Riga's Historic Town Center Overview
Situated on the Daugava River on the shores of the Riga Gulf of the Baltic Sea, Riga benefits from pleasant coastal air and is the gateway into the Baltic region. A major center of the Hanseatic League, Riga came to prominence during the 13th-15th centuries, benefiting from its geographic location as a trade port between Central and Eastern Europe. Although many of the oldest buildings were destroyed by fire and wars, the historic town center boasts many fine Gothic, Baroque and Classism buildings. But Riga is particularly renowned for its Art Nouveau structures which many believe is the finest collection of this style of architecture anywhere in Europe. Riga's specific attractions are numerous and include Riga Castle, the Jewish Museum, Gauja National Park, Riga Zoo and St Mary's Dome Cathedral completed in 1270 with one of the largest organs in the world. Riga's historic town center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 in recognition of the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil architecture that characterizes this splendid city.
Contact Addresses
For more information about Riga, contact the Latvia Tourism Development Agency (see Tourist Information above).
Transportation
Air: Riga International Airport. Water: Ferry: Free Port of Riga. Rail: Train: Public services to Riga's Central Station. Public Trolley and Tram services. Road: Bus: Public services to Riga International Bus Station.
Tourist Information
Latvia Tourism Development Agency
Pils Lauqums 4, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
Tel: 722 9945
Website: www.latviatourism.lv
Embassy of Latvia
45 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5LY, UK
Tel: (020) 7312 0040
Website: www.london.am.gov.lv
Location
Riga
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Latvia
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Riga
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