From Tallinn to Riga, Latvia by coach – no train service available!
… but it was a very comfortable coach!
Passing through the countryside…
Passing through the countryside…
Passing through the countryside…
The colourful house of the Blackheads, Riga – the original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga.
The bells in the forground were originally cast in the 13th century, but were remounted on the roof of the Riga Town Hall building in the late 20th century. The modern carillon forms a striking contrast to the Town Hall’s 18th century clock tower.
The humourous take on the Sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen. Based on a tale by the Brothers Grimm, but created with a political subtext as it was inspired by Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika.
Another example of medieval butting up with modern…
We thought this was amusing!
The market, located in five old zeppelin hangars, was full of shoppers and lots of lovely produce.
Rail bridge over the River Daugava…
… with the ultra-modern National Library building beyond.
Old warehouses now converted into art spaces.
Stark contrast – Riga is very proud of its many old timber buildings…
The Academy of Sciences building – known as Stalin’s birthday cake.
An unusual wooden church with blue steeple and onion dome.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
The Barikades (English: Barricades) Memorial is a memorial to those who died on January 20, 1991 during confrontations between Latvia and forces loyal to the Soviet Union.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
The Three Brothers are the oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga.
St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church, this Classicist wooden building was completed in 1827.
The Freedom Monument has been Riga’s central landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation’s striving for freedom and independence.
We took a stroll through one of the parks…
… and discovered a different part of town with a lively street market.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
Museum of the Occupation reveals Latvia’s history from 1940 until 1991, when occupations by both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were experienced.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
Another example of contrasting architectural styles.
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is the biggest Orthodox church in the city. Having served as a planetarium and a restaurant during the Soviet Era, the building has been completely restored as a church and holds regular Orthodox services
The golden domes of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral.
St John’s church.
It was good to stroll through the parks of Riga.
