Situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga is Latvia’s capital, as well as the Baltic area’s largest city and economic and cultural centre.
As a member of the Hanseatic League, it was the Baltic area’s largest commercial centre; during its history Riga was successively under Swedish, Polish, Russian, German and Soviet rule.
Blackheads House, Riga
Riga’s historic inner-city is a real treasure-box for the visiting tourists, and it has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Besides its medieval buildings (St. Peter’s Church, Riga Cathedral), its richly decorated burgher houses also make the atmosphere of the old-city unforgettable. The 15th century building, referred to as “The Three Brothers”, stands out from among the other former trading houses.
The city’s castle, built in 1330, serves today as the residence of the President, and also gives home to a number of museums.
Because of the dominance of the Secession style, in the building complexes built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Riga is also referred to as the “Art Nouveau City”.
The best time to visit Riga is probably at the time of the “white nights” in June – however, pleasant weather can also be experienced in July and August.
Latvia 
