Page 47 iGap travelguide 2023
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iGap Travel Guide
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Riga’s cobbled streets exude a grace and confidence
which has seen it come through occupation under Nazi
and Soviet regimes. A number of sites which date back
centuries create a fairy tale atmosphere, particularly in
the Old Town which embellishes Riga’s attractiveness.
Another impressive feature of the city worth looking
out for is the multicultural environment that has been
characteristic since its very origins, drawing in people
of many different nationalities including a prominent
presence of Latvians, Germans, Russians, Poles, Swedes
and Finns. Other cultural explorations worth seeking
out are music performed by the world-renowned
Latvian choirs, impressive opera, modern art
performances, popular music concerts, art exhibitions,
national celebrations and interactive exhibitions.
MUSEUM OF THE
OCCUPATION OF LATVIA
SIGHTSEEING IN THE CAPITAL
In the last century, both the Soviet and Nazi
occupations of Latvia left behind a chilling legacy,
most notably remembered in the well-chronicled
and spirited Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
More than 100,000 tourists visit every year;
around two thirds are foreign visitors, including
distinguished state guests of Latvia. It’s an
important building to Latvian nationals as it offers
a chance for reflection, and remembers a painful
period of Latvia’s past which has shaped the nation’s
culture, economy and politics today.
Image by: Alex Tihonovs / Shutterstock.com
FREEDOM MONUMENT
Riga’s central landmark for nearly a century, the
Freedom Monument stands as a symbol of Latvia’s
strive for independence. Standing at 42.7m tall
and made from granite and copper, a woman
stands atop the monument holding three golden
stars which represent Latvia’s regions of Kurzeme,
Vidzeme and Latgale. During the Soviet occupation,
any gathering at the Freedom Monument was
strictly forbidden. A guard of honour can be found
here between 9am-6pm. The guards are comprised
of soldiers from The Company of Guard of Honour
of the Headquarters Battalion of the National
Armed Forces and the changing of the guards is a
particularly impressive sight.
47
Riga’s cobbled streets exude a grace and confidence
which has seen it come through occupation under Nazi
and Soviet regimes. A number of sites which date back
centuries create a fairy tale atmosphere, particularly in
the Old Town which embellishes Riga’s attractiveness.
Another impressive feature of the city worth looking
out for is the multicultural environment that has been
characteristic since its very origins, drawing in people
of many different nationalities including a prominent
presence of Latvians, Germans, Russians, Poles, Swedes
and Finns. Other cultural explorations worth seeking
out are music performed by the world-renowned
Latvian choirs, impressive opera, modern art
performances, popular music concerts, art exhibitions,
national celebrations and interactive exhibitions.
MUSEUM OF THE
OCCUPATION OF LATVIA
SIGHTSEEING IN THE CAPITAL
In the last century, both the Soviet and Nazi
occupations of Latvia left behind a chilling legacy,
most notably remembered in the well-chronicled
and spirited Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
More than 100,000 tourists visit every year;
around two thirds are foreign visitors, including
distinguished state guests of Latvia. It’s an
important building to Latvian nationals as it offers
a chance for reflection, and remembers a painful
period of Latvia’s past which has shaped the nation’s
culture, economy and politics today.
Image by: Alex Tihonovs / Shutterstock.com
FREEDOM MONUMENT
Riga’s central landmark for nearly a century, the
Freedom Monument stands as a symbol of Latvia’s
strive for independence. Standing at 42.7m tall
and made from granite and copper, a woman
stands atop the monument holding three golden
stars which represent Latvia’s regions of Kurzeme,
Vidzeme and Latgale. During the Soviet occupation,
any gathering at the Freedom Monument was
strictly forbidden. A guard of honour can be found
here between 9am-6pm. The guards are comprised
of soldiers from The Company of Guard of Honour
of the Headquarters Battalion of the National
Armed Forces and the changing of the guards is a
particularly impressive sight.
