Tourist Guide Riga

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Kalnciems Quarter

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is a Kalnciems Quarter in Riga is a part of unique place where you can go for a leisurely walk European wooden architecture heritage. It is a and see the history and development of bustling center of social life, which regularly Latvia - our home, our life, our ancient Latvian crafts, technologies and hosts series of cultural and business events, future. traditions. Visitors can observe the old crafts such as farmers' markets, artisan goods sales, and try them out themselves, as well as taste artist galleries, concerts and other similar traditional Latvian food. The nearby lake events. Latvia's capital is Riga and the total shore with a pine forest is beautiful in all population is slightly above 2 million. seasons, including winter, when the museum The national language is Latvian, has a skiing area. There is also an annual currency – euro (before 2014 – lats). applied folk art fair on the first weekend of The total area of Latvia, which includes June. sea territory, is 64,6 square kilometers. Riga Riga Riga

Riga Festival Festival of Light “Staro Rīga” Latvian Song and Dance Festival

Riga Festival is an annual musical event Festival of Light “Staro Riga” is the largest Latvian Song and Dance Festival is a organised in June. The festival programme is festival of lights in Northern Europe. It has traditional cultural event in Latvia. This festival expanded every year and currently includes gained huge popularity among Riga residents is part of Latvian national identity and it various theatrical performances, art and visitors alike. “Staro Riga” was first usually takes place every 5 years. This festival exhibitions, multimedia and open-air events, organised in 2008 and has since become an has happened 25 times since 1873. Usually, as well as events for children. It is also annual traditional festival. The event usually on the last day of the festival, in the morning common that during the festival the lasts 4-5 days, and the timing coincides with all participants go on a festive procession, restaurants and cafes in Old Riga participate the Latvian Independence anniversary while in the evening the final concert is held in the making of various cultural activities. celebrations. The festival allows city residents on the Mežaparks large stage. Usually and visitors to have a look at unique light art approximately 30,000 members participate, objects. Just for a few nights in the streets, including choirs, dance groups, brass bands, parks, squares and especially the illuminated folk groups, folk dancers, traditional music façades people can view different techniques, ensembles, harpist ensembles, decorative and art objects and light shows encouraging to fine arts studios, vocal ensembles, amateur sightsee around the city of Riga in a new theater and foreign groups. The festival was light. included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008. Riga Riga Riga

11th November Quay November 18 1991 Barricades Museum

11th November Quay is the main street of In November 18, 1918, Latvia's independence The 1991 Barricades Museum was established Riga near the Old Town and Central was proclaimed at the Latvian National in 2001 on the basis of historical items neighborhoods. The total street length is Theatre. This day is a holiday in Latvia for collected by the association of participants of 1,185 meters and it consists of 4-6 lanes. those employed in the government the barricades of 1991. The museum is There is Waterfront promenade, the view of institutions and most private companies. located in the heart of Riga's Old Town, on the Old Town and the Latvia's longest river Different activities take place throughout the Krāmu Street, where those participating in the , which splits Riga into two parts. On day. The celebration begins in the morning barricades used to eat and relax. Its mission is the waterfront is a venue for events such as with a ceremonial procession and laying of to realize, preserve, study and communicate the Riga Festival, Independence Day military flowers at the , in which the spirit and the material evidence about the parade, motorcycle season opening and the president and other top state officials events of January and August 1991 in Latvia “Staro Riga” light festival. participate. In the afternoon the National and hold dear the memory of the victims. Armed Forces march on the 11th November waterfront, and in the evening there is a torch parade. The holiday ends with a magnificent firework display over the Daugava river. Riga Riga Riga

Art Museum “Riga Bourse” The Latvian National Museum of Art Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery

The museum was opened in 2011 and is The Latvian National Museum of Art is the The Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery was located in the historical centre of Riga. It largest collection of national art in Latvia. The established by two well-known Latvian represents a new type of museums. The museum building on K.Valdemāra iela, jewellers - Inita and Vitauts Straupe, who have museum offers to experience interrelation designed by German architect Wilhelm been studying Baltic and Scandinavian between East and West, as well as a dialogue Neumann and built in 1905, is one of the jewellery for more than 20 years, making between the classics and modernity. An most impressive historicism buildings in the copies and using traditional motifs and important aspect of the new museum is Park and Boulevard Circle area of Riga. It was symbols for their up-to-date designs that harmony between the acquisition of the first building in the Baltics to be built for have already travelled to all continents. The knowledge and recreation, as well as the the purpose of being a museum. jewellers want to share their enthusiasm for breaking down of barriers between various the magnificent jewellery of 2nd – 12th forms of culture. centuries. Riga Riga Riga

