Journey to Riga

05/06/2024

06/05/2024

In the Old Town, next to the medieval tower, you can see the coats of arms of all Latvian towns on the wall of the building and choose one town to visit outside Riga. I have prepared a tour of Ogre, a town 30 kilometres from Riga. This tour will give you the opportunity to explore the history of Ogre, the architecture of the early 20th century, see amazing landscapes and get to know modern life in a town, that was born as a resort, where the people of Riga can escape the noise and crowd and enjoy the activities that only small towns can offer.

02/05/2024

It is the former building of Riga Commercial Bank, built in neoclassical style. Above the balcony is an allegorical composition symbolizing wealth and prosperity, and it is complemented by the coat of arms of Riga. The sculptural works are made in Art Nouveau style. Now the building houses Latvian Radio.

17/09/2023

A certified English-speaking guide offers a tour that includes all the main tourist attractions of Riga. The tour will starts at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which is one of oldest and most prominent buildings of medieval architecture in the Baltic States. At the begining of the tour we walk through the Old Town and visit the most important medieval monuments, among them – the Riga Cathedral, the Three Brothers – the houses, that were built at different times therefore each of them represents distinct style of its historic period, we will visit also the Cat House and I will tell the famous legend about it. The tour will give insight into medieval life and most important attractions, which are a must-see for every visitor, who is visiting Riga. After we head out of the Old Town and focus on life behind the Iron Curtain, which has left a huge qonsequences on today’s life in Latvia. Latvia was under Soviet regime from 1945 – 1991, the guide gives an insight into what life was like behind the Iron Curtain, what people’s daily lives were like, at a time when warehouses were set up in churches and the celebration of Christmas was forbidden. The guide will also tell you how Latvia got independence from Soviet Union. Afterwards, the Orthodox Church is visited and the last stop is the Art Nouveau district, where you are introduced to Art Nouveau styles, the most important buildings and architects. You will also have the chance to ask your own questions. Guide has a good knowledge of history, life behind the Iron Curtain and people of today’s Latvia. Your guide will recommend also the most interesting museums in Riga. The tour will take approximately 2 hours. Contact details are below.

Andis Baumanis,
Certified tour guide of Riga
Phone: +371 27900302
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: Journey to Riga

A certified English-speaking tour guide offers a tour that includes all the main tourist attractions

04/08/2023

One of the most famous of names associated with Art Nouveau is Mikhail Eisenstein. It is regrettable to say, that both during Eisenstein’s lifetime and after his death, in the 1930s and 1970s, his buildings were often criticised by professionals for being tasteless. For example, the architect J.Pīrāns wrote – he did not stay long in Riga and did not leave any special traces in Riga, only the pityful Alberta Street became his victim, the lack of taste was revealed in the facades of the houses almost completely built by M.Eisenstein in Alberta Street. Fortunately, time put everything in its place. Today, tourists and visitors, including professorial architects, come to Alberta Street to these extraordinary houses.

02/08/2023

The ornamental decoration of the facades is a particular pride of Art Nouveau, although tourists are often confronted by huge stone masks with wide eyes that frighten small children, however this abstract decorativeness is fascinating and keeps people returning to these streets again and again.

29/07/2023

A large hockey goalie unveiled at the Freedom Monument to honour the bronze medal won by Latvian hockey players in 2023. Hockey is the most popular sport in Latvia. Latvia is ranked 10th in the 2023 IIHF rankings, which is not so bad keeping in mind, that Latvian population is just under 2 million.

14/06/2023

A room from the National History Museum of Latvia. Art Deco was one of the most influential interior styles of the 20th century and still plays a very important role in interior design today.