| Page Views: 297 Last Visit to Latvia: - | LATVIA by hopang - last update: May 9, 2009 |
Latvia is located in the Baltic regions in Northern Europe. It is bordering Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south and Belarus and Russia to the east. Sweden is located to the west of Latvia across the Baltic Sea.
Republic of Latvia is a member of European Union (EU) since 2004. It is also a member of NATO since 2004. The capital of Latvia is Riga which is also its largest city. The official language of Latvia is Latvian. It has a population of approximately 2.2 million people. Approximately 60% of the population are ethnic Latvians and approximately 28% are Russians. Latvia has a total area of approximately 65,000 square kilometres. Laima Clock (photo above) is one of the popular tourist attractions in Riga. The historic centre of Riga has been listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
The following are two of our favourite tourist attractions in Latvia:- |
|  | House of Blackheads, Riga The House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is located at the Town Hall Square right in the heart of the Old Town of Riga. It is a landmark of Riga and a very popular tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the Old Town of Riga.
The original House of Blackheads dates back to the 14th century. It was erected for the members of the Blackheads who were young unmarried merchants from several North European and Baltic countries such as Estonia and Latvia. The original Gothic style building was destroyed in the Second World War and the present reconstructed building was erected only in 1999.
The House of the Blackheads today is home to a museum, Riga's Tourist Information Office and a concert hall. The area around the Town Hall Square is a favourite meeting place for the locals. |
Freedom Monument, Riga The Freedom Monument (Brivibas Piemineklis) is located at Brivibas Street at Freedom Boulevard (Brivibas bulvaris) near the Laima Clock at the edge of the Old Town in Riga. It was erected in 1935 to dedicate to freedom and in honour of the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence between 1918 and 1920. The monument was designed by famous Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale. It was constructed of copper and granite. The monument is the tallest of its kind in Europe! It is regarded as a landmark of the city of Riga.
The Freedom Monument is topped by a statue of liberty holding three stars in outstretched hands. The three star symbolise the three regions of Latvia, i.e. Kurzeme (Courland), Vidzeme (Livland) and Latgale (Lettgallen). The monument has survived four decades of Soviet's rule and many wonder why the Soviets did not demolish it! The area around the monument has also been used for public gatherings and demonstrations in the past! Don't miss the Freedom Monument when you are in Riga for your vacation! | | |
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 Comments for hopang about Latvia | | | | |
toonsarah Tue Oct 27, 2009 17:51 UTC
We've often thought about visiting Riga and I can see from your page that we would like it there - some beautiful buildings, and the market sounds interesting too :-) | LoriPori Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:53 UTC
Riga Latvia is definitely on my wish list. I also like that you can take a ferry to Sweden from there. The House of Blackheads is indeed beautiful and impressive. Nice page! | Yaqui Thu Jul 30, 2009 17:50 UTC
The Latvian Riflemen Monument, St. Peter's Church, The Freedom Monument, and House of Blackheads look absolutely delightful. Excellent page! | evaanna Fri Jul 24, 2009 11:48 UTC
That's a city we haven't been to yet. St Peter's church looks very interesting. The view from the observation deck reveals a building that reminds me of Warsaw's Palace of Culture - obviously dating back to the Soviet era. |
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