Riga, as the capital of Latvia and the largest city of the Baltic states, enjoys its status as a major center of culture, finance, commerce and industry. With settlements dating back to the 12th century, one can sense the rich history of a city 800 years old while simultaneously enjoying exceptional contemporary nightclubs and restaurants.
Originally, Riga was a portal for trading between the Baltic tribes and Russia. The Hanseatic League, an association of merchants in a loose trade and political union covering North Germany and Baltic cities, was a key factor in Riga’s economic and political stability, providing a solid foundation which endured the political turmoil that was to come.
Riga was subject to the Reformation in 1522, bringing to an end the reign of the archbishops. Taken over in 1581 by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, then in 1621 by Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, then by Russia under Tsar Peter the Great in 1710. By 1900, Riga came in third (behind Moscow and St. Petersburg) in having the highest number of industrial workers in Russia.
The rise of a Latvian bourgeoisie in the mid-19th century brought about the Latvian National Awakening, with the founding of the Riga Latvian Association in 1868. The 1905 Revolution (led by the Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party) was the eventual result. Finally, with more than seven centuries of foreign occupation behind it, Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. At this time, Riga was known as a vibrant and visually intoxicating city, meriting the nickname "Paris of the North".
This era did not last long, as the onset of World War II brought about not only Soviet occupation, but also German occupation in 1941-1944 and a renewed Soviet occupation at the war’s finish. Hundreds of thousands of Latvians died and many escaped to other countries around the world.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev enacted economic reforms in the late 1980s allowing Latvia to regain its independence. That independence was recognized by Russia on September 6, 1991. In 2001, Riga celebrated its 800th anniversary. On May 1, 2004, Latvia joined the European Union.
Some of the highlights
Riga is famed for its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture, featuring asymmetrical shapes, dramatic arches and textured surfaces with voluptuous floral designs. The main streets which contain Art Nouveau architecture are Alberta Street, Elizabetes Street and Strelnieku Street, featuring classic examples such as The Riga Law School and The Swedish School of Economics. Currently, the building at Alberta Street 13 is the only completely restored Art Nouveau building in Riga.
The Dome Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Baltic states. It was founded in 1211 by Teutonic conquerors under the bishop Albert von Buxhoeveden. Throughout its history, the Dome Cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and one can identify a wide range of varied architectural styles which have been combined for its various incarnations. The last reconstruction, in 1776, raised the tower to a height of 90 meters. The cathedral also boasts a famous organ, constructed in 1884 by the German company "E.F. Walker & Co". When it was first unveiled, it was the biggest organ in the world.
The Powder Tower was originally built in the 14th century, but Swedish invaders reduced it to only the rock foundations in 1621. Rebuilt in 1650 with new and improved walls two-and-a-half meters thick, the structure has since stood its ground, even with nine Russian cannonballs still lodged on its surface. Today, the Powder Tower is part of the War Museum, whose collection includes ancient weapons, photographs, newspapers, military maps, uniforms, personal items belonging to soldiers, and much, much more!
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