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Latvia
Latvia – the pearl of the Baltic.
The history of this mysterious, adventurous
and charming country dates back to 9th
century BC. Latvia lies in the north-eastern
part of European map, on the eastern shore of
the Baltic Sea. The Republic of Latvia
encompasses practically the whole area
historically populated by the Latvians, and is
divided into four cultural regions: Kurzeme,
Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale.
The first people arrived here already in 9th millennium BC, and the Balts – ancestors of
the Latvians and Lithuanians – migrated to this area in the 2nd millennium BC. The first official
documents about Latvia were mentioned in late 12th century when German traders increasingly
met and traded with the Livs inhabiting the lower course of the river Daugava. Thus, the
Germans came to call this area Livland or Livonia. Founded in 1201, the town of Riga became
the main base for the German conquest of the Baltic Lands. As the time passed by, the city
became more inhabited, more developed and eventually it became a thriving commercial centre,
being in a very advantageous location, and in 1282 it joined the Hanseatic League. Riga was the
largest town in Livonia and in 16th century it became an important centre for trade between
Russia and Western Europe.
With the spread of Reformation, Livonia became divided and weak. In the early 16th
century this was exploited by the developing state of Russia, which wanted to gain control of the
lands on the Baltic coast. As a result of Livonian War, the area of president-day Latvia came
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under the rule of Poland-Lithuania. Few years later Latvia was divided for 300 years between
Poland and Sweden. In 18th century following the Northern War, the whole of the Latvian-
populated area came under the rule of a single state: it was all annexed by Russia.
From the early 19th century major changes began in agriculture, marked by the gradual
abolition of serfdom. Independent stratum of Latvian farmers emerged – which later played an
important role in the National Awakening. Soon the nationalist ideas popular in Western Europe
reached Latvia. An intellectual movement emerged (So called “Young Latvians”), promoting the
development of society based on ethnic affiliation. The Revolution of 1905 prompted the
Russian government to introduce changes: greater rights were granted for the Latvian language
in schools.
In the First World War Latvia again became a scene of conflict. Factory equipment was
evacuated to Russia and 760 000 people fled as refugees. In order to defend Riga, in July 1915
the Latvian deputies in the Tsarist Duma compelled the Russian military to permit the formation
of Latvian rifle battalions, who fought major battles just outside Riga. The war led to the collapse
of the Tsarist regime in Russia. The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed shortly after the end of
the First World War – on 18 November 1918. After the War of Liberation, in 1920, Soviet Russia
recognized independent Latvia and relinquished all the claims of Tsarist Russia to the territory of
Latvia.
The Republic of Latvia enjoyed only a brief period of peaceful development, from 1920
to 1940, but in the mind of Latvians this remains a period of great economic achievement, when
the standard of living was comparable to that of the developed Western European countries of
that time. In Moscow on 23 August 1939, Germany and USSR concluded an agreement (The so-
called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), dividing among themselves some of the countries in Europe.
In accordance with the pact, Latvia was occupied by the USSR on 17 June 1940. In July 1941,
the Soviet occupation was followed by an equally ruthless German occupation. In the Second
World War, the land and population of Latvia suffered even more than in the First World War:
out of approximately 2 million people living in Latvia before the war, only 1.3 million, or 70%
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remained after the war.
After the war, a planned economy was introduced and agriculture was collectivized.
From an agrarian country, Latvia was turned into an industrialized area of the USSR. Between
1946 and the late 1980s, around 250 large factories were built in Latvia, employing a labor force
of migrant workers from other parts of the USSR. The proportion of Latvians fell
catastrophically: by the late 1980s, ethnic Latvians constituted only slightly more than 50% of
the total population.
The 1980s brought the perestroika
(“restructuring”) movement in the USSR,
which led to the democratization of the
society, the Third National Awakening and
the re-establishment of the Latvian state. On
4 May 1990, the newly-elected Supreme
Soviet of the Latvian SSE passed a
declaration on the restoration of
independence of the Republic of Latvia, and
in September 1991 Latvia’s independence
was also recognized by the USSR.
After the restoration of independence, many things in Latvia had to start from scratch:
Latvia changed from a planned economy to free market economy and joined international
organizations, taking care to safeguard its national identity. Latvia has achieved a great deal in
these years and is proud of having attained its major aims of joining NATO and the European
Union, thus laying the foundations for future development. Latvia has become a tourist attraction
due to its diversity of traditions, extensive beaches of the Baltic coastline, lovely small towns and
mostly intact nature providing peace and tranquility.
