Ilvar's guidebook
My favorite museums
The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is the oldest in Latvia and the whole of the Baltics, and one of the oldest in Europe. The Museum is situated in Old Riga, in a remarkable architectural monument of the 13th–20th centuries – the ensemble of the Riga Dom.
The history of the Museum dates back to the 18th century. The rich and diverse collections of the Museum originated from an art and natural sciences collection of Nikolaus von Himsel (1729–1764), a Riga doctor. Upon his death, his mother Catherina von Himsel carried out his wish to have his collection handed over to the city of Riga. On 22February 1773, the Riga Town Council founded a museum, named it after Himsel and allocated to it the premises of the so-called Anatomical Theatre at Kalēju Street 34/36 (the building has not survived). In 1791, the Himsel Museum was moved to the east wing of the Dom ensemble, which had been rebuilt to accommodate the city library and the museum. An evidence of this is the image of an astrolabe and the inscription “Museum” on the pediment of the building. In 1816, a special Arts Cabinet was opened, while in 1881 the merging the collections of the Himsel Museum and the City numismatic collection formed the City Coin Cabinet.
The development of the Museum is closely connected with the activities of the Society for the Research of History and Antiquity in Russia’s Baltic Provinces (founded in 1834), the Society of Naturalists (1845), the Literary Practical Civic Society (1802) and the Riga Society of Practising Physicians (1822). The collections of the above societies were exhibited in the so-called Riga Museum (1858) at Šķūņu Street 11. In the 1860s the collections of natural sciences and archaeology from the Himsel Museum were turned over to the Riga Museum, but some of the collections went to the newly founded City Art Gallery.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia y Navegación de Riga
4 Palasta ielaThe Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is the oldest in Latvia and the whole of the Baltics, and one of the oldest in Europe. The Museum is situated in Old Riga, in a remarkable architectural monument of the 13th–20th centuries – the ensemble of the Riga Dom.
The history of the Museum dates back to the 18th century. The rich and diverse collections of the Museum originated from an art and natural sciences collection of Nikolaus von Himsel (1729–1764), a Riga doctor. Upon his death, his mother Catherina von Himsel carried out his wish to have his collection handed over to the city of Riga. On 22February 1773, the Riga Town Council founded a museum, named it after Himsel and allocated to it the premises of the so-called Anatomical Theatre at Kalēju Street 34/36 (the building has not survived). In 1791, the Himsel Museum was moved to the east wing of the Dom ensemble, which had been rebuilt to accommodate the city library and the museum. An evidence of this is the image of an astrolabe and the inscription “Museum” on the pediment of the building. In 1816, a special Arts Cabinet was opened, while in 1881 the merging the collections of the Himsel Museum and the City numismatic collection formed the City Coin Cabinet.
The development of the Museum is closely connected with the activities of the Society for the Research of History and Antiquity in Russia’s Baltic Provinces (founded in 1834), the Society of Naturalists (1845), the Literary Practical Civic Society (1802) and the Riga Society of Practising Physicians (1822). The collections of the above societies were exhibited in the so-called Riga Museum (1858) at Šķūņu Street 11. In the 1860s the collections of natural sciences and archaeology from the Himsel Museum were turned over to the Riga Museum, but some of the collections went to the newly founded City Art Gallery.
The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) has been open to the public since 6 July 1989. The museum has seven collections: textile art, ceramics, metal, leather, decorative wood and glaas art as well as a design collection.
The permanent display introduces visitors to the work of Latvia’s leading artists in decorative art and design. It tells about the dominant styles and movements in the period from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Alongside the permanent display, the museum regularly offers a broad range of exhibitions. Every year there are on average five exhibitions in the museum’s Great Hall. Special thematic shows associated with the permanent display are held in the vestibules on the museum’s upper floors.
When organising exhibitions, the museum makes creative use of its own collections and those of other museums in order to develop the public’s understanding of the history, present and future of decorative applied art and design. When organising exhibitions and educational programmes, the museum collaborates with working artists, designers and partner institutions in Latvia and abroad. IN its operations the museum strives to reflect the current processes in decorative applied art, fashion and design. The museum engages in interdisciplinary experimental projects that promote creative synergies between various branches of art.
An important role of the museum is in work on lifelong learning in order to encourage public interest in decorative applied art, craftsmanship and design. The museum is actively involved in developing closer ties between creators and consumers as well stimulating the exchange of opinions among professionals. There are regular series of various lectures and dialogues as well as creative workshops for children and adults. The series of conversations “Design Talks. Latvian Designers” has become especially popular in recent years. In its fourth season, the series has turned into a broader programme of events under the title of “Design Talks”.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of Decorative Art and Design
10 Skārņu ielaThe Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) has been open to the public since 6 July 1989. The museum has seven collections: textile art, ceramics, metal, leather, decorative wood and glaas art as well as a design collection.
The permanent display introduces visitors to the work of Latvia’s leading artists in decorative art and design. It tells about the dominant styles and movements in the period from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Alongside the permanent display, the museum regularly offers a broad range of exhibitions. Every year there are on average five exhibitions in the museum’s Great Hall. Special thematic shows associated with the permanent display are held in the vestibules on the museum’s upper floors.
When organising exhibitions, the museum makes creative use of its own collections and those of other museums in order to develop the public’s understanding of the history, present and future of decorative applied art and design. When organising exhibitions and educational programmes, the museum collaborates with working artists, designers and partner institutions in Latvia and abroad. IN its operations the museum strives to reflect the current processes in decorative applied art, fashion and design. The museum engages in interdisciplinary experimental projects that promote creative synergies between various branches of art.
An important role of the museum is in work on lifelong learning in order to encourage public interest in decorative applied art, craftsmanship and design. The museum is actively involved in developing closer ties between creators and consumers as well stimulating the exchange of opinions among professionals. There are regular series of various lectures and dialogues as well as creative workshops for children and adults. The series of conversations “Design Talks. Latvian Designers” has become especially popular in recent years. In its fourth season, the series has turned into a broader programme of events under the title of “Design Talks”.
The new permanent display Latvian art. 19th – 20th Century for the first time covers two centuries of the evolution of art in Latvia. The main objective was to create a visual, emotional story of Latvian art development and its social, geopolitical and historical context. In the display, the most important authors and art works from each period are selected.
It is modern and visitor friendly display, arranged chronologically by the principle of stylistic and narrative forms. A novelty in the display are the artworks from the time period 1945–2000, covering the art that has been created while Latvia was under the Soviet occupation and in the first decade of independence in 1990’s. In addition to traditional art forms – painting, sculpture and graphic art – also art works of the photo, installation and video are exhibited.
Display begins with an insight in Baltic German art scene in the 19th Century in the territory of present-day Latvia. It continues with a significant key moment in Latvian art development in the turn of the centuries – the birth of a conscious national art school. The first Latvian painters (trained at the St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Art) supplemented their Academic Realism experience with influences of Impressionism and other movements in Europe. The key figures from this period are Vilhelms Purvītis (1872–1945), Janis Rozentāls (1866–1916) and Johans Valters (1869–1932).
Outstanding episode in Latvian art is the period of Classical Modernism. After the founding of the independent national state (1918), artists loyal to the Parisian school continued to introduce contemporary innovations recreating impressions of the movement of classical modernism – Expressionism, Fauvism and Cubism. Artists as Jāzeps Grosvalds (1891–1920), Jēkabs Kazaks (1895–1920), Niklāvs Strunke (1894–1966), Romans Suta (1896–1944), Aleksandra Beļcova (1892–1981), Ģederts Eliass (1887–1975) are among the most important ones.
After the First World War, some of the Latvian artists became involved in developing new art movements in Soviet Russia. Today they are known in the world as significant masters of the Russian Avant-garde. The most famous one is Gustavs Klucis (1895–1938).
The part of the permanent display with the art works from the second half of the 20th century begins with the introduction of Socialist Realism – the depiction of subjects commensurate with communist ideology. In 1956, after Stalin’s cult of personality, Socialist Modernism became current. It featured expressive and abstract forms that were permitted to appear within the bounds of themes acceptable to socialism. As an anti-modernist reaction, the 1970s saw the blossoming of Socialist Post-Modernism – the return to the mimetic image but rejecting ideological themes and developing independent concepts and subjective motifs. The artists which can be highlighted form this period are Jānis Pauļuks (1906–1984), Boriss Bērziņš (1930–2002), Džemma Skulme (1925), Edgars Iltners (1925–1983), Ojārs Ābols (1922–1983), Maija Tabaka (1939).