Riga Motor Museum Pauls Stradiņš museum of the history of Natural History Museum medicine

The Riga Motor Museum is the biggest The visitors can see the development of There is enough in the museum to see, study antique vehicle museum in the Baltic medical history from the times of ethno and learn for days without end, because one countries. It was founded in 1989 on an medicine till the mid 20th century in thematic tour will only cover but a part of what there is initiative from Latvia Antique Automobile or overview excursions, as well as enjoy a in the museum. Human evolution, mounted club. The list of exhibits includes cars, unique exhibition concerning outer biology animals and birds from all over the world, motorcycles and bicycles made from the last and medicine. The main exhibition spans 4 collections of insects, plants and minerals, a decade of the 19th century up to the second floors, covering ancient medicine (basement), journey into the history of Earth, recreation of half of the 20th century. There are over 200 middle ages and renaissance (1st floor), 18th- volcanic eruption, studies of the sky, multiple exhibits, which include not only civilian 20th century with all the great discoveries of exhibitions, modern and interactive displays, vehicles, but also racing cars, firefighter cars, that period (2nd floor), and the history of quizzes and stories - a visit to the museum army vehicles etc. medicine in Latvia (3rd floor). will be fondly remembered by small and adult visitors alike! Riga Riga Jūrmala

Riga Art Nouveau Museum Night of Museums Jūrmala Seaside Resort

Riga is one of the few European cities where Night of Museums is a traditional European Jūrmala is the most popular seaside resort in Art Nouveau architecture, art and design event in May, when for one night doors of Latvia and the biggest one in the Baltic States. objects have survived in great numbers. It is most of the National Museums are open to all The resort town is located just 23 km from even called "the metropolis of Art Nouveau". visitors, organizing special events and inviting the capital Riga. The nearly 33 km long and There are 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, to visit museums free of charge. Every year broad beach is covered with white quartz mostly located in the city's centre - more and more people are involved in the sand and has several "Blue Flags" that particularly on Alberta Street. Riga Art campaign by means of exhibition halls, guarantee quality, safety and comfort (also Nouveau Museum can also be found on this special activities, participation in theaters, and for people with special needs). The city boasts street, in the former apartment of the visitors are also invited to the Parliament its unique 19th century and early 20th century renowned Latvian architect Konstantīns building and the Presidential . Night of wooden and Art Nouveau architecture and Pēkšēns, who lived and worked here till 1907 Museums in Latvia has been organised since the natural resources of Ķemeri National Park. and designed this beautiful building. 2005. Jūrmala is an excellent place for recreation for the whole family - there are numerous attractions, children playgrounds and the biggest water park in Northern Europe. Kurzeme Kurzeme Kurzeme

Cinema town “Cinevilla” Liepāja Naval Port (Karosta) Venta Rapid

The town was built for the movie “Guards of The enchanting brutality of Karosta is a The Venta rapid in Kuldīga is the widest Riga”. Its environment was made to resemble unique and rare sight not only in Latvia but waterfall in Europe – up to 270 metres wide Riga almost 100 years ago, during the also within the historical, architectural and during spring. It is associated with a number freedom fights of 1919, when both Germans urban construction framework worldwide. It is of legends and historical events. In old times, and Russians were trying to invade Latvia. one of the most unusual sightseeing objects due to Duke Jacob’s invented devices for Various attractions are available, including in Latvia. catching fish on the Venta waterfall, Kuldiga participating in movie making (both sides of Liepāja fortress and Karosta is the largest was considered the place “where salmon were the screen – watch a movie being made or historical military territory in the Baltic. caught in the air”. In springtime, flying fish become an actor yourself) and driving around Moreover, Karosta is the highest building with shows (salmon jumping over the rapid) the town on various authentic vehicles of that cupolas in the Baltic. One of the most popular attract visitors to the town. time as well as horses. destinations for tourists is the Karosta prison - the only military prison in Europe open to tourists. Kurzeme Kurzeme Kurzeme

