Melngalvju Nams (House of the Black Heads), Riga (must see)

The House of the Blackheads is now a museum celebrating Riga’s rich commercial heritage. The original building was erected in 1334.

It became closely associated with the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, a local guild made up largely of unmarried merchants, shipowners and foreign traders. The organisation was active from the Middle Ages until around 1940. It began as a military and religious association but gradually evolved into an important social and cultural organisation.

The House of the Blackheads served as a meeting place for the brotherhood, where members hosted banquets, celebrations and cultural events. In 1510, the square outside was also the setting for what is traditionally regarded as one of the world’s first decorated Christmas trees. Remarkably, you can still visit the historic site today. A commemorative plaque set into the cobblestones in front of the building, together with a metal Christmas tree sculpture, marks the spot associated with this centuries-old tradition.

The building was destroyed during World War II. It was severely damaged in 1941 and its remaining ruins were demolished by the Soviet authorities in 1948. The House of the Blackheads was reconstructed in the late 1990s, largely restoring its historic appearance. During an initiative known as “I Build the House of the Blackheads,” local residents contributed money towards its reconstruction, symbolically helping to put the building back together. The investment was certainly worthwhile. Make sure to admire the façade’s intricate astronomical clock, gilded statues and colourful coats of arms.

Today, the House of the Blackheads has been restored to its former glory and is open to the public. The upper levels contain magnificent ballrooms that have hosted some of Riga’s most prestigious cultural events. The building has also played an important role in Latvia’s modern political history, serving as the temporary residence and workplace of the President of Latvia between 2012 and 2016. To get a taste of the interior’s opulence, step through the grand entrance and explore the elegant state rooms and historical exhibition halls.

Perhaps the most fascinating area lies underground. In the cellar, visitors can walk through original medieval spaces and explore some of the oldest surviving parts of the building. Once used to store goods, the atmospheric cellar now serves as an exhibition area.

The museum is open daily. On the last Sunday of each month, it offers a free, one-hour guided tour of the building in English, Latvian and Russian.