In the second half of the 1980s Latvian art was in the avant-garde of political events. The young generation artists of this age were known as trespassers. A powerful wave of Neo-Expressionism depicts metaphors of the collapsing Soviet empire and the drama of a passing age. Conceptualists interpreted the age more rationally. In the 90s painters turned to a taboo of the Soviet years – Abstract art. There were radical changes in the hierarchy of art media; installations, objects and performances dominated. As the most important artists of this period we can mention Ilmārs Blumbergs (1943–2016), Aija Zariņa (1954), Kristaps Ģelzis (1962) and Andris Breže (1958).
The information about the display is accessible in different cognitive levels. The artworks have a central role in the display but it is complemented with a multimedia infrastructure to extend the visitor’s experience.
In the new permanent display around 500 art works from the museum’s collection are set. It is housed in the 2nd and 3rd floor of museum’s historic building.
171 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Nacional de Arte de Letonia
1 Jaņa Rozentāla laukumsThe new permanent display Latvian art. 19th – 20th Century for the first time covers two centuries of the evolution of art in Latvia. The main objective was to create a visual, emotional story of Latvian art development and its social, geopolitical and historical context. In the display, the most important authors and art works from each period are selected.
It is modern and visitor friendly display, arranged chronologically by the principle of stylistic and narrative forms. A novelty in the display are the artworks from the time period 1945–2000, covering the art that has been created while Latvia was under the Soviet occupation and in the first decade of independence in 1990’s. In addition to traditional art forms – painting, sculpture and graphic art – also art works of the photo, installation and video are exhibited.
Display begins with an insight in Baltic German art scene in the 19th Century in the territory of present-day Latvia. It continues with a significant key moment in Latvian art development in the turn of the centuries – the birth of a conscious national art school. The first Latvian painters (trained at the St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Art) supplemented their Academic Realism experience with influences of Impressionism and other movements in Europe. The key figures from this period are Vilhelms Purvītis (1872–1945), Janis Rozentāls (1866–1916) and Johans Valters (1869–1932).
Outstanding episode in Latvian art is the period of Classical Modernism. After the founding of the independent national state (1918), artists loyal to the Parisian school continued to introduce contemporary innovations recreating impressions of the movement of classical modernism – Expressionism, Fauvism and Cubism. Artists as Jāzeps Grosvalds (1891–1920), Jēkabs Kazaks (1895–1920), Niklāvs Strunke (1894–1966), Romans Suta (1896–1944), Aleksandra Beļcova (1892–1981), Ģederts Eliass (1887–1975) are among the most important ones.
After the First World War, some of the Latvian artists became involved in developing new art movements in Soviet Russia. Today they are known in the world as significant masters of the Russian Avant-garde. The most famous one is Gustavs Klucis (1895–1938).
The part of the permanent display with the art works from the second half of the 20th century begins with the introduction of Socialist Realism – the depiction of subjects commensurate with communist ideology. In 1956, after Stalin’s cult of personality, Socialist Modernism became current. It featured expressive and abstract forms that were permitted to appear within the bounds of themes acceptable to socialism. As an anti-modernist reaction, the 1970s saw the blossoming of Socialist Post-Modernism – the return to the mimetic image but rejecting ideological themes and developing independent concepts and subjective motifs. The artists which can be highlighted form this period are Jānis Pauļuks (1906–1984), Boriss Bērziņš (1930–2002), Džemma Skulme (1925), Edgars Iltners (1925–1983), Ojārs Ābols (1922–1983), Maija Tabaka (1939).
In the second half of the 1980s Latvian art was in the avant-garde of political events. The young generation artists of this age were known as trespassers. A powerful wave of Neo-Expressionism depicts metaphors of the collapsing Soviet empire and the drama of a passing age. Conceptualists interpreted the age more rationally. In the 90s painters turned to a taboo of the Soviet years – Abstract art. There were radical changes in the hierarchy of art media; installations, objects and performances dominated. As the most important artists of this period we can mention Ilmārs Blumbergs (1943–2016), Aija Zariņa (1954), Kristaps Ģelzis (1962) and Andris Breže (1958).
The information about the display is accessible in different cognitive levels. The artworks have a central role in the display but it is complemented with a multimedia infrastructure to extend the visitor’s experience.
In the new permanent display around 500 art works from the museum’s collection are set. It is housed in the 2nd and 3rd floor of museum’s historic building.
When entering the tiny Latvia of the former times that hides unobtrusively behind the pine forest at Lake Jugla, don’t strive to perceive it as a reality for it was a reality only to those from long ago. But the objects, structures, and households still continue to exist. You, a visitor and a stranger, will be rewarded with the intimacy of these treasures of our predecessors. This feeling, without any reminiscence of contemporary man, may be vague, imperfect or too subjective though nursed by many and winnowed by time.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Etnográfico al Aire Libre de Letonia
21 Brīvdabas ielaWhen entering the tiny Latvia of the former times that hides unobtrusively behind the pine forest at Lake Jugla, don’t strive to perceive it as a reality for it was a reality only to those from long ago. But the objects, structures, and households still continue to exist. You, a visitor and a stranger, will be rewarded with the intimacy of these treasures of our predecessors. This feeling, without any reminiscence of contemporary man, may be vague, imperfect or too subjective though nursed by many and winnowed by time.
Riga Motor Museum roots lay in the Antique Automobile Club of Latvia traditions, member enthusiasm and passion towards antique vehicles as an aesthetic value and part of cultural heritage. Through passion and dedication for these antique vehicles Riga Motor Museum was founded in 1989.
After a major reconstruction that began in 2013, the museum has gained modernized exposition space, a comfortable and enjoyable environment, as well as accessibility for all visitors.
The museum showcases more than a hundred unique antique vehicles and the collection is enriched with several significant acquisitions.
The new exposition tells fascinating stories about unique vehicles, renowned individuals and important milestones that helped to shape world’s automotive history.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riga Motormuseum
8 Sergeja Eizenšteina ielaRiga Motor Museum roots lay in the Antique Automobile Club of Latvia traditions, member enthusiasm and passion towards antique vehicles as an aesthetic value and part of cultural heritage. Through passion and dedication for these antique vehicles Riga Motor Museum was founded in 1989.
After a major reconstruction that began in 2013, the museum has gained modernized exposition space, a comfortable and enjoyable environment, as well as accessibility for all visitors.
The museum showcases more than a hundred unique antique vehicles and the collection is enriched with several significant acquisitions.
The new exposition tells fascinating stories about unique vehicles, renowned individuals and important milestones that helped to shape world’s automotive history.
Daugavgrīvas fortress has a significant place in the history of Latvia. Bible translator Johann Ernst Glück was living here in 1680-1683, and during World War I the first unit of Latvian troops was established here - the 1st Daugavgriva Latvian Riflemen Battalion (1915). The fortress was conquered by the 9th Latvian Freedom Fight The Rēzekne Infantry Regiment (1919). Today the fort is a monument of national significance. Part of its territory is included in the customs territory of the Republic of Latvia.
Daugavgrivas Cietoksnis
Daugavgrīvas fortress has a significant place in the history of Latvia. Bible translator Johann Ernst Glück was living here in 1680-1683, and during World War I the first unit of Latvian troops was established here - the 1st Daugavgriva Latvian Riflemen Battalion (1915). The fortress was conquered by the 9th Latvian Freedom Fight The Rēzekne Infantry Regiment (1919). Today the fort is a monument of national significance. Part of its territory is included in the customs territory of the Republic of Latvia.
The museum Riga Art Nouveau Centre is the only museum in the Baltic States dedicated to the Art Nouveau heritage.
The building of the museum at Alberta iela 12 was built in 1903 as a private house of the famous Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns who designed it together with Eižens Laube. The façade of the monumental building boasts ornamental reliefs with stylised motifs of plants and animals occurring in Latvia. They have also been used in the interior design. The impressive spiral staircase is one of the most magnificent masterpieces not only in Riga, but also in Europe.
The museum features an authentic interior of an Art Nouveau apartment and a modern digital exposition. The interior has fully captured the essence of Art Nouveau starting with the layout of rooms, original wall paintings and plafonds and ending with furnishings. The interior displays furniture, tableware, artworks, clocks, clothing, embroidery and other items used in Riga.