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More about Latvia…
Culture
Located in the crossroads of western and eastern cultures and due to its diverse history
during which many nations, ideas and thoughts that came to Latvia, it has imprints of different
cultures. This effect can be seen and admired in magnificent architectural monuments, religious
places and national museums. Latvian culture is unique and is based on the ancestral traditions.
Inhabitants of the country are very proud of Latvia’s rich folklore heritage that has been
preserved until today. Although most of Latvians are Christians, the traditions of ancient pagans
are still alive nowadays and we are celebrating festivals as our ancestors did many centuries ago.
The course of Latvian life was determined by the road of the Sun. the length of the day
marked the time for sowing, and harvesting and when the souls of the dead should be
remembered. Most common Latvian holidays are Ziemassvētki (Christmas), Lieldienas (Easter),
Jāņi (Midsummer) and Miķeļi (Michaelmas). At Christmas the longest night of the year, usually
21st December, the Sun was honored. The dark calls for light, so there must be merriment,
involving log-pulling, putting past sins to fire and candle-burning.
At Lieldienas (Easter), around 21st March, the Sun is near, and day and night are of equal
length. According to an ancient belief, on Eastern morning the Sun would rise above the horizon
and swing three times to and fro. Since then Latvians have a tradition to put up swings on this
day and swing. Lads used to swing maidens high and were remunerated with beautifully colored
eggs which then were used for “egg fights”, symbol sing fertility. People believe that swinging
on Easter will protect them from mosquito bites and secure tall flax.
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The most spectacular festival is Jāņi (Midsummer). In the evening of 23rd June everybody
goes to the suburb. Bonfires are lift to secure light throughout the brief night, songs are sung and
dances danced. Married women and maidens wear vaiņags (wreaths of flowers) while men get
oak wreaths. Beer and cheese symbolize wealth, and decorations of birch-boughs and flowers
secure the link with the ancient elements of nature and fertility.
In autumn, around Miķeļi (Michaelmas), on 29th September, day and night are of equal
length again and the harvest has been brought in. Fairs are held, and each farmer boasts of their
achievements.
An unique value of the Latvian nation has survived till nowadays – folk stories and folk
songs from our ancestors. They are intensive quatrains, which cannot be accurately transferred
into other languages. Folk songs are diverse – both lyrical and philosophical. Latvian folklorist
Krišjānis Barons in the late 19th century contributed a tremendous job in collecting folk songs
and systematizing them. He collected more than two million folk songs which remains today’s
treasure of Latvia and which are as well included in UNESCO Oral and Intangible Cultural
Heritage.
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Latvian folklore, the rich non-
material heritage, is something
that Latvians are very proud of.
And there is a reason why we are
called a Nation that Sings. We
sing during our free time, at work,
in parks, on streets and in
professional studios as well.
Latvian Song and Dance festival (Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki) is one of the
largest amateur choral events in the world and an important event in Latvian culture and social
life. It is the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The history of Song and Dance festival
dates back to 1873 when the first festival was
organized. Nowadays every five years singers and
dancers from all over Latvia assemble in Riga for a
joint performance, with the united choir of about
20 000 singers sing polyphonic repertoire while
15000 dancers at the stadium create patterns of
folk dance. Even the Soviet authorities couldn’t break the tradition of Song festival, although the
idea of the festival was ruthlessly manipulated with. The song was a manifestation of protest
against spiritual oppression. The 20th Song Festival (1990), with 35 438 participants, was held at
the peak of the Third Awakening (Atmoda) movement and the transition to independence, while
the XXI and XXII festivals (1993, 1998) were already celebrated in an independent state. Song
festivals of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are included in the UNESCO Memory of the World
Register.
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Latvian folk dances are an ancient and lively form of cultural tradition. In the 19th
century, along with the Song festivals, dancing became a mass folk-dance event. In 1937 the
Latvian Home Guard organized the first folk dance and gymnastics festival in Riga, which was
attended by 20 folk dance groups with 720 dancers. Since then dancing competitions have taken
place. Dance festivals are mass events, culminating with an all-participants concert in the
Stadium. As a rule, approximately 10 000 dancers participate at the festival. The last festival
gathered 15 000 dancers. The participants of the dance festival are people at all age – it involves
young people and elderly as well. The next Song and Dance Celebration will take place in 2018.
