Our day in Riga, Latvia, the third Hansiatic City we visited
Our approach to Riga, Latvia. This navigation information was always available on one of the channels on the TV monitor in our cabin, but I took this photo directly off the computer monitor on the bridge.
Our approach to Riga, Latvia. This navigation information was always available on one of the channels on the TV monitor in our cabin, but I took this photo directly off the computer monitor on the bridge.
The ship yards as we approach Riga, Latvia
The ship yards as we approach Riga, Latvia
A drive-by photo of the Freedom Monument that honors soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20).
A drive-by photo of the Freedom Monument that honors soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20).
A drive-by photo of the controversial statue that honors the Latvian Red Riflemen, some of whom became Lenin's personal bodyguards
A drive-by photo of the controversial statue that honors the Latvian Red Riflemen, some of whom became Lenin's personal bodyguards
Our morning tour of the Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. This is one of the few times it rained on our trip.
Our morning tour of the Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. This is one of the few times it rained on our trip.
Our guide, Daina ('Dinah' to us Americans)
Our guide, Daina ('Dinah' to us Americans)
Clearly, despite the rain, Daina had us engaged.
Clearly, despite the rain, Daina had us engaged.
In Riga, Art Nouveau can be split into two main types, decorative and romantic-nationalistic. Most of Riga's Art Nouveau buildings were designed and built by Latvian architects. Many of the buildings in the decorative Art Nouveau style, including the one in this photo, were designed by one of the most famous architects, Mikhail Eisenstein.
In Riga, Art Nouveau can be split into two main types, decorative and romantic-nationalistic. Most of Riga's Art Nouveau buildings were designed and built by Latvian architects. Many of the buildings in the decorative Art Nouveau style, including the one in this photo, were designed by one of the most famous architects, Mikhail Eisenstein.
These are some of the buildings that had not been restored.
These are some of the buildings that had not been restored.
Door of unrestored building
Door of unrestored building
We were able to go inside one of the buildings to see the foyer and staircase.
We were able to go inside one of the buildings to see the foyer and staircase.
Looking up through the spiral staircase
Looking up through the spiral staircase
The Flying Frog Cafe wasn't doing much outside business that day.
The Flying Frog Cafe wasn't doing much outside business that day.
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia 1940-1991. Just the architecture of the building tells a story.
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia 1940-1991. Just the architecture of the building tells a story.
The House of Blackheads was destroyed in 1941 and rebuilt in 2001. The original structure was built by the Great Guild in 1344. During the 15th century, it was rented by unmarried foreign merchants, known as Blackheads, who became owners of the place in 1713. At present, it is used for public gatherings and as a concert hall, hosting well known musicians.
The House of Blackheads was destroyed in 1941 and rebuilt in 2001. The original structure was built by the Great Guild in 1344. During the 15th century, it was rented by unmarried foreign merchants, known as Blackheads, who became owners of the place in 1713. At present, it is used for public gatherings and as a concert hall, hosting well known musicians.
Entry to the House of Blackheads
Entry to the House of Blackheads
This sculpture captures a key moment in the story of the 'Town Musicians of Bremen', a folk tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm.
This sculpture captures a key moment in the story of the 'Town Musicians of Bremen', a folk tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm.
The steeple of St. Peter's Church
The steeple of St. Peter's Church
The 'Small Guild' meeting hall where we enjoyed some traditional dancing.
The 'Small Guild' meeting hall where we enjoyed some traditional dancing.
Interior of the guild hall
Interior of the guild hall
Interior of the guild hall
Interior of the guild hall
The ceiling of the guild hall
The ceiling of the guild hall
Interior of the guild hall
Interior of the guild hall
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The dancing was delightful!
The Dome Cathedral
The Dome Cathedral
Interior view, looking toward the altar, of the Dome Cathedral
Interior view, looking toward the altar, of the Dome Cathedral
Stained glass window in the Dome Cathedral
Stained glass window in the Dome Cathedral
The 'Three Brothers' are the oldest stone houses still standing in Riga. They were built between the 15th century (White Brother) and the middle of the 18th century (Yellow Brother).
The 'Three Brothers' are the oldest stone houses still standing in Riga. They were built between the 15th century (White Brother) and the middle of the 18th century (Yellow Brother).
The entry to the 'Yellow Brother'
The entry to the 'Yellow Brother'
A round tower of Riga Castle
A round tower of Riga Castle
A new national library under construction in Riga. Exploring their web site, I learned that HP and Microsoft are among the sponsors.
A new national library under construction in Riga. Exploring their web site, I learned that HP and Microsoft are among the sponsors.