Pedvāle open-air art museum Dundaga Evangelical Lutheran Church

This open-air art museum in Sabile is part of The castle was built in 13th century. From 16th The church was built in 1766. Since 1935 it is a cultural monument of State significance and to 18th century it was the centre of the largest an architectural monument. In the archives of Special protected cultural and historical private estate in . the church it is possible to find antique territory “Abavas ieleja”. The museum's is connected with many fairy- religious books as well as cult objects from concept is the natural landscape, agricultural tales and legends. The most popular tells the past centuries. landscape, cultural heritage and arts about a ghost called the Green Maiden. Since 1912 the altar piece is “Lieldienu rīts” integration in a single environment. There are (Easter morning) painted by Jānis Rozentāls. more than 150 works of art in the museum's Once upon a time, the landlord of Dundaga, collection.In 1999 UNESCO gave it an von Maydell, was on his way to Irbe village, There is a memorial plaque in the church to international Melinas Mercouri prize for the when he met a king of gnomes. The king remember those Dundaga parish sons who preservation and development of the cultural asked to marry one of von Maydell's struggled and fell in the Freedom fights of landscape. daughters in the chapel of the castle and to World War I and in World War II. celebrate the wedding in the Hall of Knights. If no mortals would see it, the landlord would get treasures and a son (he only had daughters). Unfortunately, one of the maids saw the wedding and was cursed. Her ghost is said to still be walking around the castle. Kurzeme Vidzeme Vidzeme

Ventspils Cēsis Līgatne National Park

Ventspils is a popular tourist center in Latvia, Cēsis is one of the oldest and one of the most The picturesque ancient valley of the Gauja which offers rest on the Baltic Sea, a beautiful towns in Latvia. Since the 13th river has been attracting tourists from all over landscaped "Blue flag" beach and an century, the medieval Cēsis Castle has shared the world for centuries. Everyone wants to aquapark. There are two children towns for its destiny with the town in fights against enjoy the charms of the primeval nature and kids to play in. Tourists have the possibility to invader troops and now, together with both return to the mysterious medieval times. visit an open-air museum, Ventspils parks, the curved streets and the hospitable More than 500 cultural and historical adventure park, see unique flower sculptures, people, enchants the visitors with its romantic monuments are located in the National Park - Ventspils Castle, which is the atmosphere. hill forts, stone , churches, manors, oldest medieval fortress in Latvia, and the The castle's ruins are some of the most watermills and windmills, among others. In popular Ventspils Cow parade. majestic castle ruins in the Baltic states. Once the Līgatne nature trails one can see all sorts the most important castles of the Livonian of wild animals and more then 300 sandstone Order, it was the official residence for the caves. For those who are interested in the masters of the order. It was partly destroyed past it is advised to visit the Līgatne secret during the Great Northern War. underground bunker which was built to be used in the case of a nuclear war. Vidzeme Vidzeme Vidzeme

Āraiši Archaeological Museum Park Sigulda Gaiziņkalns

Āraiši Museum Park is a cultural historical Sigulda is situated on a picturesque stretch of Gaiziņkalns, at 312 m above sea level, constitutes monument situated in the Cēsis region. It the Gauja river valley. Because of the reddish the highest point in Latvia. It is situated a short consists of reconstructed buildings from the Devonian sandstone which forms steep rocks distance to the west of the town of Madona, Stone and Bronze Ages, ancient Latgalian and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda central Vidzeme. settlements from the 9th-11th centuries, as well has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme". Although only of relatively small elevation, as castle ruins from the Livonian period. Āraiši A traditional Opera Festival takes place in an Gaiziņkalns has been developed as a skiing Lake Castle is presently the most extensively open-air music hall in the castle ruins each destination including three slopes and several studied site of this kind in the whole of summer. A Town Festival is celebrated in May guesthouses. northeast Europe. when cherry trees blossom, while Sigulda is known for the colors of its trees in autumn. Sports such as skiing, bobsledding, and the luge are popular in wintertime and bungee jumping is practiced during the rest of the year. The largest cave in the Baltics, the Gutmanis Cave is located in Sigulda. The cave still bears inscriptions from as early as the 17th century. Latgale Latgale Latgale

