Town Hall Square, Riga (must see)
This cobblestone town square marks the heart of Old Riga. It's surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, including the House of the Blackheads and Riga City Hall.
In the center of the square stands a statue of Roland, Charlemagne's nephew and a Frankish military leader. His reputation for strict but just governance led him to become a symbol of justice in Northern Germany. The statue has stood beside the town's well since 1897.
However, the square's biggest claim to fame is its association with what is believed to be the world's first decorated Christmas tree, displayed here in 1510. A plaque marks the spot, and, of course, a tree is decorated here every year during the holiday season.
Bombs leveled Town Hall Square and its surrounding buildings during World War II. The historic buildings you see today were rebuilt in the years following the war. The House of the Blackheads reopened in 1999, while the Town Hall building reopened in 2003.
The square is a wonderful place to begin exploring Riga. From here, narrow cobblestone streets wind through some of the city's most beautiful historic architecture. The scene is especially stunning at night, when the buildings are illuminated, giving the square an enchanting atmosphere.
In the center of the square stands a statue of Roland, Charlemagne's nephew and a Frankish military leader. His reputation for strict but just governance led him to become a symbol of justice in Northern Germany. The statue has stood beside the town's well since 1897.
However, the square's biggest claim to fame is its association with what is believed to be the world's first decorated Christmas tree, displayed here in 1510. A plaque marks the spot, and, of course, a tree is decorated here every year during the holiday season.
Bombs leveled Town Hall Square and its surrounding buildings during World War II. The historic buildings you see today were rebuilt in the years following the war. The House of the Blackheads reopened in 1999, while the Town Hall building reopened in 2003.
The square is a wonderful place to begin exploring Riga. From here, narrow cobblestone streets wind through some of the city's most beautiful historic architecture. The scene is especially stunning at night, when the buildings are illuminated, giving the square an enchanting atmosphere.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Riga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Town Hall Square on Map
Sight Name: Town Hall Square
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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Walking Tours in Riga, Latvia
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