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Symbols and heroes
The flag of Latvia is of a
distinctive dark red color with a
white horizontal stripe through the
middle. The flag was used for the
first time in 1279. Ancient Latvian
tribes used it when they fought
with the Estonian tribes. This
historical evidence places the
Latvian flag among the oldest in
the world. These national colors
were used on November 18, 1918 when the independence of the Republic of Latvia was
proclaimed. It was used on state occasions and national holidays until 1940. During the soviet
occupation the use of flag was banned and people were deported for keeping or hiding one or for
singing the national anthem. Instead of Latvian red-white-red flag the Latvian SSR flag was
imposed. After re-establishing its independence Latvia proudly uses the red-white-red flag in
different state occasions, national holidays and on days of special occasion.
The Latvian national coat of arms was designed after
the proclamation of independent Latvia. It combines symbols
of ancient historical districts and Latvian national statehood,
symbolized by the sun in the upper part of the shied. The three
stars above of the coat of arms embody the districts –
Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Zemgale and Kurzeme – into
a united Latvia. On the left side of the bottom part is a red lion
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on a silver background and on the right side a silver griffin on a red background. These are older
heraldic figures, which first appeared in 1600s.
“God Bless Latvia” is the national anthem. It was written during the national awakening
of the Latvian people in the 19th century. The anthem was composed by Kārlis Blaumanis, who
used the word Latvia in a song for the first time.
The national bird of Latvia is the white wagtail, national insect is the two-spot ladybird,
national flower is the daisy and the national trees are lime-tree and oak. In Latvian folklore the
lime-tree is looked upon as a female symbol, but the oak as a male symbol. In earlier times these
trees were considered as sacred. Amber and the river Daugava
are important symbols of Latvia as well. In ancient times
Latvian amber was valued as a component for jewelers and was
used for barter in ancient Egypt, Greece and Roman Empire.
Sometimes it was considered to be more valuable than gold.
The Daugava is the Latvian national river. It is the largest river
and Latvians call it their mother of fate.
The Freedom Monument in Riga has become the
symbol of independence and freedom for every citizen of
Latvia. The monument has the inscription “To Fatherland and
Freedom” and it was designed by Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle
and architect E. Štālbergs. It was built in 1931-1935 with voluntary donations. The composition
consist of thirteen sculptures and reliefs that illustrate individual certain events in Latvia’s
history. At the top of the monument stands the 9 m tall image of Freedom – a woman
symbolizing the idea of Latvia’s sovereignty.
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Most popular and well known Latvia’s hero is The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis). He is
described in the literature and movies. One of the most well-known works is an epic poem
written by Latvian poet Andrejs Pumpurs. It was based on local legends. The tale is about half-
bear-half-man fighting witches. The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis) symbolizes the greatness of people
and his valor symbolizes human courage in defending their homeland from invaders. Within the
framework of the Second World War on 11th November 1918 the defenders of Riga defeated the
pro-German Voluntary Western Russia army or simply the army of Bermont. Latvian soldiers
were just as brave, heroic and motivated to protect the homeland as The Bear Slayer. Therefore
the day of victory is celebrated as the Bear Slayer day.
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Cuisine
Latvian cuisine is based on agricultural products and meat also features prominently in
the Latvian diet. People living along the coastline are often involved in fishing and they have
been used to eat more seafood than meat. Fish are also caught inland (lakes and rivers) but these
freshwater species are considered more of a delicacy. Latvian cuisine has been influenced by
neighboring countries in the Baltic and Nordic region. The country has more than 1 million
hectares of agricultural land and during the spring and summer the soil is suitable for growing
vegetables, fruits and cereals. Therefore common ingredients in Latvian recopies are found
locally, e.g. potatoes, wheat, barley, cabbage, eggs, pork, and chickens.
Food in Latvia generally is quite fatty and Latvians don’t use lots of spices.
Some specialties
One of the most traditional Latvian dishes is „Grey peas with bacon” which
is more popular for the cold season.
If you want to experience and reveal the taste formula of Latvian cuisine,
try Potato with herring and curds. This dish is a combination of three typical Latvian cuisine
products. Recipe was introduced by our ancestors and even nowadays it is popular and is in quiet
high demand.