A modern and interactive digital exposition tells about the magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, design and art of Riga and about everyday life of Rigans in the early 20th century. Here everyone can furnish their Art Nouveau house, watch a film or have their picture taken in the interior of a specially designed photo studio.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riga Art Nouveau
13 Alberta ielaThe museum Riga Art Nouveau Centre is the only museum in the Baltic States dedicated to the Art Nouveau heritage.
The building of the museum at Alberta iela 12 was built in 1903 as a private house of the famous Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns who designed it together with Eižens Laube. The façade of the monumental building boasts ornamental reliefs with stylised motifs of plants and animals occurring in Latvia. They have also been used in the interior design. The impressive spiral staircase is one of the most magnificent masterpieces not only in Riga, but also in Europe.
The museum features an authentic interior of an Art Nouveau apartment and a modern digital exposition. The interior has fully captured the essence of Art Nouveau starting with the layout of rooms, original wall paintings and plafonds and ending with furnishings. The interior displays furniture, tableware, artworks, clocks, clothing, embroidery and other items used in Riga.
A modern and interactive digital exposition tells about the magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, design and art of Riga and about everyday life of Rigans in the early 20th century. Here everyone can furnish their Art Nouveau house, watch a film or have their picture taken in the interior of a specially designed photo studio.
Museums outside Riga
Rundāle Palace is one of the two major baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia, the other being Jelgava Palace. The palace was built in two periods, from 1736 until 1740 and from 1764 until 1768. It is situated at Pilsrundāle, 12 km west of Bauska.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rundāle Palace
Rundāle Palace is one of the two major baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia, the other being Jelgava Palace. The palace was built in two periods, from 1736 until 1740 and from 1764 until 1768. It is situated at Pilsrundāle, 12 km west of Bauska.
Ligatne is one of the most beautiful nature corners in the Gauja National Park.
On the one hand, Ligatne is connected to the only paper producer in Latvia, on the other hand, to the old valley of Gauja River and Gauja National Park, but in the center of it there is Ligatne historical complex of paper industry with a unique “Historical center of Ligatne Paper Mill village”.
The historical development of the village of Ligatne Paper Mill is at least 200 years long. Ligatne is situated on 6 hills: Rigaskalns, Springukalns, Skolaskalns, Plucukalns, Kiberkalns and Remdenkalns, in the middle of which there is a valley named Zakusala.
For already 190 years the name of Ligatne has been related to the paper mill. Its historical center together with historical buildings of the mill is included in the list of cultural monuments of national importance.
Līgatnes pilsēta
Ligatne is one of the most beautiful nature corners in the Gauja National Park.
On the one hand, Ligatne is connected to the only paper producer in Latvia, on the other hand, to the old valley of Gauja River and Gauja National Park, but in the center of it there is Ligatne historical complex of paper industry with a unique “Historical center of Ligatne Paper Mill village”.
The historical development of the village of Ligatne Paper Mill is at least 200 years long. Ligatne is situated on 6 hills: Rigaskalns, Springukalns, Skolaskalns, Plucukalns, Kiberkalns and Remdenkalns, in the middle of which there is a valley named Zakusala.
For already 190 years the name of Ligatne has been related to the paper mill. Its historical center together with historical buildings of the mill is included in the list of cultural monuments of national importance.
Turaida Castle is a recently reconstructed medieval castle in Turaida, in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, on the opposite bank of the Gauja River from Sigulda.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Turaida Castle
10 Turaidas ielaTuraida Castle is a recently reconstructed medieval castle in Turaida, in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, on the opposite bank of the Gauja River from Sigulda.
For years Jūrmala is known not only for its healing resources, but also for ancient fishermen villages on the shore of the Gulf of Riga. The principal occupation of the ancient inhabitants of Jūrmala was river and sea fishing.
The economic growth at the turn of the 19th–20th century in Latvia influenced the life in fishermen villages as well – new boats and ships were built, boat wharves and buildings were constructed. Thanks to Krišjānis Valdemārs, at the end of the 19th century the Latvian seafaring was reborn. After the studies, sons of fishermen became helmsmen and captains who travelled to faraway lands and seas. At the start of the 20th century, relationships among fishermen became tighter in order to be able to go fishing together, sell the catch and have fun as well. In 1904, the first Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Society was founded. Cooperative fishermen organisations continued to operate also during the first period of the independent Republic of Latvia.
The World Wars I and II severely affected the life of fishermen villages, in many places only the names of houses and boat wrecks sunken into dunes were remained from the former welfare. Many fishermen were killed at the war front, drowned in the sea or went away as refugees. During the harsh post-war years, fishermen had to collect their equipment completely anew – buy new boats, fishnets and other fishing inventories.
On 18 July 1947, the Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Society was abolished, and instead the Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Artel (since October of 1949 – fishermen kolkhoz “Uzvara”) was established.
In the course of time the kolkhoz turned into a strong and rich farming entity, its ships were fishing not only in the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea, but also in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Barents Sea. Modern coastal economy was built with fish-processing plants, a ship wharf, a vessel and equipment-repair base, a fish refrigerator house, woodworking and other production departments.
In 1970, when at the fishermen kolkhoz “Uzvara” many works had been finalised and there was enough money in the kolkhoz’s cash-office, the management together with Andrejs Šulcs (1910–2006), who was the artist of the kolkhoz and the first director of the museum at that time, decided to establish a museum of fishery in a pine forest near the Raga Dune.
In 1992, the collective farm of fishermen “Uzvara” was transformed into the joint-stock company “Jūraslīcis”. After the bankruptcy of the company, the Jūrmala Town Council purchased the buildings and collections of the museum in 2002. Since 1 January 2003, it functions as a branch of the Jūrmala Town Museum – Jūrmala Open-Air Museum, which is a significant part of culture and history of Jūrmala and entire Latvia. The Jūrmala Open-Air Museum serves to the whole community, it aims to popularise and study the development of the most ancient occupation of Jūrmala residents – fishery in Jūrmala and its nearest vicinity, to preserve the collection of fishery-related ethnographic buildings and historical testimonies at the museum for future generations.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jurmala open-air museum
1A Tīklu iela For years Jūrmala is known not only for its healing resources, but also for ancient fishermen villages on the shore of the Gulf of Riga. The principal occupation of the ancient inhabitants of Jūrmala was river and sea fishing.
The economic growth at the turn of the 19th–20th century in Latvia influenced the life in fishermen villages as well – new boats and ships were built, boat wharves and buildings were constructed. Thanks to Krišjānis Valdemārs, at the end of the 19th century the Latvian seafaring was reborn. After the studies, sons of fishermen became helmsmen and captains who travelled to faraway lands and seas. At the start of the 20th century, relationships among fishermen became tighter in order to be able to go fishing together, sell the catch and have fun as well. In 1904, the first Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Society was founded. Cooperative fishermen organisations continued to operate also during the first period of the independent Republic of Latvia.
The World Wars I and II severely affected the life of fishermen villages, in many places only the names of houses and boat wrecks sunken into dunes were remained from the former welfare. Many fishermen were killed at the war front, drowned in the sea or went away as refugees. During the harsh post-war years, fishermen had to collect their equipment completely anew – buy new boats, fishnets and other fishing inventories.
On 18 July 1947, the Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Society was abolished, and instead the Riga’s Jūrmala Fishermen Artel (since October of 1949 – fishermen kolkhoz “Uzvara”) was established.
In the course of time the kolkhoz turned into a strong and rich farming entity, its ships were fishing not only in the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea, but also in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Barents Sea. Modern coastal economy was built with fish-processing plants, a ship wharf, a vessel and equipment-repair base, a fish refrigerator house, woodworking and other production departments.
In 1970, when at the fishermen kolkhoz “Uzvara” many works had been finalised and there was enough money in the kolkhoz’s cash-office, the management together with Andrejs Šulcs (1910–2006), who was the artist of the kolkhoz and the first director of the museum at that time, decided to establish a museum of fishery in a pine forest near the Raga Dune.
