Likely the most photographed building in Riga.
On my recent travels in several northern European countries I have been thrilled with the old buildings, many in fascinating architectural styles. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is known especially for Art Nouveau architecture, popular between 1890 and 1910. Art Nouveau is characterized by asymmetrical curved forms and decorative details inspired by plants and animals. Riga has other interesting buildings too. Here are some favourites from the few days I spent there.
This corner building has two adjacent, identical facades with only one restored so far.
Interesting facade.
Are those people or animals holding up the balcony?
Did you notice the second face?
Riga also has a number of old wooden buildings often with interesting details. The first one was across the street from the apartment building where I stayed. The second I found while wandering.
The urge is strong to pick up a paint scraper.
The distressed look on this one is quite enchanting.
Like most European cities, Riga has its share of churches. Liepāja Holy Trinity Evangelic Lutheran Cathedral aka Dome Cathedral is a Baroque building going back to 1742 overlaid on a C13 Romanesque cathedral with later Gothic additions. What most fascinated me was a small museum In the cloisters with bits and pieces from excavations on this and other sites. My favourite church from an architectural perspective was the Church of the Nativity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built between 1876 and 1883.
Liepāja Holy Trinity Evangelic Lutheran Cathedral.
Church of the Nativity Russian Orthodox Cathedral.