of 30 meters. The altar part with five chapels demonstrates verticality of the Gothic style and fine profiles. The more than 130 meters tall Gothic tower was completed at the end of the 15th century, but already in 1666 it collapsed. In 1690, a new tower was built in the Baroque style, with several domes and galleries, being the highest wooden construction in the world at the time. In 1721, a lightning struck the tower and it burned down. At the decree of Russian Tsar Peter I the tower was renovated. The church was also demolished and the tower burned down during World War II. In 1967, renovation of the tower began. This time a metal construction with an elevator was built so that the galleries can be used as sightseeing platforms. The tower is 123.25 meters high, and visitors are taken to the second gallery at the height of 72 meters. In 1997 Riga St Peter’s Church was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. |
Swedish Gate
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The Swedish Gate (Latvian: Swedish Gate) was erected in 1698 as a part of the Riga Wall to Provide access to barracks outside the city wall. It's a 17th century architectural monument of national significance in the Old Town, since it's the only town defensive gates, which survived until our days (once there were eight).
After the process of building, the old defensive bastion was no longer practical significance in the XVII century. The town council then allowed from outside to annex buildings. In 1689 at 11 Tower Street an apartment house there was broken a lockable underpass to connect the neighborhoods outside. Thus the the Swedish garrison barracks was connected with the inner city - hence the name The Swedish Gate. The gates opened at dawn and closed when the sun was setting - the keys were stored in the Town Hall premises. |
Three Brothers
The Three Brothers (Latvian: Trīs brāļi) is a building complex consisting of three houses, situated in Riga, Latvia. The houses together form the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga. The houses are situated at the addresses 17, 19 and 21 Maza Pils Street (Latvian: Mazā Pils iela), and each represents various periods of development of dwelling house construction.
The building in 17 Maza Pils Street is the oldest, dating from the late 15th century. The exterior of the building is characterised by crow-stepped gables, Gothic decorations and a few early Renaissance details. Originally the building consisted internally of one large room and an attic in use as a storage. The house was restored in 1955–57 by architect P. Saulitis. The neighbouring house, 19 Maza Pils Street, has an exterior dating from 1646, with a stone portal added in 1746. The style of the building shows influences from Dutch Mannerism. The last house of the three, located in 21 Maza Pils Street, is a narrow Baroque building which gained its present look probably during the late 17th century. The Three Brothers complex today houses the State Inspection for Heritage Protection and the Latvian Museum of Architecture. |
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town hall
The present is a look a like frome the new town hall build 1765 by Johann Ivan Oettinger. The bombing of city by the germans in 1941 layed the building in ruins. The rest was torn down in 1954. On the same place was part of the polytechnical school erected which moved 1991. The old facade was chosen for the new town hall, which again is the home for the mayor and the city council.
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