Riga, Latvia
06.05.2007 - 09.05.2007 We traveled to Riga, Latvia.
Riga's Old Town
St.Peter Church
St.Peter Church. One of the most significant and beautiful Gothic churches in Riga and the Baltic states. The Church was mentioned first in 1209 as the merchants church and it served as their meeting place, as well. It was a Catholic church until 1523, when during the Reformation it turned Lutheran. The Church gained its present look during several centuries. At the end of the 17th century the main facade of the Church gained a Baroque look by city building master R.Bindenschuh. The tower of the church was destroyed the several times, last it burnt down in 1941. St.Peter church was restored in 1954-1973.
Swedish gate
Swedish gate. One of the most interesting buildings in Old Riga. It belongs to the former fortification wall surrounding all of the Old City. In one of the wings the Swedish gate, built into the fortification wall in 1698 has situated. Except for the recently restored small exit from St.John Church's Courtyard into Kaleju Street, this is the only Riga gate that has survived in its original form.
Building of the Blackheads' Organization
Building of the Blackheads' Organization. Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga was destroyed during the II World War, because the building of the Blackheads' Organization was one of the most impressive architectural monuments in the city. This building, first mentioned in 1344, built in Gothic style, was a seat of single merchants belonging to the Merchants' Guild. Their patron was St.Mauricius, therefore it gained the name of Blackheads' Organization. By the way, this building was not only a meeting place, but it was used as an excellent concert hall as well, R.Wagner and F.List visited this place. The building of Blackheads' Organization was rebuilt in 1999.
Occupation museum of Latvia
The Meditheranian Restourant
The Baltic Sea in Jurmala
In air port
When in the 14th and 15th centuries Riga became one of the most important trade centers of the Hanseatic League, thecity was granted special rights to transport goods along the Daugava further to the East. Nowadays, Riga is also an important transport junction. The main elements that make the city as a transit center are the harbor of Riga, the Riga international airport and developed railway and road networks. The historically developed transportation infrastructure has facilitated Riga's evolution as the major industrial and business center in the Baltic region. The city is well known for its architectural and cultural values, skilful labor and developed infrastructure.
Pictures were made with Canon EOS 400D.
