GUESTBOOK

Friday, October 24, 2014

MY TASTE OF THE BALTIC REPUBLICS #9 - RIGA - THE CAPITAL OF LATVIA (1)







Today, I would like to take you on a walking tour through Riga, the largest city of the Baltic states and one of the largest cities in Northern Europe.
Many large-scale restoration projects on old buildings have made Riga one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Most famously, Riga is home to the largest concentration of Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) architecture in the world. .

Let's start at the Freedom Monument, the symbol of Latvian independence and Riga’s major landmark -The monument proves that size indeed does matter, as at 42 metres high the monument is visible from many angles in the Central District. The woman at the pinnacle, known as "Milda'', holds three stars symbolizing the three regional parts of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale.

To the north of the freedom monument near the city canal we have a park green belt around the Old Town. 



                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Let's now see the Orthodox cathedral on the main street of Rīga. This history of the naming of the street is interesting. When Tsar Nicholai was in power, it was called Nicholai street. When the Germans were there, it was Hitler street. When the Soviets returned, it was Lenin Street. Once the Latvians regained independence again in 1991, it became Freedom Boulevard


The Powder Tower is one of Riga’s fortification towers and was originally called the Sand Tower. It dates back to 1330. Rebuilt numerous times, it gained its current name in the 17th century when they began to store gunpowder in the tower. 

From here let's walk along the narrow streets, stop at a tea-room and have a sweet and then we will reach The Philarmonica Square. On the right, you see the Great Guild, while the houses on the left remind dolls' houses, don't you think? 






It's a fine morning, not very cold and people are enjoying the sunshine....


The Old Town is flat and not big, and we are going to have more fun by walking along its narrow cobblestone streets than by taking a taxi...
It's getting late and your legs may be asking you to rest. Shall we now take a seat in front of the monument to Halmans and view the slideshow? It seems you acept my suggestion...





Posted by at
Labels: , ,

10 comments:

  1. choosing my journeyFriday, October 24, 2014

    wonderful photos and slide show! Now I know where I get my sweet tooth from! It looks like a very interesting place to visit, again, not enough sun the summer, so I wonder how bleak the Baltics are in winter? Thank you for the tour, I will have to come back and watch again, and I am looking forward to part 2! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Belita Isabel JaneiraSaturday, October 25, 2014

      In fact, Monica, Riga impressed me very much and I think I don't exaggerate if I say that considering the three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn - Riga is at the top of the table. The Baltics are cold and gloomy, I could get that idea even if it was not winter, yet. I'm always pleased to have you touring with me so it's my turn to thank you for having accepted my suggestion.... See you soon...

      Delete
  2. Amalie von BergenFriday, October 24, 2014

    Such beautiful and interesting images, Belita! As a tourist, we can pick and choose, and your collection is truly more than a handfull of good memories!

    As for Jugendstil, I simply love it! The style differs from country to country, and the one I know is from Ålesund, a city I visited a couple of weeks ago. After a fire in 1904, the whole city was rebuilt in this style. An example: http://www.artemisia.no/arc/nouveau/aalesund/bilder/kirkegaten.9.ii.jpg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Belita Isabel JaneiraSaturday, October 25, 2014

      Thanks, Amalie, for the visit and kind words.Nice of you to have recommended that website which I visited already. Awesome architecture!!!

      Delete
  3. ShaynacwingsFriday, October 24, 2014

    The part I like the best is no cars to be seen anywhere, except that bike thing. I like slow and flat walking and those cookies made my mouth drool. I do believe I could live there and be happy. loved the old buildings too.

    Hope you have a fantastic weekend darling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Belita Isabel JaneiraSaturday, October 25, 2014

      Yes, Shayna, Riga is a pleasurable city and apart from the cold weather in winter I think like you... I could live there and feel happy...
      The sweets were very sweet comparatively to the sweets we normally buy in Portugal so, they didn't put weight on me as I didn't buy any. But I must say that they were nicely styled and the price was uncommonly cheap. ..

      Delete
  4. MitchyLRSaturday, October 25, 2014

    Another wonderful part to your tour. I agree, Riga is a really beautiful city. I would love to visit it myself some day, but for now your excellent photographic tour will have to suffice. The architecture is wonderful, and you got some interesting candid people shots.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Belita Isabel JaneiraSunday, October 26, 2014

    Many thanks, Mitch!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hilarus FuscusWednesday, October 29, 2014

    Well Belita, Riga looks really a nice city... so - after Vilnius - I think it worths a trip there :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Belita Isabel JaneiraThursday, October 30, 2014

      Yes, Edoardo, Riga is a very nice city and perhaps when I post the second part you'll confirm it.
      Honestly, I would like to go there again sometime in the future...

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)