Aglona Basilica Daugavpils Fortress

The characteristic landscape of Latgale with its heights and lowland formed under the impact of a glacier. The highest point of Latgale is 289 m above the sea level – Lielais Liepu kalns (the Great Linden Mountain). Latgale is known as the region of lakes. Latgale region is characterised by great diversity of nature and climatic conditions, Aglona Basilica is among major centres of The only early 19th century fortress in Eastern which make it different from other regions of Baltic catholicism. Aglona Basilica was built in Europe that has remained virtually Latvia. It has a typical continental climate, the late style and it is decorated with unchanged. Each detail of the fortress was more severe winters with thicker snow cover. two 60 m high towers. Every year on the 15th developed using the construction experience of August, pilgrims congregate in Aglona to of the best architectural schools of Tsarist Latgale is a region with very rich and diverse mark the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Russia and Europe. The territory of the culture. It was formed by many nations and Mary into Heaven. As such, this is one of the fortress is open for observing and visiting at ethnic groups have lived here and mutually best known sacred sites in the world. any time and entrance is free of charge, influenced each other for centuries. except when visiting certain culture Cultural heritage of Latgale incorporates institutions and events. brilliant architectural monuments, as well as rural farmsteads, typical settlements and cultural landscapes. Cultural traditions of Latgale – its language, folk songs, dances, craftsmanship (especially pottery) form a significant part of national culture of Latvia. Latgale Latgale Latgale

Preiļi Doll Museum – “Doll Kingdom” Rēzekne Castle Hill Creative Services Centre “Zeimuļs”

Two miniature castles - luxurious towers, From 9th to 13th centuries the embattled castle of The centre was opened in 2012. It provides bridges, a watermill - a little kingdom ancient Latgalians was on the banks of the river. informal education services for children and decorates the front yard of the museum, Today the castle hill is the most remarkable young people up to 25 years of age. There attracting the tourists' attention. The castles and most visited place in Rezekne. A are 86 programmes available, and people can are not imitations; they are the result of the marvellous sight to the centre of the city and participate in singing, dancing, ceramics, author's imagination and handiwork, and are to the trading part of the city opens from the drawing, knitting, chess, checkers and other made of natural stone. The atmosphere hill. interest groups. becomes particularly romantic in the dark There is also a Latgalian craftsman shop- evening hours when every window in the saloon and a work skills exhibition hall in the castles is lightened. centre. Inside the museum, the dolls pose for various scenes from life and fantasy. All dolls are hand-crafted, their poses, gestures and faces show a wide range of emotion. Zemgale Zemgale Zemgale

Jelgava Palace Rundāle Palace International Ice Sculpture Festival

Jelgava Palace is the largest Baroque style The palace is one of the major tourist The Ice Sculpture festival gathers 30 sculptors palace in the Baltic states, work of the famous destinations in Latvia. It is also used for the from 8 countries who come together to Russian court architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli accommodation of notable guests, such as mould sculptures from the fragile material - and one of the few cultural monuments the leaders of foreign nations. ice. Thousands of people from all over Latvia remaining in Jelgava. It was constructed in the 1730s to a design by and neighboring countries come to Jelgava to After Courland was absorbed by the Russian Bartolomeo Rastrelli as a summer residence see the crystal clear sculptures shine in Empire in 1795, the palace served as a refuge of the Duke of Courland. Since then, it has colourful spotlights to capture a moment of for French royalty fleeing the French been owned by many royals. the short life of an ice sculture. revolution. Louis XVIII lived in the palace During World War I and II, the palace was An ice bar and an ice slide for children have between 1797 and 1801. used for war needs. In 1923, the palace was become a tradition for the festival, making it The Latvia University of Agriculture has been renovated, and the Rundāle Primary school one of the most popular events of the season housed in the palace since the 1939. was set up in a part of it. in Latvia. Only in 1972 a permanent Rundāle Palace museum was established. Handicrafts Handicrafts Handicrafts

Ceramics Woodwork Basketry

The skill to create clay vessels already existed In densely forested Latvia, our ancestors Basketry is one of the original handcrafts, in Latvia thousands of years before the practiced woodcarving long ago. This craft which began in the Neolithic Age and has Christian era. Since Latvian potters have was essential in a household. From house provided the basis for a number of different acquired techniques of glazing, pottery has building to with carving spoons – nearly handicraft skills. Not surprisingly, weaving become colourful and has been decorated by every man could do it himself. Even furniture from wicker and roots became an ancient different ornaments. was made at home. Furthermore almost every craft in all regions. Over time, regional Latvian ceramic traditions household object was decorated by Today, folk art basketry, thanks to its shapes, have been created and preserved. These ornaments and carving in wood. structure and diversity, also displays artistic traditions exist through differences in the value outside its practical application. form and decoration of pottery. The most Currently amongst folk art studios basketry spectacular contemporary tradition of workshops are the most active. regional pottery has been preserved in Latgale. Handicrafts Handicrafts Textile Art

