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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Tours & day trips

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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 ￥23,237 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Riga: Beer or Cider Bike Tour

Riga: Beer or Cider Bike Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.8 out of 10 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,993 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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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 ￥23,237 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

Activity duration is 1 hour and 25 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥12,393 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
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,801 per adult
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Best Lodging Options Near Art Nouveau Buildings

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

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

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4 out of 5
Valnu street 49 Riga
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

4 out of 5
Kaleju Str 9/11 Riga
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection
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
Neiburgs Hotel

Neiburgs Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Jauniela 25/27 Riga
Neiburgs Hotel
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

4.5 out of 5
73 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

5 out of 5
Aspazijas Boulevard 22 Riga
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
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)
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