Riga is one of the oldest European capital cities and since its foundation it is the biggest city in the Baltic States. In the Middle Ages today´s capital of Latvia belonged to the most significant ports in the region of the Eastern Baltic Sea and it also once belonged to the Hanseatic League. Trade and commerce flourished within the Hanseatic League and the city developed to an important trade and cultural center in the Baltic States. Even today, the wealth of the medieval trade metropolis is still clearly visible in the narrow streets of the Old Town. The Old Town represents a masterpiece of urban development with its unique medieval monuments and buildings, like the Riga Cathedral that was built in the 13th century, the St. Peter´s Church- built in brick Gothic style and the Jacob´s Cathedral – residence of the Roman Catholic Cardinal.
The church of the Holy George, that is also referred to as the castle of white stone is worth seeing as well as the synagogue of the historic center, the houses “Three Brothers – the oldest stone houses in Riga and the Riga Castle.
The city of Riga is also known for its Art Nouveau architecture. About 40% of the buildings in the center of Riga were built in the Art Nouveau style which is why the city is also referred to as the Art Nouveau capital. In order to preserve these unique architectural monuments, the city center of Riga was declared as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Today, the visitor finds many comfortable hotels, restaurants and cafes as well as quaint places in the historical city center. Let yourself be enchanted by this exceptional city.