Riga

Riga is the capital of the Baltic Republic of Latvia. It is the largest city in the Baltic states and the biggest cultural, educational, political, financial, trade and industry in the region. It is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, near the mouth of the Daugava River in the Gulf of Riga.

The city has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Noveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city. Inscribing the historic centre of Riga on the World Heritage List of UNESCO recognized it.

Riga belongs to the cultural space of Western Europe. For the city, dynamic and diverse music and arts activities are typical. Over centuries, the creative atmosphere evolved in Riga and inspired composers, poets and artists. It has a life full of cultural activities such as the festival that is held every 4 years National Folk Song and dance and go to more than 30,000 people each time it is organized. It also has the Latvia Latvia National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra. On the other hand, its nightlife is very lively. There are many clubs, pubs, casinos especially in the old part of town with a very appropriate decoration to the medieval city.

Riga has hundreds of ways for enticing visitors – its rich history, architecture, spacious gardens and parks, museums, art galleries and world-class opera…and daily treats like a walk in the enormous colorful central market or going to a cosy café, club or pub…

Some interesting places in the city are:

• Old part of town. It goes back to the thirteenth century and is a fascinating series that has remained safe from fire, shelling and looting.


• The Lutheran Cathedral.


• Art Nouveau architecture. On central streets such as Alberta and Elizabetes Iela.


• Saint Peter's Church. It has a 123 m high tower.


• The Occupation Museum of Latvia.


• Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils). It houses the Museum of Latvian History and the Museum of Foreign Art.


• Riga Circus. The only permanently situated circus in the Baltic States.


• St James's Roman Catholic cathedral.

The city was European Capital of Culture in 2001 along with Basel (Switzerland), also hosted the Song Contest Eurovision 2003. In 2006 the capital of Latvia hosted the World Championships in ice hockey, the most important sporting event in the history of the Baltic States.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riga
http://www.rigatourism.lv/EN/Channels/Tip/default.htm