History

Riga, the capital of Latvia and the country's major commercial and cultural center was founded in the 12th Century. It is located in the mouth of the river Daugava falling into the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea. In the medieval times it was one of the main cities of the Hanseatic League – a league of cities or rather merchant unions within the cities of Germany and the Baltics. The city flourished in the 13th-15th Centuries and due to its geographical location it developed into a trade and craft centre and a major seaport of the Baltics. The Great Guild and The Small Guild, as well as the rebuilt House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) were artisans' and craftsmens guilds in the thriving city. Over time Riga suffered from many invasions. It was under the rule of the Polish in the 16th Century, and later ruled by the Swedes, after that it became part of Russia. It has also survived two world wars and nevertheless managed to preserve many beautiful and historical buildings, for example, the fantastic Riga Dome Cathedral dating back to the 13th Century, St Peter's Church with its splendid Gothic facade, the Three Brothers, an ensemble of stone houses built in different centuries and many more. All this gives this beautiful city its ancient spirit and unforgettable charm.

Riga's diverse history influenced its architecture as well. It represents Gothic, Classicism and Baroque styles along with Art Nouveau or Jugendstil architecture which appeared in the 19th-20th Centuries and which is believed to be the finest collection in Europe. Many of these masterpieces have been restored. Today Riga is a cosy and modern European city, as well as a center of various cultural and sporting events. In 2001 various festivities were held n Riga in honour of the city's 800th anniversary. The Eurovision Song Contest and the international “Cutty Sark” regatta took place here in 2003. Olympic Ice Hockey will take place in Riga. There is something to do for everyone in Riga. The outstanding architectural monuments, elegant cafes and restaurants, vast variety of family entertainment as well as vibrant night make Riga an exciting place to visit. Although Riga can sometimes be a little chaotic and rough, this cosmopolitan city is a city of outstanding beauty elegance. It is old but contemporary and fun-filled, picturesque and forward-looking.