Riga
Riga
Riga, the
capital city of Latvia is an astonishing location for vacations, business as
well as for tourism. Often known as "Paris of the North", Riga is
world renowned for its amazing cultural and architectural values. It is said to
be founded by ''Albert von Buxhoeveden'' that was actually a German canon and
arrived in the city during the year of 1201 with 20 shiploads of campaigners to
convert Latvian ethnic groups to Christianity. Before that, a Liv township of
sailors and merchants existed where nowadays Old Town sits. In the year of
1282, Riga was incorporated in Hanseatic League and at that time it was an
important center in ''east-west'' trading.
Destroyed
badly during First World War, Riga remained an important point after the nation
was taken over by Soviet Union by the year 1940. Today, the city has seven
professional theatres, 12 cinemas, four concert halls, 28 museums and various
zoos as well as circus.
Sightseeing in Riga
Freedom
monument is a famous symbol of the country and has a holy place in the minds
and hearts of every citizen. Erected by citizens during the year of 1935, the
tallest establishment of its kind has made a comeback with some renovations,
but still maintains its poignancy. ''Riga Cathedral'' is the most photographed
building and presents a mix between Romanesque and gothic styles. Then, it is
St. Peter's Church which is worth visiting. This church was built in the year
1408 when it was especially built up to restore wooden church located on the
same location.
Besides
above mentioned, various other locations that you can enjoy in the city include
Jugendstil (art Nouveau), Latvijas Okupacijas Muzeja or Occupation museum of
Latvia, central market (centraltirgus), Mentzendorff House (Mencendorfa names),
House of the Blackheads, Latvian War Museum and many more.
Airlines flying to Riga
Czech
Airlines, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines provide very cheap air fares to
visit Riga
Passport and Visa requirements for US Citizens
U.S.
citizens are required to present a valid passport that has at least one blank
visa page and the passport should not expire within six months of the last day
you are in the country. U.S. citizens are not required to secure a visa in
advance of travel to the country. You may stay in the country without a visa
for a stay of up to 90 days in a six month period
