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2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town
5.0
2 Ratings
Rīga
Discover the legends, secrets, and hidden gems of Riga's Old Town on a captivating 2-hour walking tour. Uncover the symbolism of facades, alchemy, Christianity, and Freemasonry, and explore off-the-beaten-path locations. A unique experience that will leave you wanting to return to Riga again and again.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St. Peter’s Church - You will view Riga’s oldest Lutheran church from the outside and learn about the medieval tradition associated with the church’s golden roosters. You’ll visit the free section of the church, discover the symbolic meaning of the rooster from a Christian perspective, and understand how the number 666 influenced the church’s history.
- Riga Town Hall Square - Town Hall Square (Ratslaukums) is the most picturesque area of old Riga and its oldest cultural and representative center. Originally a city market, merchants from all over gathered here to trade goods. For many years, the area was known as the Market due to its primary function. It also served as the city’s administrative hub. From here, you can see the left bank of the Daugava River, the Latvian National Library, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and learn about the Key to Riga. You’ll also see where the tradition of decorating Christmas trees began in the 16th century and visit the memorial dedicated to the first decorated Christmas tree.
- House Of The Black Heads - The guide will describe the decoration of this beautiful building, explain the history of the Clock on its facade, and tell you about the Brotherhood of the Black Heads. You’ll visit the free part of the house, explore its underground, and learn about the alchemical and hermetic symbolism on the facade.
- Statue of Roland - Located in the center of the square, Roland’s statue symbolizes the freedom of the medieval city and the Hanseatic League, of which Riga has been a member since 1283. You’ll hear an interesting story about Roland’s shield and sword.
- Riga City Hall - You’ll walk through the inner street of City Hall (Jaunavu Street), observe the River of Time waterfall dedicated to Riga’s 800th anniversary in 2001, and see the Contemporary of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
- Rozena iela - This is the narrowest street in Riga, where you’ll see the oldest City Hall wine cellar from the 13th century. You’ll learn why these narrow streets were called the streets of the drunk knight.
- Bremen Town Musicians - You’ll see the monument of the Bremen musicians, a gift from the town of Bremen to Riga. This recognizable monument is believed to make wishes come true. Bremen and Riga are sister towns, and Riga’s founder, Bishop Albert, was originally from Bremen. The monument was created by Bremen sculptor Krista Baumgertel and installed in 1990.
- Dome Square - You’ll see Riga Cathedral, the main Lutheran church, from the outside and count all the golden roosters in the largest square of the Old Town. You’ll also learn about the secret geometry of the square, which hosts the main Christmas market each year.
- Riga Cathedral - You’ll learn about the church’s foundation and construction, visit the free part of the Dome, see the last work of Raphael Santi, and hear about the history of the church’s pipe organ, which was once the largest in the world in the 19th century and is now one of the best-sounding instruments. You’ll also learn how Riga’s merchants planned their day by looking at the Dome’s rooster.
- Riga Stock Exchange Building - The guide will describe the architecture of the Stock Exchange. As you pass through, you’ll see the only Venetian gondola in Riga. This example of Venetian Neo-Renaissance architecture, built in the 19th century, is a gem of Old Town and now houses the Museum of Foreign Art.
- Three Brothers - These houses form the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga, each representing different periods of construction. You’ll visit the oldest house from the 15th century (the Oldest Brother) and the Museum of Latvian Architecture. You’ll also see the oldest coat of arms of Riga in the inner yard behind the Three Brothers and learn about medieval Riga’s window tax.
- St. Jacob’s Catholic Cathedral of Riga - You’ll see this Catholic cathedral from the outside and hear the story of the “poor sinners” bell, which rang when criminals were taken from prison to Town Hall Square for execution.
- Powder Tower - The Powder Tower is the largest and only surviving tower from the 14th century in Riga’s Old Town. You’ll observe it from the outside, and after the tour, you can visit the Latvian War Museum housed inside. Admission is free.
- The Swedish Gate - You’ll see the only remaining outer gate of Riga, built during the Swedish period of the city’s history. You’ll also see the house of the city executioner and hear the legend of the Riga ghost.
