Plan a trip to see House of the Blackheads

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Relais Le Chevalier

Old Town Riga

￥348,390

per person

May 1 - May 5

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Riga (RIX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (704 reviews)

Grear staff service!!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Old Riga Boutique Hotel Vecriga

Old Town Riga

￥356,056

per person

May 1 - May 5

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Riga (RIX)

8.6/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)

The stay was great however the television would keep turning it self off. On the upside we had a former USSR champion boxer come look at it so made my day despite not being able to fix it! will stay again!

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Dome Hotel

Old Town Riga

￥370,236

per person

May 1 - May 5

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Riga (RIX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)

A lovely small hotel in the heart of Rita’s old town. Staff are very friendly and helpful, my room was modern and clean and with a nice bathroom and bed was lush. The breakfasts are great too. Very enjoyable stay. My only negative would be the rather high cost of a street parking permit for my hire car.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026

Browse tours and tickets to explore House of the Blackheads

Tours & day trips

See all 100 activities

From Riga: Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Gems Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 39 activities

Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities

Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Free cancellation available

Spa & wellness

See all 6 activities

K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities

Riga: Husky Hike in the Nature Trail

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

European Christmas market in winter Riga in Latvia. Winter. Late at evening. Street and holiday fair in European city Advent Decoration with Crafts Items on Bazaar

Riga Christmas Market

During your trip to Riga, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Riga Christmas Market. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Town Hall

Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Riga, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Menzendorff House

Wander through the richly decorated rooms of a 17th-century mansion to find out how Riga’s wealthy elite used to live.

St. Peter's Church

Riga's tallest church is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and is where you can see new artworks, watch a concert and enjoy great views of the Latvian capital.

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 shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Riga Cathedral

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.