About this experience
For a person visiting Riga for the first time, a walk through the Old Town is inevitable. The tall church spires topped with golden roosters will surely lure you in as landmarks visible from almost every part of the city. Old Riga is not just the city center with all the temptations of urban life, but also a starting point in history from which we will begin our stroll.
What to Expect
The Foundation of Riga and Tales of the Crusaders
In the summer of 1201, a German ship ran aground on the sandy shore of the river that is now called the Daugava, bringing Bishop Albert of Riga. He founded the city named after the river, Riga. But where is the river Riga, you may ask? Well, the Old Town of Riga is located on the right bank of the Daugava River (Western Dvina). During the tour, you will learn where the river went, where the city's founder docked his ship, walk along its former course, and hear stories about the city streets, their names, and functions. We will also visit the oldest stone building in the city - St. George's Church, the only remnant of the knights - Crusaders' first castle. You will learn about the lives of the knights who converted the locals to Christianity by fire and sword.
Castles, Legends, and Military History
We will also take a look at the last castle of the Livonian Order now occupied by the President of Latvia. Where there are castles, there are legends of treasures and, of course, ghosts. The castle's former owners, Polish, Swedish, and Russian governors-general, became legendary figures. We will see the remnants of fortress walls with towers. Until 1857, Riga was a fortress city for good reasons - wars. Germans, Poles, Swedes, and Russians besieged or defended the city, with the involvement of ordinary citizens.
The Early Lives of Riga Residents
You will see the houses where the residents lived, how they were built, their architectural styles, and the occupations of the townspeople. We will discuss this in detail at the buildings of the Great (merchant) Guild and the Small (craft) Guild. We will talk about respected crafts in the city, the development of trade, where and how goods were stored, and the indulgences of wealthy merchants. Of course, we will not miss the Town Hall Square and learn how it came about, the functions of the Riga Council, medieval punishments for criminals, and how girls sweeping the streets delighted the residents. We will also visit the alley known as Blaumana Street or Baker Street.