In 1992, the collective farm of fishermen “Uzvara” was transformed into the joint-stock company “Jūraslīcis”. After the bankruptcy of the company, the Jūrmala Town Council purchased the buildings and collections of the museum in 2002. Since 1 January 2003, it functions as a branch of the Jūrmala Town Museum – Jūrmala Open-Air Museum, which is a significant part of culture and history of Jūrmala and entire Latvia. The Jūrmala Open-Air Museum serves to the whole community, it aims to popularise and study the development of the most ancient occupation of Jūrmala residents – fishery in Jūrmala and its nearest vicinity, to preserve the collection of fishery-related ethnographic buildings and historical testimonies at the museum for future generations.
The area of the park is 150 hectares. Ragakapa Nature Park is a specially protected territory of nature formed in order to preserve the dunes covered with an ancient pine forest and the biodiversity on the sea coast. Ragakapa, reaching the height of 17 metres, is protected by the state since 1962. In order to introduce the visitors to the natural values of the territory, two nature trails have been established in the park. One of the trails leads through the pine forest, is approximately 2 km long, and is mostly formed of boardwalks. Information stands and benches are placed along the route, and in its steepest places - stairs. Near the Open-Air Museum by the stairs you can leave this trail and go to the second trail maintained by the JSC "Latvijas valsts mezi".
The nature trail provides information about the biodiversity of the park, the unusual history of Ragakapa sceneries, plants, development of a natural old pine forest, and traces left by the insects in the forest. The constantly changing ecosystem of the Nature Park is the only refuge for many rare species. Seven biotopes protected in the European Union can be found there, including embryonic dunes, white dunes, forested coastal dunes, and naturally developed old coniferous forests. Forested coastal dunes are a specially protected biotope in Latvia. In the park 21 specially protected species may be found: eight plant species, one mushroom species, eight species of insects and four species of birds. Sand pink, protected in the European Union, grows in the Park; stock dove, black woodpecker, wood lark and tawny pipit make their nests there. Taking into consideration these values of Ragakapa Nature Park, it has been included in the network of protected territories of the European Union NATURA 2000.
Both colourfully blooming and more modest plants welcome you to the Ragakapa Nature Park and accompany you through it. Each plant has adapted for growing in special conditions. In the sun-bathed slopes of forested coastal dunes such plant species find home that are not harmed by dryness, but more shadowy northern slopes provide more dampness for species preferring the shade. The nearness of sea, influence of wind, and salty sandy soil form a unique micro-world inhabited only by the strongest. Eight in Latvia specially protected plant species have been discovered here.
Residents of Latvia usually do not see dunes as something special: we are used to seeing them on our coast, stretching along it almost for 500 km. Yet in many places across the world there are no dunes, therefore they are a unique ecosystem in Europe. For many species of plants and animals the dunes are the only suitable environment for life. The soil mantle of the dunes is very fragile. Once destroyed, it takes a very long time to be restored. For this reason, it is forbidden to damage the soil mantle of the dunes, drive a motor vehicle in the dunes, make bonfires there, or build tents. Dunes have been formed on the coast of the sea through centuries. At the beginning of the 20th century the wandering white sand dunes were forested; pines were planted there, since these trees are able to survive the harsh conditions on the coast. The dunes nearest to the sea still continue to be formed.
Dry and hollow trees are a significant habitation for various species of birds. The hollows provide a place for woodpeckers, tits, flycatchers to build their nests in, as well as for the owls and even some species of ducks. Old, large runts often become a peculiar multi-apartment houses: the hollows of the trees may be a home for flycatchers and tits; behind a bark slightly parted from the tree stump a treecreeper may build its little nest; but at the top of the broken stump one of the thrushes may nest. Hollows in the trees may form in several ways: they may open in the places where the tree has broken by the help of wood mushrooms and insects; as the time passes the tree may slowly rot away; or the birds may make these hollows. Most often holes are made by the woodpeckers who make a new hollow each year; in the following years other birds who do not make hollows may nest there. Hollows can be sometimes made by two species of tits: crested tit and willow tit who usually choose soft, rotten trees.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ragakapa Nature Park
The area of the park is 150 hectares. Ragakapa Nature Park is a specially protected territory of nature formed in order to preserve the dunes covered with an ancient pine forest and the biodiversity on the sea coast. Ragakapa, reaching the height of 17 metres, is protected by the state since 1962. In order to introduce the visitors to the natural values of the territory, two nature trails have been established in the park. One of the trails leads through the pine forest, is approximately 2 km long, and is mostly formed of boardwalks. Information stands and benches are placed along the route, and in its steepest places - stairs. Near the Open-Air Museum by the stairs you can leave this trail and go to the second trail maintained by the JSC "Latvijas valsts mezi".
The nature trail provides information about the biodiversity of the park, the unusual history of Ragakapa sceneries, plants, development of a natural old pine forest, and traces left by the insects in the forest. The constantly changing ecosystem of the Nature Park is the only refuge for many rare species. Seven biotopes protected in the European Union can be found there, including embryonic dunes, white dunes, forested coastal dunes, and naturally developed old coniferous forests. Forested coastal dunes are a specially protected biotope in Latvia. In the park 21 specially protected species may be found: eight plant species, one mushroom species, eight species of insects and four species of birds. Sand pink, protected in the European Union, grows in the Park; stock dove, black woodpecker, wood lark and tawny pipit make their nests there. Taking into consideration these values of Ragakapa Nature Park, it has been included in the network of protected territories of the European Union NATURA 2000.
Both colourfully blooming and more modest plants welcome you to the Ragakapa Nature Park and accompany you through it. Each plant has adapted for growing in special conditions. In the sun-bathed slopes of forested coastal dunes such plant species find home that are not harmed by dryness, but more shadowy northern slopes provide more dampness for species preferring the shade. The nearness of sea, influence of wind, and salty sandy soil form a unique micro-world inhabited only by the strongest. Eight in Latvia specially protected plant species have been discovered here.
Residents of Latvia usually do not see dunes as something special: we are used to seeing them on our coast, stretching along it almost for 500 km. Yet in many places across the world there are no dunes, therefore they are a unique ecosystem in Europe. For many species of plants and animals the dunes are the only suitable environment for life. The soil mantle of the dunes is very fragile. Once destroyed, it takes a very long time to be restored. For this reason, it is forbidden to damage the soil mantle of the dunes, drive a motor vehicle in the dunes, make bonfires there, or build tents. Dunes have been formed on the coast of the sea through centuries. At the beginning of the 20th century the wandering white sand dunes were forested; pines were planted there, since these trees are able to survive the harsh conditions on the coast. The dunes nearest to the sea still continue to be formed.
Dry and hollow trees are a significant habitation for various species of birds. The hollows provide a place for woodpeckers, tits, flycatchers to build their nests in, as well as for the owls and even some species of ducks. Old, large runts often become a peculiar multi-apartment houses: the hollows of the trees may be a home for flycatchers and tits; behind a bark slightly parted from the tree stump a treecreeper may build its little nest; but at the top of the broken stump one of the thrushes may nest. Hollows in the trees may form in several ways: they may open in the places where the tree has broken by the help of wood mushrooms and insects; as the time passes the tree may slowly rot away; or the birds may make these hollows. Most often holes are made by the woodpeckers who make a new hollow each year; in the following years other birds who do not make hollows may nest there. Hollows can be sometimes made by two species of tits: crested tit and willow tit who usually choose soft, rotten trees.
The castle complex with its historically romantic environment is a special fascination for both Cēsis people and visitors to the town. More than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meets here, each with its own time, aura and message for today and the future.
The castle complex is located in the very centre of the city, where in a small area a number of uniquely different historical areas intertwine. One of the most mysterious monuments of pre-crusader times is Riekstu Hill, a ancient hillfort once inhabited by Vendi tribe – the cradle of present day Cēsis. Right next to Riekstu Hill the castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Teutonic order is located. In the middle Ages it was one of the most important footholds for the Teutonic Order in the Baltics, but nowadays – most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia. In its turn, the castle manor complex dominated by the manor house together with May and Castle Park manifests the Romanticism movement of the 18th and 19th century.
Since 2004 the castle complex had been managed by the municipality’sagency “Cēsis Culture and Tourism Centre”, whose mission is to preserve and develop Cēsis castle complex and integrate it in to an active tourism business. The Agency is also responsible for Cēsis History and Art Museum, the Tourism Development and Information Centre and Cesis Cultural Centre.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cēsis Castle
11 Pils laukumsThe castle complex with its historically romantic environment is a special fascination for both Cēsis people and visitors to the town. More than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meets here, each with its own time, aura and message for today and the future.
