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Latvian attraction - house of the Blackheads, sculpture of Saint Roland and Saint Peters Church in old city Riga, Latvia, Shutterstock ID 309897689, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: ,

Cathedral Square

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Riga when you stop by Cathedral Square. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia

Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec

House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga.

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members.

The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”.

The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world.

Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.

Art Nouveau Buildings

Learn about the local history of Riga when you take a trip to Art Nouveau Buildings. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Bastion Hill

Explore the great outdoors at Bastion Hill, a lovely green space in Riga. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Riga Cathedral

4.5/5(72 reviews)

After visiting Riga Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riga. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Parliament

3/5(1 review)

After visiting Parliament, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riga. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Swedish Gate

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Riga when you stop by Swedish Gate. Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this culturally rich area.

Best Lodging Options Near Swedish Tower

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

11. Novembra Krastmala, 33 Riga

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Valnu street 49 Riga

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Kaleju Str 9/11 Riga

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

24 Jekaba Street Riga

Neiburgs Hotel

Jauniela 25/27 Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

55 Elizabetes Street Riga

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

33 Kaleju Street Riga

Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah

Raina blvd 5/6 Riga

Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

Aspazijas Boulevard 22 Riga

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