Riga, Latvia Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Never seen black petunias.
They look like velvet.
My tree hugger!
This statue represents the thousands of children who were taken from their families to use for labor in Russia.
Riga Palace
The back of the palace was once part of an old castle.
Old wall covered by a new coating
Some buildings have not gone under much renovation since the WWII.
St. Saviour's Church 1859
Indoor grotto shrine statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. The church, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, was undergoing renovation, so this temporary alter was in the Nave for locals to visit.
St. Saviour's Church, 1859
Grand Palace Hotel
These fresh flowers were so fragrant.
The Grand Palace Hotel had many ornate objects.
What an elegant staircase!
We were hoping for a view from the top floor, but only found this window view.
Embassy Row
Riga Cathedral, 1211
The Kalkuvar restaurant had cool woodwork.
I love the copper facing around the antique coffee urn.
All original wood remained in the alcove.
Historic Art Nouveau is everywhere.
Neiburg Hotel, 1903
Medieval looking doorway
Colorful flowers graced Livi Square.
House of the Blackheads
Statue of Roland, 1897
First appeared as a wooden statue in 14th century and now stands replaced by the current sandstone statue.
He was the legendary Paladin of Charlemagne.
Livu Square in Old Town,
UNESCO protected.
Baltic Amber Jewelry is on display everywhere.
The Spires are throughout town
Freedom Monument, 1935
Locks of Wedding Bliss
Freedom Monument
Ducks were all along the canal.
Looking through the galley of our boat.
National Opera House
Marie Rudolfs Liepa, 2013
Latvian Ballet Dancer
Alfred Kalnins
1879-1951, Latvian composer, organist, & conductor
I love traveling with this guy!
He takes me to the most incredible places.
Five hangers were put here by the Germans to store blimps used during WWII.
Today they house a huge market for Riga.
Latvian Academy of Science
prominent Soviet era building, 1952-58
Refered to as Stalin's Birthday Cake
National Library "Castle of Light", 2014
We really enjoyed RIGA by Canal.
It was cool for our little boat to pass our
MSC Magnifica.
The castle
Riga Cathedral, 1211
St Peters Church Spire, 1209
The Powder Tower
The Museum of War was in the Powder Tower...
free entry
Each floor was dedicated to different eras of Latvia Wars. The first floor was of medieval wars
Missiles used to attempt to destroy the Powder House.
An unusual cannon on wheels....the beginning of tanks.
WW I soldiers wore wooden clogs to help keep their feet dry. We enjoyed this historical Museum, but ran out of time to visit the remaining floors.
The ship was pulling out at 5:00 so we headed back, saving the rest of the museum for the next time.
Riga also has very modern buildings.
Saules akmens
a prominent 27 story skyscraper
2002-2004
These bronze animal sculptures were spotted on our way back to the ship.
In Dome Square....
"How are you feeling?"
We are feeling happy, joyful, excited, grateful , and deeply in love with a new country, Latvia.
Would we come back?
You bet. We were so fortunate to spend one day in such the city of Riga but there is so much more to see here in the countryside.
Our time in Riga was such an incredible experience.
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