• Riga Town Hall Square - The Riga Town Hall (Rīgas Rātsnams) dates back to the early 14th century when it was originally constructed as a venue for civic administration and governance.

It served as the seat of the city council and housed various municipal offices.

• House of the Black Heads - The original House of the Blackheads was built in the early 14th century as a meeting and gathering place for a guild of unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga.

The guild was known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads, named after St. Mauritius.

• Riga Cathedral - Riga Cathedral was founded in 1211 during the early stages of Riga’s development as a major trading city within the Hanseatic League.

It played a central role in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the city’s religious and cultural identity.

• Three Brothers - The Three Brothers are considered the oldest residential buildings in Riga and among the oldest in Latvia. They date back to different periods between the 15th and 17th centuries, reflecting the architectural evolution of the city over time.

Each of the three houses represents different stages of Riga’s urban development and architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque influences.

• Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti) - The Swedish Gate is one of the few remaining gates from the old city fortifications of Riga.

It was built in 1698 as part of the defensive walls that surrounded the city during the Swedish rule of Riga in the late 17th century.

• Cat House - The Cat House was built in 1909 by a wealthy Latvian merchant who wanted to protest against the exclusion from the Great Guild, a powerful association of German merchants.

It was designed by architect Friedrich Scheffel in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular at the time.

• Freedom Monument - The Freedom Monument was unveiled on November 18, 1935, to commemorate the 17th anniversary of Latvia’s independence from foreign rule (achieved in 1918).
• Nativity of Christ Cathedral - Built between 1876 and 1883, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ is the main Orthodox cathedral in Riga and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Baltic States.
• Albert Street - Alberta Street is located in the historical center of Riga and is famous for its concentration of Art Nouveau buildings.

It was developed during Riga’s rapid urban expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Art Nouveau was a popular architectural style.

• Exploration activity on your phone (Android & iOS apps, or on your browser)
• Quizzes and guides with info about each monument
• Available in: English, French, German & Spanish

• A personal guide (this activity is accessible on your smartphone)