Riga located on the Bay of Riga — the largest Baltic city — has been a trading center since 1100’s: Vikings, Crusaders, Hanseatic League….The Daugava river and the stylish cable stay Vansu Tilts Bridge. The newer town on the left bank, the older on the right.The dominate National Library of Latvia, 2014. The Castle of Light design is derived from a beloved local 1909 book titled ‘The Golden Steed’ — only those “clever, purity of heart, and empathy” can get to the top of the Ice Mountain to waken the princess.Riga was the European Capital of Culture in 2014: On 14 January 2014, thousands formed the ‘Chain of Light’, (2,014 meters long) transferring books one by one to the new library! The first book to pass was the German Chancellor’s 1825 family bible, published in Latvian.The wonderful and impressive people’s bookshelf holds many special books, such as family bibles and cookbooks with personal messages — all donated by Latvians and visitors.The world renowned Latvian born American architect, Gunars Birkerts, had his office in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He pioneered expressive moderism with emphasis especially on the use of light. The library had a wonderful exhibit on all the libraries around the world he created as well as many of his other projects.Riga has a history of great architects and is lucky to have many of their building remaining. UNESCO has recognized the Historic Center of Old town as a Cultural site which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity.Most of the buildings are unique in that they are only 5 stories in height.The House of the Black Head, — originally built by wealthy Hanseatic merchants in 1334 — was restored in 1999 after WWII bombing. We stayed across the square in a fabulous Apartment Hotel.There are many faces watching you as the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world is here. Most of Riga’s 600 Art Nouveau buildings date from between 1904 and 1914.Stylistic influences derived from present-day Austria, Finland and Germany — while the establishment of a faculty of architecture in Riga in 1869 was instrumental in providing a local cadre of architects.Between 1897 and 1913, the city grew by 88%, reaching a population of 530,000 in 1914 — making it the fifth largest city in the Tsarist Russian Empire.The Art Nouveau center was in one of the earliest example of buildings in this style and has recreated much of the interiors as they originally appeared. Here is their website with link to buildings, architects.Fabulous entryways! The buildings are wonderful at the street level and also keep you craning up to see the top adornments.Very impressive stairway leading up all 5 floors. On Alberta Iela 2 (Art Nouveau Center) designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, one of the most prominent Latvian architects.