Kotletes (meat patties);
Zupa (soup) – try beet soup or sorrel soup (Skābeņu zupa);
Pīrāgi (pastry filled with bacon and onions) are being consumed in every Latvian national
holidays
Rupjmaize (dark rye bread);
Rasols (potato salad with eggs, gherkins, and perhaps bacon, sausage and other
ingredients);
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Jāņu siers (cheese with caraway seeds, traditionally served at midsummer solstice
celebrations);
Karbonāde (breaded pork chops);
Kartupeļu pankūkas (potato pancakes);
Note that drinking (or possessing an open bottle/can of alcohol) in streets, parks and other public
places is forbidden in Riga and carries a hefty fine.
Regional drinks:
• Riga's Black Balsam is a thick, black alcoholic herbal drink which has been produced since
1700. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the ingredients include ginger,
oak bark, bitter orange peel and cognac. It is drunk either with coffee, vodka or on its own.
Nowadays there are three different flavors of Riga Black Balsam – The original one which
contains 45% alcohol, Black Current which is milder, sweeter and tastes the best it has only 38%
alcohol and the newest one is with Rum which tastes the best made in cocktails.
• Kvass (made from grains in the early stages of fermentation) is a refreshing summer drink.
• There are several good local beers, including Cesu, Aldaris, Uzavas, Bauskas
Tumsais and Gaisais.
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Riga
Riga [or as Latvians would pronounce it Ri:ga] is the largest city and the capital city of
Latvia. It is the Baltic regional centre and most important port city on the Baltic Sea. The
fascinating town life rich in colors and forms took rise more than 800 years ago then in 1201 the
third archbishop of Livonia decided to move to Riga. One of major reasons for the Rise of the
city was the River Daugava which was used as a trade route and soon in 13th century it became
an important Livonian settlement and, further on, a stronghold in the crusader’s raids.
Mediating trade between the East and the West, Riga became a member of the Hanseatic
League and was one of the most important seaports on the Baltic coast. For many centuries Riga
has been a multinational city where such nations as Livonians, Latvians, Germans, Russians, and
later on also Poles and Swedes resided it.
The history of Riga is like a thriller – it is full of heroism and prowess yet, it lacks any
treacherousness. The city has withstood tens of sieges and seen soldiers, dukes and commanders
from several centuries behind its walls. Wars have brought about destruction, famine and plague.
After the Livonian Confederation collapsed in the middle of the 16th century, Riga as a
desirable city started to change hands – from the Polish to the Swedish and finally – Russian
rule. In 1710 the city surrendered to the Russian Tsar Peter I and became one of the most
significant cities of the Russian Empire.
Despite the wars and the instability of the region, Riga has never lost its political and
important importance. In the second half of the 19th century the city was freed from the
obligation to build and sustain fortifications. Riga developed fast. It was at this time that the
centre of Riga acquired its unique beautiful appearance, which is admired both by the inhabitants
themselves and the visitors even nowadays. When the walls of the medieval fortifications has
been demolished, beautiful Art Nouveau living houses started to be erected, and new boulevards
and parks appeared. Riga keeps developing and growing even nowadays, and, accordingly to an
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old legend, will never be ready. The city is eternally chancing, beautiful and enchanting,
expressive and enticing.
What Riga can offer?
Which part of Riga would you like to have – Old Riga, the wooden Riga, Art Nouveau
Riga, the suburban Riga, glass and stone Riga, the wild Riga, or maybe the cobblestone Riga?
Nowadays the city is more colorful, diverse, adventurous, and fascinating that is has even been.
In recent decades Riga has developed into the key financial and trade centre of the Baltics. It is
the cultural and political centre or Latvia and the main driving force of Latvian economy. It is a
city where centuries meet, where Art Nouveau grandeur contrasts Soviet practicality, city where
people of different cultures and different ideas meet…
Riga has hosted numerous international events, ranging from the NATO summit to the
Tall Ships Regatta, from the Eurovision Song Contest to the European Capital of Culture. Riga is
a place where many events take place, where you can find stunning historical buildings, where
the atmosphere is dominated by youthful and creative energy. For Rigans there are at least 50
different Rigas with different characteristics, nature and opportunities.
