Peculiarities of the architecture in Riga building during the second part of the 19th century and at the beginning of 20th century.

Houses, built in the former Esplanade Square during the second part of the 19th century, and the continuation of the construction in the beginning of the 20th century – unique and unrepeatable place not only in Riga, but also in whole West Europe.

Itinerary of excursion:

Basteja hill, canal of the city – mediaeval cities – mediaeval Riga fortification – ruins of defence structures. The beginning of the pull-down of the fortification and reconstruction of the former Esplanade Square’s territory.
Latvian National Opera – one of the first buildings, for which sake suffered fortification wall. Opera is the striking example of the eclectism from the sixties of the 19th century.
New Riga – uniqueness of its construction and composition, which is formed as peculiar zone of Riga defence. Gardens and parks of the New Riga during the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Riga is unimaginable without them.
Raina avenue – the first avenue of the New Riga with rented houses, which were built after the project of first Latvian architect – Janis Baumanis.
Architectural ensemble of the former Esplanade Square- unique sample of the architecture in the end of 19th century, and at the beginning of 20th century.
Orthodox Cathedral – artwork from one of the most famous masters in Europe V.Bokslav – building of the 19th century. Park in the former Esplanade Square and its supplement with compositions of sculptures at the beginning of the 20th century. Monument to a poet and writer J. Rainis.
Academy of Arts – wonderful architectural sample of the beginning of the 20th century, it unifies hallmarks of Riga architecture.
New Riga – the place of expression from Latvian artist’s like Eizensteins, Baumanis, Pflugs and others.
Kr.Valdemara and Elizabetes Street – original mix of architectural periods. Valdemar’s centre – striking example of today’s architecture. Inner content of the building is successfully associated with external decors of architecture.
A. Eizensteins – shining representative of eclectism. His buildings have a great importance in the history of the New Riga. Alberta Street – the most wonderful unification of two centuries (the 19th and the 20th). Rented houses of the 20th century in Riga – place where the brilliant talent of art nouveau architects is clearly visible. Strelnieku Street, Antonia’s Street, Dzirnavu Street – revival of the New Riga.