The castle complex is located in the very centre of the city, where in a small area a number of uniquely different historical areas intertwine. One of the most mysterious monuments of pre-crusader times is Riekstu Hill, a ancient hillfort once inhabited by Vendi tribe – the cradle of present day Cēsis. Right next to Riekstu Hill the castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Teutonic order is located. In the middle Ages it was one of the most important footholds for the Teutonic Order in the Baltics, but nowadays – most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia. In its turn, the castle manor complex dominated by the manor house together with May and Castle Park manifests the Romanticism movement of the 18th and 19th century.
Since 2004 the castle complex had been managed by the municipality’sagency “Cēsis Culture and Tourism Centre”, whose mission is to preserve and develop Cēsis castle complex and integrate it in to an active tourism business. The Agency is also responsible for Cēsis History and Art Museum, the Tourism Development and Information Centre and Cesis Cultural Centre.
Gauja National Park is characterized by a high biological diversity, rock outcrops and varied terrain shapes, springs, picturesque landscapes and many historical and cultural monuments from different centuries.
Gauja National Park is a state-level protected area that includes a large part of the territory of Sigulda and several neighbouring counties.
It was established on 14 September 1973 and is therefore the first and the oldest national park in Latvia. It was established in order to protect slightly disturbed natural areas, promote nature tourism and ensure sustainable development in the area.
National park is characterized by a high biological diversity, rock outcrops and varied terrain shapes, springs, picturesque landscapes and many historical and cultural monuments from different centuries. The major part of the national park and the dominant is the old valley of the Gauja River. The valley is protected and at the same time it can be used for nature and cultural history tourism, as well as healthy recreation.
The area of the park is 91 745 ha and it is dividend into five functional zones. Nature reserves take up a rather small but at the same time very valuable part of the park and visits are prohibited to these areas. In the rest of the territory is allowed only such economic activities, which do not substantially change the historically developed structure of the landscape.
Forests take up ~47 %, almost one half of the territory. There are almost 900 plant species, 149 bird and 48 mammal species found in the territory. Since 2004 Gauja NP is a part of Natura 2000 network as a territory, which is designed for conservation of protected species and biotopes.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gauja National Park
30 Lielā ielaGauja National Park is characterized by a high biological diversity, rock outcrops and varied terrain shapes, springs, picturesque landscapes and many historical and cultural monuments from different centuries.
Gauja National Park is a state-level protected area that includes a large part of the territory of Sigulda and several neighbouring counties.
It was established on 14 September 1973 and is therefore the first and the oldest national park in Latvia. It was established in order to protect slightly disturbed natural areas, promote nature tourism and ensure sustainable development in the area.
National park is characterized by a high biological diversity, rock outcrops and varied terrain shapes, springs, picturesque landscapes and many historical and cultural monuments from different centuries. The major part of the national park and the dominant is the old valley of the Gauja River. The valley is protected and at the same time it can be used for nature and cultural history tourism, as well as healthy recreation.
The area of the park is 91 745 ha and it is dividend into five functional zones. Nature reserves take up a rather small but at the same time very valuable part of the park and visits are prohibited to these areas. In the rest of the territory is allowed only such economic activities, which do not substantially change the historically developed structure of the landscape.
Forests take up ~47 %, almost one half of the territory. There are almost 900 plant species, 149 bird and 48 mammal species found in the territory. Since 2004 Gauja NP is a part of Natura 2000 network as a territory, which is designed for conservation of protected species and biotopes.
The Castle of the Livonian order, which houses Ventspils Museum since September 2001, is the oldest preserved building in Ventspils, built in the second half of the 13th century (first mentioned in 1290).
The castle was built as a convent-house type building with an inner yard, and can be regarded as the oldest medieval fortress in Latvia to have retained its original form virtually unchanged.
In its turn, the castle chapel is the oldest preserved church building in the region of Kurzeme. In the 13th–16th century the castle was used by the brothers of the Livonian Order, later there was an Evangelical Lutheran church in the castle (1706–1835), a Russian Orthodox church (1845–1901) and also a prison (1832–1959). The castle housed various administrative institutions and army units. The Soviet garrison left the castle in 1983. In 1997 the castle fa?ades were restored and the area around it improved. In the course of study and restoration work, unique 15th–17th century mural fragments were discovered under several layers of plaster, and much evidence concerning the castle and its inhabitants was obtained during archaeological excavation.
Restoration work is still underway. In early September 2001, when the first stage of restoration was complete, the permanent exhibition of Ventspils Museum opened, devoted to the history of the castle, the city, the port and the Ventspils region, and featuring Latvia’s only digital exhibition ‘Living history’. The exhibition has been arranged in the attractive castle tower, which has a ‘tele-panorama’ on the fifth floor, as well on as the first floor of the castle, where the great chimney can be seen, and where there is also a museum education centre providing the opportunity for children’s and young people’s activities. The final stage in the rebirth of the castle is closely related to the years of 2011-2012. A new, stae-of-art exhibition of the museum has now been revealed there.
The museum regularly sees temporary exhibitions on art and history, as well as concerts and other events that enrich the city’s cultural life.
Livonijas Ordeņa pils
17 Jāņa ielaThe Castle of the Livonian order, which houses Ventspils Museum since September 2001, is the oldest preserved building in Ventspils, built in the second half of the 13th century (first mentioned in 1290).
The castle was built as a convent-house type building with an inner yard, and can be regarded as the oldest medieval fortress in Latvia to have retained its original form virtually unchanged.
In its turn, the castle chapel is the oldest preserved church building in the region of Kurzeme. In the 13th–16th century the castle was used by the brothers of the Livonian Order, later there was an Evangelical Lutheran church in the castle (1706–1835), a Russian Orthodox church (1845–1901) and also a prison (1832–1959). The castle housed various administrative institutions and army units. The Soviet garrison left the castle in 1983. In 1997 the castle fa?ades were restored and the area around it improved. In the course of study and restoration work, unique 15th–17th century mural fragments were discovered under several layers of plaster, and much evidence concerning the castle and its inhabitants was obtained during archaeological excavation.
Restoration work is still underway. In early September 2001, when the first stage of restoration was complete, the permanent exhibition of Ventspils Museum opened, devoted to the history of the castle, the city, the port and the Ventspils region, and featuring Latvia’s only digital exhibition ‘Living history’. The exhibition has been arranged in the attractive castle tower, which has a ‘tele-panorama’ on the fifth floor, as well on as the first floor of the castle, where the great chimney can be seen, and where there is also a museum education centre providing the opportunity for children’s and young people’s activities. The final stage in the rebirth of the castle is closely related to the years of 2011-2012. A new, stae-of-art exhibition of the museum has now been revealed there.
The museum regularly sees temporary exhibitions on art and history, as well as concerts and other events that enrich the city’s cultural life.
My favorite restaurants
Province – traditional pub in Riga and Latvia. Best dishes of Latvian cuisine prepared according to the old-time recipes.
Imagine for a moment – all around you are endless green fields of the countryside, sonorous pine forests, clear blue rivers and lakes, and in the very middle of this nature is proudly standing a solid steading – a place where several generations have been cooking the most incredible Latvian traditional dishes according to the old-time recipes. This is exactly the type of atmosphere “Province” is inviting its guests to enjoy.
Peculiarities of the national cuisine:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and treats. It is almost like visiting a nurturing Latvian grandma!
The restaurant is furnished in natural, soft-tone colors, allowing to fully relax and enjoy the flow of the peaceful Latvian province life. Additionally, the woodwork and accessories for the interior are handmade by Latvian craftsmen.
Restaurant “Province” is operating in Riga since the year 2000, meaning that we have experience in serving the clients of more than 15 years. The place is popular amongst local gourmets, as well as preferred amongst guests of the city. It is also important that many of the employees of the restaurant have been working here since the very opening, providing the clients with great service and food of the highest quality standards.
Province restaurant
3 Kaļķu ielaProvince – traditional pub in Riga and Latvia. Best dishes of Latvian cuisine prepared according to the old-time recipes.
Imagine for a moment – all around you are endless green fields of the countryside, sonorous pine forests, clear blue rivers and lakes, and in the very middle of this nature is proudly standing a solid steading – a place where several generations have been cooking the most incredible Latvian traditional dishes according to the old-time recipes. This is exactly the type of atmosphere “Province” is inviting its guests to enjoy.