Old Riga
Old Riga is the heart of Riga – small territory preserver historical evidence about the
creating of the capital, the fate of our country and nation. Ancient buildings, steeples of church
towers topped with roosters, who wakefully watch the city, the stone masks of buildings, the old
cobblestones marked by pacing centuries – multiple stories, legends and destinies. One can find
unique monuments of medieval architecture in Old Riga which, surprisingly, have survived two
world wars. The streets of Old Riga are narrow, artistic, and usually cars are not driven in this
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part of the city. It is meant for slow walks to enjoy the ancient aura that lives in the streets and
architecture. Unique complexes of residential houses and sacral buildings are found here – Riga
Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Riga Castle, St. Jacob’s Cathedral, and others. In the 1980s
Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are
allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World
Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".
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The Art Nouveau Riga
Art Nouveau has been an outstanding
feature of Riga’s image since the late 19th
and early 20th century. The residents of Riga
were rich and built significant houses. The
ornament aspects of Art Nouveau are the
best seen on buildings in Alberta, Elizabetes
and Strēlnieku ielas (stret). Figures of lions
and sphinxes are arranged above cornices
and facades are decorated with stylistic
ornaments of plants, masks, colorful
brickwork and ceramic tiles. Many ornate
Art Nouveau buildings were built in
Blaumaņa, Tērbatas and Rūpniecības street.
The world knows Riga as the Art
Nouveau capital city.
The Wooden Riga
Scattered throughout Riga are simple but yet beautiful wooden buildings of a variety of
styles – from sheds to mansions, through baroque and classicism and even Art Nouveau. About
4000 wooden buildings stand in Riga, more than in any other European country, 500 or so of
them in the historic centre, with the oldest one from the 18th century. Many have in recent years
been renovated thoughtful and creative ways.
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The Suburban Riga
The outskirts of Riga take you back a few decades, as the areas are lined with Soviet
estates – areas of town which consist of a series of identical buildings placed in geometric
patterns. The biggest ones are Imanta, Purvciems, Zolitūde and others. Functionalism was the
prime principle in the design of these buildings – aesthetics were not important – their purpose
was to provide affordable living space for a rapidly increasing urban population, nothing more.
To this day, most city dwellers live in these estates, most of which have not been regenerated.
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Glass and Stone Riga
Full of historical references Riga provides an interesting starting point for contemporary
architects. A bank building by Lithuanian architect Audrius Ambrasas, the National Library
building by Latvian-American architect Gunārs Birkerts, an unusual project for a daycare centre
for the homeless and disadvantaged by Miks Lejnieks and Ilze Niedre, to mention just a few, and
with future plans of a grand concert hall and contemporary art museum. According to a legend,
one every hundred years a ghost rises from the river Daugava and asks the first person it meets,
“Is Riga completed?” If the answer is yes, the city will be swallowed by water. But Riga will
never be completed…
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The Wild Riga
Riga is a green city. There are many parks and green areas for people to have a rest, read
some book and just to enjoy the nature. The oldest is Viestura Garden which was landscaped in
1721 on the order of Russian Tsar Peter I. The second oldest (and nowadays one of the most
popular) is Vērmanes Gardens. Its name was given in honor of Anna Gertrud Wohmann who
donated the city a plot of land for the gardens. It opened to public in 1817, subsequently
improved and reconstructed. In
Old Riga and the very centre of
the capital parks are not so big
and common as in further parts of
Riga. There is o lack of green
areas in the Pārdaugava par of
Riga, which is just across the
other side of the river Daugava.
Arkādija in Torņkalns is among
the city’s oldest public parks.
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The Cobblestone Riga
Old Riga is the historical and geographical centre of the city. It covers a relatively small
inner area of 13th-18th century fortifications where unique monuments of medieval architecture,
which have survived world wars, are concentrated. Unlike the rest central Riga, which is
arranged as a grid, the Old Riga is a maze of small, narrow, often cobblestoned Riga roads,
which have an unpredictable manner. Some small cobblestone streets can be found just across
the river Pārdaugava in the Ķīpsala part of Riga where the cobblestone Riga, wild Riga and the
wooden Riga are combined together.
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What to see in Riga
As it has been previously discussed Riga offers different opportunities for each of its
citizens and foreign visitors. There are some places that are recommended to see and experience
their beauty to get the idea of Latvia, Latvian culture and their mentality. Riga’s skyline is
unique and notable among the medieval cities of Northern Europe Hanseatic League. The
panorama is dominated by three Baroque style spires – St. Peter’s, the Dom and St Jacob’s – and
is enhanced by a series of low-rise buildings. The skyline of Riga has been gradually changing
since the 13th century. The best panorama is from AB Dambis.
