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RIGA - Sightseeing Highlights

Ratslaukums (Town Hall Square)

The Melngalvju (Blackheads) House - The origins of this structure date back to the 14 th century when it was used by city officials and tradesmen. Atop this impressive redbrick and gilded façade, an ancient guild, with the words 'Anno 1334 - Renov 1999' a hint of the buildings history - it was damaged during the World War II, destroyed by Soviets and restoration work was completed in 1999. It once contained one of the world's richest collections of silver objects.

The Occupation Museum stands next door, a two-storey, windowless black concrete block which was once dedicated to the local riflemen who fought with the Bolsheviks. It now houses the fascinating and well presented Occupation Museum, which provides information about Latvia and its people under two occupying totalitarian regimes from 1940 to 1991 -

First Soviet Occupation June 17 1940 - July 1941

Nazi Occupation July 1941 - May 1945

Second Soviet Occupation Summer 1994 - Aug 2 1991

Dome Cathedral with its soaring spires is the largest church in the Baltics, dates back to 1211. The architecture of the church includes elements of Early Gothic, Baroque and other styles. It is the seat of the archbishop of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church.

St. Peter's Church is one of the most ancient examples of medieval churches in the Baltic region. It dates back to 1209, and its wooden tower was once the highest in Europe. The church was burned down during the World War II and restored in 1973, with a lift to an observation platform; the spire offers a panoramic view of all Riga.

Central Market for a remnant of Soviet life, head for the Central Market a gigantic Soviet-style market located south-west of the Old City and housed in German WWI Zeppelin hangars, where the Latvians say you can buy anything that is made or grown in their country.

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