Art Nouveau Buildings

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.
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.
Riga's old town is perhaps not really a hidden gem, but it's very nice to walk around in none the less (so much artdeco!)
Livu square Old Town of Riga, Latvia - June 2017
Beautiful view of riga

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Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

4.5 out of 5
Old Town Riga
Price was ￥686,737, price is now ￥662,636 per person
￥662,636
per person
May 28 - Jun 2
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Riga (RIX)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (677 reviews)
Staff were very accomodating and supportive of requests. Lovely hotel and beautifully located right in downtown Riga

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Old Riga Boutique Hotel Vecriga

Old Riga Boutique Hotel Vecriga

3.5 out of 5
Old Town Riga
Price was ￥694,542, price is now ￥664,700 per person
￥664,700
per person
May 28 - Jun 2
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Riga (RIX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (269 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

Riga Islande Hotel with FREE parking

Riga Islande Hotel with FREE parking

4.5 out of 5
Kipsala
Price was ￥694,916, price is now ￥671,918 per person
￥671,918
per person
May 28 - Jun 2
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Riga (RIX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Great experience, friendly staff, room was clean.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Art Nouveau Buildings

Tours & day trips

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From Riga: Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Gems Tour

From Riga: Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Gems Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 253 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥3,915 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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

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

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥22,827 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 30 activities
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

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

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥22,827 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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Riga Aquapark Day

Riga Aquapark Day

Activity duration is 4 hours
Price is ￥19,905 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of Riga

Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of Riga

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,523 per adult
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Popular places to visit

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

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.

Cathedral Square
Beautiful view of riga

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.

Riga Cathedral
Town Hall featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and a square or plaza

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.

Town Hall
home three brothers in Riga, Latvia

Three Brothers

You can learn about the history of Riga with a visit to Three Brothers. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Three Brothers
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.

Riga Christmas Market
St. Peter\'s Church featuring a city and landscape views

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.

St. Peter's Church

Best Lodging Options Near Art Nouveau Buildings

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

4.5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33 Riga
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4.5 out of 5
Valnu street 49 Riga
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

4.5 out of 5
55 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

5 out of 5
24 Jekaba Street Riga
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)
Neiburgs Hotel

Neiburgs Hotel

4 out of 5
Jauniela 25/27 Riga
Neiburgs Hotel
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

4.5 out of 5
Kaleju Str 9/11 Riga
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah

Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah

5 out of 5
Raina blvd 5/6 Riga
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

4.5 out of 5
73 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
See all 580 properties in Art Nouveau Buildings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.