Before visiting Latvia, I had little understanding of their turbulent history. I walked the streets when I arrived and found beauty around every corner. The varied architecture, stunning skyline, and mix between modern and old made we want to look deeper into the roots that created such a diverse setting. I asked tour guides and locals about the diversity and visited The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to walk into Riga’s history and down the streets of the past.
In terms of war, Riga has always been involved through other powers. And Freedom Street, located in the city center of Riga, is like a timeline in Latvia’s war history. When a ruling power changes, the first thing that power does is to change the names of streets. Freedom Street doesn’t just tell the story of a street; it tells the story of Latvia and gives a deeper understanding of their history and culture.
Freedom Street has experienced several wars – First World War, Second World War, Cold War, Singing Revolution, and August 1991 Putsch. Many military forces have entered and left Riga via this street. During Latvia’s first period of independence it was known as Brivibas or Freedom’s Street then it became Hitler’s Strasse, then Lenin’s Street and then, one hopes that this time for good, Freedom Street, once again. Without explaining an entire century of history, the names of Freedom Street are a reflection of the city’s turbulent history.
The buildings around Riga tell a similar story to Freedom Street and, while build on war and turbulence, create a distinct beauty that draws you in and demands your attention.
Bucket List Publications 
Great photos and an interesting blog. Latvia’s whole history has been one of continuous invasion. I particularly like the drama created by the sky in the fifth photo down. –Curt
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That photo could also represent the dramatic history of Latvia. Good choice 🙂
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Nice pics. and in summer they have great beaches also. not everybody knows that 🙂
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I heard about the beaches. I’ll need to come back in the summer to check them out. 🙂 I hear July is the best time to visit. Have you been here in July?
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Yes July. Yes I have. Its like in Sweden if you go in June you cant make sure about the weather but July.and beginning of August its good.
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What beautiful pictures. They entice me into wanting to find out more about the country and perhaps visiting it one day.
All of Europe has wonderful rich history, if only you take the time to look below the surface.
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Hopefully you make it here for a visit. It’s worth the flight 🙂 Have you visited any of the neighboring countries?
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The only European soil I have touched is Spain and France back in 1997.
Loved Spain. Would go back in a heartbeat. France, however, I’m not so sure about. I wasn’t very impressed. Maybe. I dunno.
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I can’t quite place the last picture. Is that “Stalin’s Wedding Cake” in the background?
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Yes, it was taken from the bar on the 27th floor of Radisson Blu.
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Very informative…and words woven in imagery…would love to visit one day….
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I can see why you were drawn in. Great photos.
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I love Riga!! One of my favourite cities!! 🙂 There’s so much history there on so many levels! Did you try the Riga Black Balsam? xxx
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Sure did! I might have spent a little time at Black Magic testing out the local flavors. It was all in the name of journalism; I did it for my readers 😉
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Very interesting write-up and pics 🙂 ❤
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My significant other is Latvian so I made my first visit to Riga in September last year…so thrilled to see the last few posts. It is a wonderful gem of a small European city (and I loved your pix of the market as we spent many hours there…partly because we kept running into cousins/friends/ etc.). Would definitely recommend attending the Opera if you are there!
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Oh! If only the streets and building could talk, one can only imagine the stories they could tell.
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Outstanding description. Great history lesson. Beautiful pics.Thank you. Keep up your good work.
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Wonderful blog! A great stop in history.
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O.M.G. Stunning architecture. With its turbulent history, I’m amazed there so much beauty. 🙂
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what a trip…whoda thoughT,,very kewl read an write 🙂 thanks …happy journeying as ya go on an on keep on keepin’ on an jest enjoy .very informative..
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amazing architecture! Thanks for sharing
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I’m visiting in May and hadn’t don’t much research yet, this helps! Fantastic shots!
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Impressive photos and interesting post. I like the clouds behind the building in the 5th photo. I think it must have taken a considerable amount of endurance to survive all the changes in power.
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I love your blog. How can you afford to take so many trips, especially when raising a small child? I have a one year old daughter and since she was born, I have not taken ANY trips to work on my photography. We struggle just to pay the bills and my artwork has taken a backseat. I wouldn’t trade my daughter for anything in the world but even with my husband and I working full time, we haven’t been able to afford a vacation since our honeymoon three years ago. What is your secret?!
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Awesome photos! Numbers 4 and 5 are my favorites.
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Unfortunately, much of Eastern Europe has a similar troubled history, something I discovered after spending a year in Warsaw. I’m glad there’s people out there that not only visit Latvia and the Baltics, but take the time to appreciate their history!
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great pics!
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clearly the existence of historical buildings what what makes the city beautiful. very much a ‘blast of the past’ kinda feel.
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I really enjoyed this virtual tour of Latvia. It is an interesting, overlooked country.
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So nice to read about Riga. My father is from Riga. I haven’t visited Latvia yet, but I will 🙂
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