Peculiarities of the national cuisine:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and treats. It is almost like visiting a nurturing Latvian grandma!
The restaurant is furnished in natural, soft-tone colors, allowing to fully relax and enjoy the flow of the peaceful Latvian province life. Additionally, the woodwork and accessories for the interior are handmade by Latvian craftsmen.
Restaurant “Province” is operating in Riga since the year 2000, meaning that we have experience in serving the clients of more than 15 years. The place is popular amongst local gourmets, as well as preferred amongst guests of the city. It is also important that many of the employees of the restaurant have been working here since the very opening, providing the clients with great service and food of the highest quality standards.
The restaurant Domini Canes is located in a place of historical significance: in the old town amongst the churches of St. Peter and St. John. From both the summer terrace and the tables within the restaurant you will see the picturesque St. Peter’s.
Let the restaurant take you on a journey into the culinary world, for it is an adventure worth taking whether you are considering a business lunch, a coffee break, a peaceful evening’s relaxation, or meeting a friend over a glass of wine. The restaurant’s good fame is known far beyond the borders of Latvia and the restaurant has become a travel destination of gourmets. Domini Canes is one of the restaurants where the total of the bill matches the quality of the service, not even mentioning the professional mastery of the cooks and their ability to discover new taste combinations.
The restaurant welcomed its first visitors in the autumn of 2009, to an interior dominated by the beige and rich brown so characteristic of the North. A light stone wall and columns in the space between the windows create an appealing place to which a chandelier and candlesticks on the walls add a pleasant cosiness. Peaceful jazz music in the background makes for a nice and relaxed atmosphere. There are no excesses in the interior; every bit, the furniture and the decorative details of the metal forgings included, have been created by Latvian craftsmen.
Yet what good would the interior be without an adequate menu? We have given it much thought: our chef has created an interesting selection of contemporary cuisine dishes. The menu is based on seasonally available local products, the riches that the Latvian fields and forests provide, featuring vegetables grown on small Latvian farms and mushrooms and berries picked in the woods.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurant Domini Canes
18/20 Skārņu ielaThe restaurant Domini Canes is located in a place of historical significance: in the old town amongst the churches of St. Peter and St. John. From both the summer terrace and the tables within the restaurant you will see the picturesque St. Peter’s.
Let the restaurant take you on a journey into the culinary world, for it is an adventure worth taking whether you are considering a business lunch, a coffee break, a peaceful evening’s relaxation, or meeting a friend over a glass of wine. The restaurant’s good fame is known far beyond the borders of Latvia and the restaurant has become a travel destination of gourmets. Domini Canes is one of the restaurants where the total of the bill matches the quality of the service, not even mentioning the professional mastery of the cooks and their ability to discover new taste combinations.
The restaurant welcomed its first visitors in the autumn of 2009, to an interior dominated by the beige and rich brown so characteristic of the North. A light stone wall and columns in the space between the windows create an appealing place to which a chandelier and candlesticks on the walls add a pleasant cosiness. Peaceful jazz music in the background makes for a nice and relaxed atmosphere. There are no excesses in the interior; every bit, the furniture and the decorative details of the metal forgings included, have been created by Latvian craftsmen.
Yet what good would the interior be without an adequate menu? We have given it much thought: our chef has created an interesting selection of contemporary cuisine dishes. The menu is based on seasonally available local products, the riches that the Latvian fields and forests provide, featuring vegetables grown on small Latvian farms and mushrooms and berries picked in the woods.
Live music and concerts are an integral part of having an enjoyable time. There are a live music at least five nights a week, with artists and groups from not only Latvia’s folk and post-folk music community but also groups and artists from all over the world.
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Folkklubs ALA pagrabs
19 Peldu ielaLive music and concerts are an integral part of having an enjoyable time. There are a live music at least five nights a week, with artists and groups from not only Latvia’s folk and post-folk music community but also groups and artists from all over the world.
THE RESTAURANT FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS IN 2010. ITS STORY IS MUCH OLDER THOUGH — 20 YEARS AGO TWO FRIENDS MET UP AND DECIDED TO FOUND A CONFECTIONERY. THIS IDEA HAS GROWN NOW AND DELIGHTS CUSTOMERS WITH THREE RESTAURANTS: ON BAZNĪCAS STREET AND NOMETŅU STREET IN RIGA, AS WELL AS IN SIGULDA.
BASED ON GOOD TRADITIONS, FRIENDSHIP AND MAXIMUM USE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS, THE RESTAURANT OFFERS TASTY FOOD, EXCELLENT WINES, LOCAL TEAS AND SELF-MADE BREAD DAILY.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE FAZENDA BAZĀRS RESTAURANTS, WHERE THE CHARM OF MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES SEAMLESSLY BLENDS IN WITH ELEMENTS OF LATVIAN CULTURE, ARE TRULY SPECIAL. A HOMELY ATMOSPHERE — TASTE, SPACE AND TRADITION.
WE HAVE A TASTE FOR FOOD!
We have a taste for food!
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fazenda
7 Nometņu ielaTHE RESTAURANT FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS IN 2010. ITS STORY IS MUCH OLDER THOUGH — 20 YEARS AGO TWO FRIENDS MET UP AND DECIDED TO FOUND A CONFECTIONERY. THIS IDEA HAS GROWN NOW AND DELIGHTS CUSTOMERS WITH THREE RESTAURANTS: ON BAZNĪCAS STREET AND NOMETŅU STREET IN RIGA, AS WELL AS IN SIGULDA.
BASED ON GOOD TRADITIONS, FRIENDSHIP AND MAXIMUM USE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS, THE RESTAURANT OFFERS TASTY FOOD, EXCELLENT WINES, LOCAL TEAS AND SELF-MADE BREAD DAILY.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE FAZENDA BAZĀRS RESTAURANTS, WHERE THE CHARM OF MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES SEAMLESSLY BLENDS IN WITH ELEMENTS OF LATVIAN CULTURE, ARE TRULY SPECIAL. A HOMELY ATMOSPHERE — TASTE, SPACE AND TRADITION.
WE HAVE A TASTE FOR FOOD!
We have a taste for food!
Kanepes Kulturas centrs aim is to provide a regular and versatile cultural programme to a wide audience, as well as encourage the emergence of new and creative ideas, provide space for the experiments of young artists, musicians, writers and other creative souls. It is a popular place of recreation and entertainment, a platform for all kinds of events and experiments, conversations, impulses of change and freedom of thought.
Another important aim is to renovate the beautiful building on Skolas 15 by preserving its historical and cultural values and returning Riga and its people a publicly accessible cultural oasis in right in the heart of the city.
The building of Kanepes Kulturas centrs is more than one hundred years old. A long time ago Baltic German and Russian aristocrats held social events in the house. During the first Independence, the house was dominated by bohème. Later on, voices of students of the Art Academy of Latvia and instruments played by pupils of Jazeps Medins Music school filled the rooms and corridors. The building was abandoned for some time, and then Kanepes Kulturas centrs inhabited it.
Code of Conduct of KKc
KKc is open to different people, ideas and opinions, as long as these people, ideas and opinions do not compromise somebody else’s freedom. In order to make that happen, we invite our staff, artists, visitors, friends and partners to observe this code of conduct:
We treat one another and this house with respect
That means that phrases like thank you, please, hello and good-bye go a long way. That means that we take care of the house and the things in it.
We are practicing a here and now approach
That means that we respect the artists and other audience members by leaving our conversations, phone signals and bright screens or flashes outside the event spaces and the dance floor.
We set clear boundaries
That means that everyone can choose, whether they want to talk, dance, interact with others or be with themselves. That means that everyone can set their own boundaries that nobody is to trespass. That means that No is No and only Yes is Yes.
That means that certain behaviours (like harassment, discrimination, violent speech or violence in general) has no place in house (as it should not be elsewhere) and will not be tolerated.
That means that our staff keeps the right to decide when and whom to serve or not.
We are the Code of Conduct
That means that we are all in this together – visitors, staff, artists, friends and acquaintances and there are no VIP passes out of it. That means that we invite everyone to make sure this Code of Conduct is something we live by. Is somebody trespassing your boundaries? Say no, ask others for assistance, tell the staff. You see that someone else’s boundaries are trespassed by someone? Assess, whether you could get involved and change that. If you cannot, tell the staff.
