Riga is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltic states. It is a vivid historical example at the epicenter of modern civilization with a rich collection of medieval facades and green parks.
Museums in Riga
In the capital of Latvia there is a powerful concentration of various and equally unique museum and exhibition complexes. The most visited museums in Riga are:
- the history of medicine, nature, the railway;
- artistic, ethnographic;
- aviation, seafaring;
- fire fighting, water supply;
- Botanical Garden;
- Bicycle Museum
- memorial house-exposition and a fabulous park in the Tervetsky forest.
The museums of Riga, in which historical values and artworks of famous masters are represented, are actively visited by city guests, sightseeing groups, and local residents. And after returning home, tourists share their emotions and vivid impressions in their reviews.
About the Powder Tower
One of the attractions of the city is the Powder Tower, which is a defensive structure from the attack of possible enemies from the main entrance.
The tower, 26 meters high, with a diameter of about 20 and wall thickness of up to 3 m, was named because of the historical storage of huge reserves of explosive charges there. A unique feature of this structure is an unusual entrance. Earlier, it was possible to get into the tower only by the stairs attached to the opening. The hole was located at a height of five meters from the ground.
The famous tower once housed a fencing hall, dance floor and even a student beer hall. Currently, the city’s Military Museum is located here, offering visitors a rich exposition of modern weapons.
The Powder Tower on its territory accommodates many underground bunkers, which are considered long-time custodians of various historical documents of special state importance to Latvia. These shelters were once a reliable place to shelter urban gold reserves from plunder.
Riga Ethnographic Museum
Near the center of Riga is one of the oldest European ethnographic museums. Here is a huge collection of diverse household and residential buildings from all over the country.
The museum is distinguished by the fact that it is located in a beautiful open-air forest zone and allows city guests not only to get acquainted with the long-standing life and economy of old Riga, but also to participate in colorful theatrical performances, exhibitions and annual fairs. Local artisans bring handmade, textile, ceramic and wicker goods there. They can be great gifts and souvenirs to friends and relatives.
In summer, on the museum territory, leisurely walks along the shore of Lake Jugla and a visit to the ancient church are offered, which allows couples in love to order a memorable wedding ceremony in a historical place. At this time of year, concerts and concerts of organ and folk music are held in the exhibition halls.
In winter, for those who visit the Ethnographic Museum, Riga friendly offers sledding, ice fishing and minimally extreme skiing down the high hills.
On a small territory of the complex are located the old “pillar” mill of the 19th century, a cozy bathhouse, as well as several building structures that make up a fully equipped fishing village with all the necessary household items and tools.
Riga History and Navigation
The oldest museum complex not only in the capital of Latvia, but throughout Europe, is considered the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The building of the XVIII century is made in the classical architectural style of the Enlightenment.
The museum consists of three branches:
- the building of the Nautical College in Ainaži;
- Menzendorf House Museum;
- Museum of Photography of Latvia.
The fame of the Ainazh School lies in the fact that it was there that in the middle of the 19th century a new system of training in naval art was tested. 18 merchant ships were assigned to it, designed for the cadets to master the practical component in the new curriculum.
The museum presents an impressive collection of more than half a million exhibits of numismatics and archeology. Additionally, there you can explore the whole history of navigation, see photos of the best graduates who have received diplomas.