Adornment Making Metalwork Weaving

Neolithic tribes living on the shores of the Europeans learned to melt and forge iron in Fabrics were initially made on hand looms Baltic Sea were already creating amber the late 2nd and early 1st centuries B.C. The during the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., but ornaments in various forms - pendants, beads ancient Baltic, Finno-Ugric and Slavic tribes simple linen and woolen fabrics were woven and amber discs. Figurines of birds, fish, also began to obtain iron around this time. in Latvia at the beginning of the present era. snakes, bears and people shaped from bone These days, ancient blacksmithing techniques Women made clothing for all family by and horn were found in the settlements of of bending, stretching and intertwining are themselves, and used homemade fabrics for the Lubāna fields from 4 - 3 000 B.C. seen in elements of Riga's architecture. that purpose. Towels, coverlets, sheets, Subsequently, bronze and iron neck rings, Exhibitions of applied art demonstrate that curtain, shawls, rugs were also homemade. decorative pins, armbands and rings have recently master blacksmiths have mostly been made in Latvia. turned to creation of interior decoration candlesticks, fireplace accessories, and metal ornaments for articles of woodwork. These have preserved the historical traditions of manufacture and decoration. Textile Art Textile Art Kitchen

Knitting Lacework Latvian Food & Cuisine Latvian Food and Cuisine is waiting for you to try when you arrive here in Latvia. What is Latvian food? This is a question that is asked a lot by visitors and in all honesty it is one of our favourite questions to answer as we are big food fans ourselves. Latvian food is often considered simple and Knitting is one of the most ancient Various types of handmade lace reached their heavy with Soviet traits, but there is a wide handicrafts. The earliest record of knitting has heyday in Europe in the 18th century. A range of diverse ingredients, and Latvian been dated to 5 000 - 3 000 B.C. In Latvia, number of lace making techniques have also cuisine is moving into the 21st century with given its cold climate, knitting became one of been popular amongst Latvian handicrafts at some contempory twists. Here is a list of the earliest handicrafts. The first knitted various times. Lace has been used to decorate some of those ingredients that make up this mittens and gloves found here have been costumes and domestic items. diverse food culture. dated to the 15th century. Nowadays the main emphasis is placed on Knitting was the first craft which women the production of ethnographic sample folk could learn. Hand-knitted gloves and socks costumes, edging for towels and other are still the most traditional textiles, and one details. of the most esteemed gifts. Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen

Meat Fish Milk products

Pork is by far the most common meat used in Herring, pickled and served cold, is often Great butter, fresh cheese, fine milk, cottage Latvian cuisine, but you will also find some eaten, especially around lunch time. Smoked cheese, sweet cheese delights, and more! wild meats such as deer, rabbit, moose and fish is a real speciality in the Baltic region, but Latvia is by far one of the best producers of wild boar. Chicken, beef and lamb are used in Latvia and especially the coastal regions have milk produce in the world. You must try as dishes but nowhere near as much as pork. A some of the finest choices of smoked fish. In much as you can here, especially in the cakes typical dinner time dish could include a joint Riga, your best bet is to go to the Central and sweets. of pork, boiled potatoes, fresh vegetables or Market to discover the wide range of fish a cold salad and nice glass of homemade wild products on offer. Look out for "nēģis". berry juice. Kitchen UNESCO UNESCO

Bread Cabinet of Folk Songs (Dainu Skapis) Suiti Cultural Space

Latvian black bread is one part of the local A massive collecting effort of Latvian folk Suiti Cultural Space is a unique example of diet that you just will not be able to avoid songs took place during late 19th century, European intangible cultural heritage which whilst you stay here in Latvia. A heavy, hardy coinciding with the period of National since 2009 has been inscribed on UNESCO bread that is full of flavour and can awakening in Europe. Carried out by Latvians List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of sometimes be sweet, sometimes sour, or even themselves, it was made the basis for their Urgent Safeguarding. both, is great on its own, with butter, or as a national identity. Thanks to the lifetime work The Suiti are a small Catholic community in sandwich. Do not eat too much though, it will of Krišjānis Barons, nearly 218,000 song texts the western part of Latvia. The Suiti cultural fill you up pretty quickly! were assembled, classified and published. To space is characterized by a number of distinct this day it remains a source of collective self- features, including vocal drone singing confidence and inspiration for the Latvian performed by Suiti women, wedding people, revealing their rich cultural heritage traditions, colourful traditional costumes, the that had not been previously recorded, yet Suiti language, local cuisine, religious had endured through centuries by oral traditions, celebrations of the annual cycle, transmission. and a remarkable number of folk songs, Since 2001 Dainu skapis is on the list of dances and melodies recorded in this UNESCO Memory of the World. community. Tourist Guide Latvia