Today, we will explore the biggest city of the Baltic States. I was founded in 1201 by German bishop Albert of Livonia. Riga is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and importance in the Hanseatic League. You will see the Freedom Monument, a forty-meter high column with a statue of Milda on top of it. You will walk by the Riga Canal in Esplanade Park.
We’ll drop by the Dome Cathedral, famous for its extraordinary organ music and a midday 20 minutes performance – concerto piccolo. The last organ was installed in 1880′ and has over 6700 pipes. The Great and Small Guilds’ houses will tell us about the commercial history of Riga city. Just next to the guilds stands one of the most promoted buildings in Riga – the Cats’ house. It is surrounded by a legend about a merchant and his attempt to join the Great Guild.
Next up, we visit the iconic “Three Brothers” – a trio of houses nestled next to each other, built over different centuries. It is a great example of evolving architecture in Riga. We’ll also see St. Peter Church, famous for the highest spire in Latvia.
Will see an eclectic House of Blackheads, which is the most impressive commercial structure on the Town hall square. We’ll walk through the Beer-brewers street and leave the Old City through the Swedish Gate.
We top off the day tour exploring Riga’s famous district of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture. You admire the residences constructed in the years 1885-1915. These most ornate houses were designed by a famous architect of Jewish origins, Michail Eizenshtein.