We are for an amazing time and experiences here
That means that having a good time here is our ultimate goal, yet this is only possible, if we all take responsibility for our own wellbeing and fun and our behaviours that can influence someone else’s wellbeing and fun.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kanepes Kulturas Centrs
15 Skolas ielaKanepes Kulturas centrs aim is to provide a regular and versatile cultural programme to a wide audience, as well as encourage the emergence of new and creative ideas, provide space for the experiments of young artists, musicians, writers and other creative souls. It is a popular place of recreation and entertainment, a platform for all kinds of events and experiments, conversations, impulses of change and freedom of thought.
Another important aim is to renovate the beautiful building on Skolas 15 by preserving its historical and cultural values and returning Riga and its people a publicly accessible cultural oasis in right in the heart of the city.
The building of Kanepes Kulturas centrs is more than one hundred years old. A long time ago Baltic German and Russian aristocrats held social events in the house. During the first Independence, the house was dominated by bohème. Later on, voices of students of the Art Academy of Latvia and instruments played by pupils of Jazeps Medins Music school filled the rooms and corridors. The building was abandoned for some time, and then Kanepes Kulturas centrs inhabited it.
Code of Conduct of KKc
KKc is open to different people, ideas and opinions, as long as these people, ideas and opinions do not compromise somebody else’s freedom. In order to make that happen, we invite our staff, artists, visitors, friends and partners to observe this code of conduct:
We treat one another and this house with respect
That means that phrases like thank you, please, hello and good-bye go a long way. That means that we take care of the house and the things in it.
We are practicing a here and now approach
That means that we respect the artists and other audience members by leaving our conversations, phone signals and bright screens or flashes outside the event spaces and the dance floor.
We set clear boundaries
That means that everyone can choose, whether they want to talk, dance, interact with others or be with themselves. That means that everyone can set their own boundaries that nobody is to trespass. That means that No is No and only Yes is Yes.
That means that certain behaviours (like harassment, discrimination, violent speech or violence in general) has no place in house (as it should not be elsewhere) and will not be tolerated.
That means that our staff keeps the right to decide when and whom to serve or not.
We are the Code of Conduct
That means that we are all in this together – visitors, staff, artists, friends and acquaintances and there are no VIP passes out of it. That means that we invite everyone to make sure this Code of Conduct is something we live by. Is somebody trespassing your boundaries? Say no, ask others for assistance, tell the staff. You see that someone else’s boundaries are trespassed by someone? Assess, whether you could get involved and change that. If you cannot, tell the staff.
We are for an amazing time and experiences here
That means that having a good time here is our ultimate goal, yet this is only possible, if we all take responsibility for our own wellbeing and fun and our behaviours that can influence someone else’s wellbeing and fun.
Muusu
6 Skārņu ielaTaka - alus bārs
10 Miera ielaZvaigzne CAFE
6 Krišjāņa Valdemāra ielaRocket Bean Roastery
29/31 Miera ielaLabietis
9a Aristida Briāna ielaVest Riga
1 Stabu ielaThe best rooftop terraces
The rooftop terrace of our “Gutenberg’s” family hotel has been voted as one of the most famous rooftop restaurants in the Riga already for 15 years. The restaurant is very cozy and the overall atmosphere is charming, which provides a high level of service and friendly staff. There is a unique view of the historical sites of Old Riga.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant
1 Doma laukumsThe rooftop terrace of our “Gutenberg’s” family hotel has been voted as one of the most famous rooftop restaurants in the Riga already for 15 years. The restaurant is very cozy and the overall atmosphere is charming, which provides a high level of service and friendly staff. There is a unique view of the historical sites of Old Riga.
Galleria Riga roof terrace - this is a dinner with a magnificent view! You will not find any such spot in Riga.
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Galleria Riga
67 Dzirnavu ielaGalleria Riga roof terrace - this is a dinner with a magnificent view! You will not find any such spot in Riga.
Shopping places near to my apartment
Just 3 min walk distance from the apartment there is a big 5 level shopping centre.
Shopping centre Galerija Centrs, originally — Army Economic Store, but during the Soviet period — Riga Central Department Store, is located in one of the most splendid historic buildings in Riga, a busy retail venue in Old Town since 1938.
After an extensive renovation of the building in 2006, Galerija Centrs incorporates Rīdzenes Street, where exhibitions on various themes are displayed on a regular basis, and there is a permanent exhibition of historical photographs in the stairwell.
The largest area of the first floor at Galerija Centrs is occupied by a supermarket; there are boutiques, restaurants on the second, third, and fourth floors, for instance: Calvin Klein Jeans, Gabor, Gant, G-Star Raw, Karen Millen, List, Marc'O Polo and Tommy Hilfiger, whereas the fifth floor houses a healthcare centre, a beauty salon and a fitness club. In total, there are 140 shops at Galerija Centrs, as well as cafes, restaurants, and service outlets.
Those interested in original clothing and accessories may want to visit the concept shop Taste Latvia, where such Latvian designers and brands are represented as Natālija Jansone, Keita, Baiba Ripa, Alexsander Pavlov, Iveta Vecmane, Taste, More Salt, One Wolf, Zib, Aristocrat Kids, Leny Tomy Factory, Petra, Cinnamons, An&Angel, Feltstyle, Buduart, Purpurs and others.
Souvenirs from Riga and Latvia are sold in the Love Latvia shop, traditional Latvian sweets at Laima, stylish undergarments at Lauma Lingerie and the MÁDARA outlet offers Latvia-made organic cosmetics.
216 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Galerija Centrs
16 Audēju ielaJust 3 min walk distance from the apartment there is a big 5 level shopping centre.
Shopping centre Galerija Centrs, originally — Army Economic Store, but during the Soviet period — Riga Central Department Store, is located in one of the most splendid historic buildings in Riga, a busy retail venue in Old Town since 1938.
After an extensive renovation of the building in 2006, Galerija Centrs incorporates Rīdzenes Street, where exhibitions on various themes are displayed on a regular basis, and there is a permanent exhibition of historical photographs in the stairwell.
The largest area of the first floor at Galerija Centrs is occupied by a supermarket; there are boutiques, restaurants on the second, third, and fourth floors, for instance: Calvin Klein Jeans, Gabor, Gant, G-Star Raw, Karen Millen, List, Marc'O Polo and Tommy Hilfiger, whereas the fifth floor houses a healthcare centre, a beauty salon and a fitness club. In total, there are 140 shops at Galerija Centrs, as well as cafes, restaurants, and service outlets.
Those interested in original clothing and accessories may want to visit the concept shop Taste Latvia, where such Latvian designers and brands are represented as Natālija Jansone, Keita, Baiba Ripa, Alexsander Pavlov, Iveta Vecmane, Taste, More Salt, One Wolf, Zib, Aristocrat Kids, Leny Tomy Factory, Petra, Cinnamons, An&Angel, Feltstyle, Buduart, Purpurs and others.
Souvenirs from Riga and Latvia are sold in the Love Latvia shop, traditional Latvian sweets at Laima, stylish undergarments at Lauma Lingerie and the MÁDARA outlet offers Latvia-made organic cosmetics.
Just 7 min walk distance from the apartment there is Stockmann plc, Finnish retailer established in 1862. Stockmann's 8 company-owned department stores are in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stockmann
8 13. janvāra ielaJust 7 min walk distance from the apartment there is Stockmann plc, Finnish retailer established in 1862. Stockmann's 8 company-owned department stores are in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia.
Origo is a modern shopping center in the very center of Riga, next to the central transport hub. Because it is connected to a central train station, it plays an important role in the daily life of pedestrians. Origo is a great example of multifunctional development combining shopping, dining, services and leisure. It has over 35 million visitors a year.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shopping Center Origo
4 Stacijas laukumsOrigo is a modern shopping center in the very center of Riga, next to the central transport hub. Because it is connected to a central train station, it plays an important role in the daily life of pedestrians. Origo is a great example of multifunctional development combining shopping, dining, services and leisure. It has over 35 million visitors a year.
Food scene and interesting places to visit
Riga Central Market is situated in the heart of Riga, a few hundred meters from Old Town (7 min walk distance) on the banks of the River Daugava, next to Riga International Bus Terminal and Central Railway Station. It is not only one of the largest marketplaces in Eastern Europe in area, but also one of the most visited, as 80,000-100,000 people shop there per day on the average.
