Historic Centre of Riga
Latvia ·
Description
Founded in 1201, Riga grew into a major Hanseatic city and later a Russian imperial port. Medieval churches, wooden houses and merchant guilds mingle with a spectacular Art Nouveau quarter built during a turn-of-the-century economic boom. Riga has one of the densest concentrations of Jugendstil architecture anywhere in the world, with ornate façades by Mikhail Eisenstein.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized Riga for its medieval and later urban ensemble and for its collection of Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture unparalleled in the world.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela — two streets lined with Eisenstein’s masterpieces.
Reconstructed after WWII destruction, it is now one of Riga’s most photographed buildings.
Two days for the Old Town and Art Nouveau district; add the central market for local life.
Direct flights from many European cities and good bus/train links with Tallinn and Vilnius.
Both have charms. Summer has long daylight and outdoor cafés; winter brings markets and snow.