- Jacob’s Inn Riga - This is the longest building in the Old Town, originally housing 5,000 Swedish soldiers. Now, it hosts souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices.
- Black Magic Bar - According to legend, this bar was once a pharmacy where the famous Riga Black Balsam was invented in the 18th century. The Black Magic Bar serves coffee, tea, sweets, cakes, and various drinks made with Riga Black Balsam. You’ll have the opportunity to sample this symbol of Riga and learn about the hidden alchemical symbolism and the secret door leading to the alchemist Kunze’s laboratory.
- Freedom Monument - Built during the first Latvian Republic, the Freedom Monument holds many secrets. The guide will reveal its hidden symbolism and discuss its construction and history, explaining why it is so important to the Latvian people.
- Laima Clock - This is the main meeting point in Riga. “Laima” is the largest chocolate producer in Latvia, and you’ll learn how it got its name.
- Ķēniņu iela - You’ll see the shortest street in Riga, which you can walk through in just one minute. You’ll also learn how it became so short many years ago.
- Cat House - The Cat House is one of the main symbols of the Old Town, featuring a black cat. You’ll hear the legend of the house and how the black cat became a symbol of Riga.
- Livu Square - You’ll learn about the history and hidden symbolism of the square and see the monument of Liv’s head.
- Small Guild of Riga - The Small Guild was a union of Riga’s craftsmen. You’ll hear about its foundation and see the building, constructed in Neo-Gothic style by architect Johann Felsko between 1864 and 1866.
- Great Guild - You’ll learn about the Great Guild, a union of local Riga merchants. The Riga Merchant Guild, also known as the Large Guild of Riga or St. Mary’s Guild, was a German merchant guild that existed from 1354 to 1936. Riga joined the Hanseatic League in 1283, and the German guilds became prominent in the city’s life.
- Baltic Way Footprint Monument - The Baltic Way was a historic event where roughly 2 million Latvians, Estonians, and Lithuanians formed a 600km-long human chain from Tallinn to Vilnius via Riga on August 23, 1989, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. A small red granite footprint at the crossroads of Kaļķu and Vaļņu (near McDonald’s) serves as a reminder of this event.
- Mikhail Chehov Riga Russian Theatre - You’ll see one of the oldest Russian theaters outside of Russia, built in the late 19th century during the Russian Empire. It’s a beautiful example of Florentine Neo-Renaissance architecture.
- St. John’s Church - You’ll hear the sad story of two Dominican monks who were walled up alive in the church and see the place where they were found during 19th-century reconstruction. You’ll also see the oldest gate leading to the Dominican monastery.
- Old City Riga (Vecriga) - You’ll see part of the 13th-century fortification wall built by Germans during the Livonian Order’s time to protect Riga from invaders.
- Kalēju iela - This is the longest street in the Old Town. It was once an embankment of the Riga River, and now it shows where the river once flowed. Blacksmiths used to work on this street.
- Riga Radio and TV Tower - You’ll see the tallest tower in the European Union, built between 1979 and 1989 with Soviet funding. Its highest point reaches 368.5 meters.
- First Christmas Tree Marker - You’ll see a plaque dedicated to the first decorated Christmas tree of 1510 and learn why Riga is known as the town of four capitals.
What's Included
- Tasting of Riga Black Balsam at a souvenir shop
What's Not Included
- All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information
During my guided tour, one can expect tales of folklore, intriguing city trivia, along with insightful interpretations of facade embellishments, alchemical symbols, Christian and Masonic icons. Additionally, I take you to those hidden spots in the old town that evade most tourist routes and guidebooks. I believe what I offer is truly captivating, bound to leave you yearning for more visits to Riga.
Location
St. Peter's Church
Reformācijas Laukums
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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Heather_m
Sep 12, 2023
Very good tour! - Our guide Lina shared charming stories and showed us parts of old town we would not have found on our own. We learned a lot about the beautiful city of Riga and would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get the most out of their visit!
Review provided by Viator