Architecturally-imposing food pavilions, built in the 1920s, are Riga Central Market’s calling card. Originally used as military airship hangars, they were later transformed into market venues.
Riga Central Market is unique not only with its pavilions but also with its old warehouses or the so-called spikeri (from German Spéicher), which have now been turned into a hip arts&entertainment quarter.
In 1998, the vast territory of Riga Central Market was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
At Riga Central Market, you can buy Latvian-grown and homemade products, exotic fruit and spices, as well as manufactured merchandise. The market includes 5 pavilions each with its own category - vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and gastronomy products, as well as an outdoor area with stalls and stands, the Night Market and ‘Round the Clock Farmers’ Market.
It’s also true, however, that the Market’s distracting hustle and bustle is fertile ground for swindlers and pickpockets, so be careful!
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riga Central Market
Riga Central Market is situated in the heart of Riga, a few hundred meters from Old Town (7 min walk distance) on the banks of the River Daugava, next to Riga International Bus Terminal and Central Railway Station. It is not only one of the largest marketplaces in Eastern Europe in area, but also one of the most visited, as 80,000-100,000 people shop there per day on the average.
Architecturally-imposing food pavilions, built in the 1920s, are Riga Central Market’s calling card. Originally used as military airship hangars, they were later transformed into market venues.
Riga Central Market is unique not only with its pavilions but also with its old warehouses or the so-called spikeri (from German Spéicher), which have now been turned into a hip arts&entertainment quarter.
In 1998, the vast territory of Riga Central Market was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
At Riga Central Market, you can buy Latvian-grown and homemade products, exotic fruit and spices, as well as manufactured merchandise. The market includes 5 pavilions each with its own category - vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and gastronomy products, as well as an outdoor area with stalls and stands, the Night Market and ‘Round the Clock Farmers’ Market.
It’s also true, however, that the Market’s distracting hustle and bustle is fertile ground for swindlers and pickpockets, so be careful!
The Agenskalns market is the oldest, largest and old-line market of Pardaugava (part of the city on the west bank of Daugava River). Market covers an area of 8,3 thousand square meters. There are 219 trade places in the open area in spring, summer and autumn and it’s possible to get various fruit, berries, vegetables and other bounty of nature.
There are 116 trade places in vegetable pavilion and 108 trade places in the meat pavilion. The rational modernist style of the early 20 century is characteristic for the Agenskalns market’s buildings. Red brick external walls are decorated by white furnish. On a facade vertical apertures of windows and decorative furnish of a pipe stands out brightly.
The internal bearing structure is made of the metal frame on which the trading galleries built at level of the second floor, and also covering of trellised metal frame works with integral windows. The project of pavilion of the Agenskalns market was developed by the main architect of the Riga city, Reynkhold Shmeling. Construction of new pavilion was begun in 1911, but because of the First World War it was stopped and resumed in 1923 only. In 1925 interior works were finished.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de Agenskalns
64 Nometņu ielaThe Agenskalns market is the oldest, largest and old-line market of Pardaugava (part of the city on the west bank of Daugava River). Market covers an area of 8,3 thousand square meters. There are 219 trade places in the open area in spring, summer and autumn and it’s possible to get various fruit, berries, vegetables and other bounty of nature.
There are 116 trade places in vegetable pavilion and 108 trade places in the meat pavilion. The rational modernist style of the early 20 century is characteristic for the Agenskalns market’s buildings. Red brick external walls are decorated by white furnish. On a facade vertical apertures of windows and decorative furnish of a pipe stands out brightly.
The internal bearing structure is made of the metal frame on which the trading galleries built at level of the second floor, and also covering of trellised metal frame works with integral windows. The project of pavilion of the Agenskalns market was developed by the main architect of the Riga city, Reynkhold Shmeling. Construction of new pavilion was begun in 1911, but because of the First World War it was stopped and resumed in 1923 only. In 1925 interior works were finished.
Kalnciema Quarter is a bright and lively spot in Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River, in the green and colourful area of Pārdaugava. It regularly hosts events for families and children, art exhibitions, plays, open-air concerts, and educational events. Kalnciema Quarter is particularly famous for its weekly market – ever since 2008, on Saturdays, local farmers and artisans have been bringing their versatile produce to Kalnciema Quarter. Market is on Saturdays year round (and also on Sundays in December).
The cluster of renovated wooden buildings contains a Wooden Architecture center , Wine shop and cafe, offering wine from the small vineyards of Marche, Italy, a restaurant, an art gallery and a design salon.
The office space in the Quarter is inhabited by architects, media specialists and other creative professionals. The buildings of Kalnciema Quarter, located at the crossing of Kalnciema and Melnsila Streets are a part of Riga’s wooden architecture heritage dating back to the 19th century and representing the epoch of the late Classicism in Europe. The resurrection of the Quarter’s wooden buildings began in 2001.
Currently, seven renovated buildings enclosing the yard with a small orchard are open to the public. All the buildings have been renovated, using traditional materials and technologies, with modern conveniences built in and adjustments to answer the needs of the contemporary lifestyle.
Kalnciema Quarter has expanded the concept and prospects of the wooden architecture heritage by infusing the buildings with contemporaneity and making them publicly accessible. Kalnciema Street is a part of the Latvian Cultural Canon listing the treasures from various branches of Latvian culture
104 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kalnciema Quarter
35 Kalnciema IelaKalnciema Quarter is a bright and lively spot in Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River, in the green and colourful area of Pārdaugava. It regularly hosts events for families and children, art exhibitions, plays, open-air concerts, and educational events. Kalnciema Quarter is particularly famous for its weekly market – ever since 2008, on Saturdays, local farmers and artisans have been bringing their versatile produce to Kalnciema Quarter. Market is on Saturdays year round (and also on Sundays in December).
The cluster of renovated wooden buildings contains a Wooden Architecture center , Wine shop and cafe, offering wine from the small vineyards of Marche, Italy, a restaurant, an art gallery and a design salon.
The office space in the Quarter is inhabited by architects, media specialists and other creative professionals. The buildings of Kalnciema Quarter, located at the crossing of Kalnciema and Melnsila Streets are a part of Riga’s wooden architecture heritage dating back to the 19th century and representing the epoch of the late Classicism in Europe. The resurrection of the Quarter’s wooden buildings began in 2001.
Currently, seven renovated buildings enclosing the yard with a small orchard are open to the public. All the buildings have been renovated, using traditional materials and technologies, with modern conveniences built in and adjustments to answer the needs of the contemporary lifestyle.
Kalnciema Quarter has expanded the concept and prospects of the wooden architecture heritage by infusing the buildings with contemporaneity and making them publicly accessible. Kalnciema Street is a part of the Latvian Cultural Canon listing the treasures from various branches of Latvian culture
Sightseeing
Mežaparks (German: Kaiserwald) is a neighbourhood of Northern District in Riga, the capital of Latvia. It's located on the western shore of Lake Ķīšezers. The name is literally translated as "forest park". The park was built in the early 20th century and was originally called Kaiserwald. It was one of the world's first garden cities. It had large number of Art Nouveau and Eclectic villas for upper class inhabitants of Riga.
Today it is still one of the wealthier areas of Riga, the Mežaparks Great Bandstand hosts the Latvian Song and Dance Festival in early July every five years.
Mežaparks is also host to the Riga Zoo and its lakeside locale allows for various water sporting activities. There is also an amusement park in Mežaparks, which makes the neighborhood a popular summer destination for Riga residents.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mežaparks
Mežaparks (German: Kaiserwald) is a neighbourhood of Northern District in Riga, the capital of Latvia. It's located on the western shore of Lake Ķīšezers. The name is literally translated as "forest park". The park was built in the early 20th century and was originally called Kaiserwald. It was one of the world's first garden cities. It had large number of Art Nouveau and Eclectic villas for upper class inhabitants of Riga.
Today it is still one of the wealthier areas of Riga, the Mežaparks Great Bandstand hosts the Latvian Song and Dance Festival in early July every five years.
Mežaparks is also host to the Riga Zoo and its lakeside locale allows for various water sporting activities. There is also an amusement park in Mežaparks, which makes the neighborhood a popular summer destination for Riga residents.
https://deepbaltic.com/2016/09/12/agenskalns-rigas-preserved-wooden-heart/
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Āgenskalns
https://deepbaltic.com/2016/09/12/agenskalns-rigas-preserved-wooden-heart/