The Hanseatic era has left its mark across the entire Baltic Sea region. We present seven cities where its splendour still shines through. Part 5: Riga
Traces of the Hanseatic League in Riga
Unlike medieval Visby, Riga’s Old Town is characterised by historic buildings from various periods. These include Art Nouveau, which had a major influence during the era of the Russian tsars. The castle on the banks of the navigable Daugava, which flows from the Baltic Sea into the city, was built in the 14th century by the Livonian Order. Today it is the seat of the Latvian President. Yet the Hanseatic era is also ever-present, for example through the two religious buildings that dominate the cityscape: Riga Cathedral and St Peter’s Church. Also dating from that era is the House of the Blackheads on Town Hall Square, which was destroyed during the Second World War but reconstructed in all its splendour between 1993 and 1999. It commemorates the brotherhood of unmarried foreign merchants. The former warehouses and cellars of the Old Town are now home to trendy bars, galleries and restaurants.
Information for visiting boat owners
Access is via the marked fairway of the Daugava. The jetty at the City Yacht Club is best suited for visitors (pilsetasjahtklubs.lv) just below the Vanšu Bridge, where the waterway is no longer navigable by sailing yachts. From here, it is only about a 15-minute walk to the city centre.
Further articles in this series:
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
