Riga, Latvia

The capital of Latvia, the city of Riga was founded more than 800 years ago by German settlers - traders, missionaries and crusaders. It is situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea where the Daugava River flows in. The first trading post was established here in 1158 and the first monastery around 1190. Riga joined the Hanseatic League, a trade alliance of German city states in the Baltic Sea region. During its long existence, power over Riga was contested by - the Teutonic Order, the Rzeczpospolita (Poland), Sweden, Russia and the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR, Latvia became an independent state and its capital Riga quickly became one of the most prosperous cities in the Baltic region. With its beautiful buildings, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the world, Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best examples of these buildings are found in the city centre on Elizabets Iela and Alberta Iela streets.

Towering above Riga is the magnificent Riga Cathedral, built in 1211 and believed to be the largest in the Baltic Sea region. Another must-see landmark is the Riga Palace, which is the seat of the President of Latvia, the Latvian History Museum and the Museum of Foreign Art.

Apart from the Riga Cathedral and the Riga Palace, Riga's must-sees include St. Peter's Church with its 123 m high tower; the medieval buildings of the Three Brothers - the oldest dating back to the 15th century; St. John's Church from the 13th century; the Open Air Ethnographic Museum; the Zoo and many more.