Palace Garden, Riga

The Palace Garden and Park in Riga is a serene space located near the Riga Castle along the banks of the Daugava River. The park, though compact, holds profound historical significance due to two major landmarks that commemorate different aspects of Latvia's past.

The first landmark is the site of the former Victory Column, established to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon in the War of 1812. Initially erected in 1817 at Castle Square, the column was a symbol of Russian triumph, designed in Saint Petersburg, possibly by the architect Giacomo Quarenghi. During the tumult of the First World War in 1915, the metallic parts of the column were transported to Russia, and by 1938, the remaining stone structure was dismantled due to the political climate of the time. Recent attempts to restore this monument have been unsuccessful, reflecting ongoing political sensitivities.

At the northern end of the park, a more somber monument stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic deportation of Latvian children to Siberia during Soviet rule. Specifically, the monument, known as "Orphan Girl," is dedicated to the memory of over 4,000 Latvian children who were deported in 1941 and 1949, of whom only half survived. Unveiled in 2008 and located opposite the president's palace, this grey granite statue captures the somber reality of those dark times. Sculpted by Janis Karlovs, who himself was deported to Siberia at just two years old, the statue serves as a memorial to the innocence lost during these brutal deportations.

Together, these landmarks provide visitors to the Palace Garden with a deep reflection on the complex layers of Latvian history, encapsulating moments of both historical grandeur and profound sorrow.