Old Riga – architectural and historical heritage of the city (excursion on foot).

In every old city you can find something similar in their history, but there are also characteristics, which are proper to only one of them. What is the pride of Old Riga?

Excursion’s program:

Alberts square – place where was formed tradesmen an old settlement in 9th to 10th century.
The first port in Riga. Storehouses and barns – characteristic features of trade. Riga is one of the most famous old cities of trade in Europe. Riga – “a window to Europe”.
Jana seta (John Yard) – the first catholic bishop’s residence in Riga.
Fortification wall of Riga – How do Riga turn into a city. Particularities of the fortification wall building. Konventa seta – the first residence of Livonian Order in Riga. St. Jura Church – oldest church in Riga and use of it nowadays.
St. Johns Church – one part of Dominican monastery. The most characteristic traits of mediaeval hierarchy in the social life of Old Riga.
St. Peter’s Church – major church in Riga – is one of the most admirable samples of mediaeval architecture. The Gothic style is merged with the baroque. Particularities of building of Riga churches – so-called “gostic of Riga”
Town Hall Square – the second centre, around which was developed mediaeval city. Town Hall Square had been the centre of economics, politics, social life and culture. Riga had been one of the largest cities in Hanseatic League.
House of Blackheads – tradesmen organization’s centre of economics and politics.
Streets of Old Riga – the narrowest street is Rozena Street, the most known streets are Jauniela, Tirgonu and others – large part of the streets reveal main occupation of mediaeval inhabitants.
Castle of Peter The First – architectural monument of the 18th century. Some day it was one of the most unique buildings in Riga.
House of the mall MAXIMA – is the new architecture always organically united with the old one?
Palasta Street, Jauniela (New street) and Krastmala (quay) - here you can clearly see how architecture of the 18th, 19th and 20th century is strongly connected with history. Hedera square in old Riga.
Riga Dom Cathedral and gallery of cross – unique monuments of 13th to 19th century. History of the Riga Dom Cathedral – the major catholic church in the 13th century. Unique Cross entrance of Riga Dom Cathedral. Riga Dom Cathedral and its building – witness of the reconstruction of Old Riga.
Riga Castle – historic witness of several centuries, as well as former residence of Livonian Order. The use of the castle nowadays.
The oldest apartment houses in Riga – „Three Brothers” – architecture of mediaeval citizens.
St. Jacob’s Church – one of the oldest churches in Riga – the only in Riga, which has retrained gothic steeple. Troksnu street (Noise Street), Jacob’s street, Zviedru varti (Swedish Gate), Smilsu tornis (Sand Tower), ruins of Riga fortification wall.