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

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 S$187 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 S$64 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 S$187 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 S$100 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 S$127 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 with a trip to 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 trip 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 enjoy retail therapy at Riga Christmas Market. Discover the acclaimed art galleries 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

Top Art Nouveau Buildings Hotel Deals

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
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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
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Neiburgs Hotel
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)
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
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ibis Riga Centre

ibis Riga Centre

3.5 out of 5
Marijas Iela 5 Riga
ibis Riga Centre
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