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Top 10 skyline objects:
1. St. Peter’s Church
2. Dom Cathedral
3. St. Jacob’s Castle
4. Riga Castle
5. City Hall
6. Anglican Church
7. St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church
8. Our Lady of Sorrows Church
9. St. John’s Church
10. Riga Reformed Church
Latvia offers not only breath taking landscapes and architecture, but it has lively and thrilling
cultural life as well. There are many museums, theatres and an opera house in Riga.
Latvian National Opera House - The history surrounding the National Opera is more than 250
years long. The current theatre, affectionately known as “The White House” was built as a
national theatre in 1863, on the site of an old German theatre.
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Dailes Theatre - This modern Latvian theatre offers exceptional dramatic performances,
primarily in the Latvian language, though occasionally in Russian as well. The second theatre
offers a variety of exceptional amateur productions that appear anything that amateur, from belly
dancing to flamenco and beyond.
The Latvian National Theatre - This theatre reopened in 2004 after a complete restoration.
The New Latvian Theatre - This Theater is situated in former Soviet youth theatre building.
Modern and progressive directors perform their plays here. Tickets sell out fast.
Latvian Puppet Theatre - Vivid performances in which the latest achievements of puppet art are
combined with elements of mime shows, drama and even musical will be exciting both for
children and adults.
Russian Drama Theatre - Latvia houses the world’s oldest Russian theatre outside of Russia, and
the theatre is more than 120 years old, with a rich tradition of acclaimed theatrical performances
and celebrity.
Latvia has an impressive number of museums – classical, surprising and even
mischievous. Here can be found museums for each person, despite his or hers interests, views
and ideologies. Starting from open air and art museums and ending with medical and warfare
museums.
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War and Occupation Museums
Museum of War (Kara Muzejs) - Latvia is
one of the most war-ravaged countries in
Europe. Crusader, Swedish, Polish, German
and Russian armies have all left their mark.
This museum of photos and memorabilia
documents the struggles of the 20th century,
from WWI and the war for independence up
to and including the Nazi and Soviet
occupations of WWII. One exhibition
chronicles the development of the Latvian
army from WWI until 1940. The museum is
situated in Riga in Pulvertornis (The Powder
Tower) and there is no entrance fee.
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is located at Strēlnieku square, opposite Akmens
Bridge. Its mission is to remind and show people of what happened to Latvia and the Latvian
nation during the period from 1940 to 1991 under the rule of the regimes of the communist
Soviet Union and Nazi Germany and also to commemorate the unjustly sentenced and murdered,
the fatalities of foreign wars, those who suffered and died in repressions and in deportations,
while escaping from the occupational powers, people dispersed around the world, and to explain
to the world what suffering the alien powers inflicted upon the state, the country and the nation
of Latvia. Currently the permanent exhibition is closed and there is a temporary exhibition at
Raiņa bulvāris 7.
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I just arrived in Latvia, now what?
Since Latvia is a geographically small country, there is just
one Airport, so getting to and/or from airport will not be that
difficult. The airport is located approximately 10 km from the city
centre and it will take 30 minutes to get there.
There are two possibilities of getting from airport to the city centre.
1. You can take the bus No. 22 which leaves airport every 10-20
minutes (every 30 minutes in evening). When you will arrive, you will find the exit on your
right. To get on the bus look for the bus stop which will be located opposite the terminal
behind the car park P1. A regular ticket for one trip can be bought from the bus driver 2.00
EUR, but if you buy it before commencing your trip at the airport services and tourism
information bureau "Welcome to Riga", a regular one-way ticket will cost you only (1.15
EUR). You can buy the ticket as well in “Narvesen” and other places that have the E-Ticket
sign.
2. NB!! - Every time, after entering a public transport vehicle, you have to
register your e-ticket immediately by putting it close to the validator.
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Another option for getting to the city centre is taking a taxi. Riga city and other destinations from
the airport can be reached using "Baltic Taxi" "Rīgas Taksometru parks" (Red Cab) cabs.
Average cost per trip by taxi to Riga city centre from airport will be 11-15 EUR and the journey
will take approximately 15 minutes.
Contact info for taxi:
Red Cab: +371 8383
Baltic Taxi: +371 20008500
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