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GENERAL INFORMATION Riga is located at the mouth of the Daugava River on the shores of the Riga Gulf of the Baltic Sea. The capital of Latvia, Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States. Latvia is bordered by Estonia, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia.

Founded in 1201, Riga was a powerful member of the Han-seatic League. Until 1856, a fortification wall and earthen ramparts surrounded the community. Since then, Riga has changed greatly and has acquired the nickname of “Paris of the Baltic’s”. The city is known for its buildings of re-markable Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Art Nouveau architecture. In 1997, the Old Town was included on the United Nations List of World Heritage sites.

At the crossroads of Europe, Riga is one of the most cen-trally located Baltic cities. This has attributed to Riga’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and places it in a strategic posi-tion to become a powerful commercial and transportation hub for the region. Riga is also the center of education and science for the country. Since declaring independence in 1991 and implementing market reforms, Riga and Latvia are enjoying one of the fastest growing economies in Eu-rope. Riga is a modern metropolis that cherishes its cultur-al heritage, protects its historical treasures and embraces the future.

HISTORY During the ice age, glaciers covered the entire region of Latvia. After the glaciers receded roaming Finno-Ugric tribes started to settle on the Baltic coast around 2000 B.C.

In 1201 A.D., the Pope sent German Crusaders to Latvia. Led by Bishop Al-bert Von Buxhoevden of Bremen, the country was taken and Riga was founded as a staging area for further conquests into the Baltic region. Under German rule by 1282, Riga had joined the powerful Hanseatic League and was becom-ing an important trade partner with other European cities. Latvia like many evolving European nations continued to experience turbulent times through the next several centuries. Power struggles and conquests by Poland, Sweden and Russia started an increase in a national consciousness among Latvians. By 1920 Latvia gains independence as a free state and prospers.

During World War II, Europe was divided and conquered and in 1940 Latvia came under Soviet domination. In 1941 Stalinist forces started a mass deporta-tion of citizens. Near the end of the year Nazi forces took control and in a two day period nearly 25,000 Latvian Jews are executed at Rumbula outside of Riga. By 1944 the Soviets once again regained control of Latvia.

The 1990’s saw the collapse of communism and the establishment of Latvia as a free and independent state. Latvia became a member state of the European Union in May of 2004. Today, Latvia is enjoying one of the fastest growth rates in Europe.

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PLACES OF INTEREST

Old Town of Riga was a center of commerce during the middle Ages. The wealthy merchants in an effort to out do one another, left the city with many architectural treasures. Some of the most famous monu-ments include; St. Peter’s Church with its famed spire, St. George’s Church, St. John’s Church, a part of restored city wall and the medi-eval John’s yard. The Old Town has exceptionally beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture of late 19th and early 20th centuries.

1 Dome Square is the very heart of Old Riga. The massive 13th century red-brick Dome Cathedral is situated on the square. The

interior walls are covered with memorabilia commemorating the ac-complishments of former parishioners. The Cathedral is home to the famous 19th century Dome organ containing over 6 thousands pipes making it one of the largest in Europe.

2 “Three Brothers” are the oldest stone residential buildings in Riga. The Three Brothers represent different stages in the archi-

tectural development from medieval to Baroque. The oldest of the three buildings dates back to the 15th century. The other two were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Riga Museum of Architecture is located in Building #19.

3 “House of Cats” is situated near Dome Square and is famous for the cat sculptures perched on the roof as well as the story that is

associated with them.

4 Powder Tower dates back to the 14th century. The structure is the only surviving defense tower of the old city walls. The Pow-

der Tower is now the home of the Museum of War which has exhibits of weapons and artifacts spanning 700 years.

5 Riga Castle dates from the 14th century. Built for the German Knights, it was destroyed and then rebuilt again several times.

The castle is now home to the president of Latvia.

6 The Freedom Monument was dedicated in 1935 and symbolizes the struggle of the Latvian people for independence. The monu-

ment was designed by Latvia’s most famous sculptor and became the hub of the Latvian independence movement in the late 1980s.

Beyond Riga

Big Choral Synagogue was built in 1868 and was the biggest and most beautiful synagogue in Riga. It was famous for its singers, both cantors and the choir. On July 4th, 1941, the Synagogue was burned down with 300 people inside. On July 4th, 1988 a memorial stone was inaugurated on the site.

Riga Motor Museum is the biggest antique vehicle museum in the Baltic countries. The museum has on display more than 100 unique vehicles. Curiosities are wax life-size figures of Stalin in his armored Tchaika and Brezhnev at the wheel of his crashed car.

Rumbula is located on the outskirts of Riga. Approximately 25 thou-sand Jews from across Europe were massacred during World War II in the pine forest of Rumbula. In late 1960’s a tombstone was placed on the mass grave of victims of Nazi terror.

Latvian Ethnography Open-Air Museum was founded in 1924 and lies in the outskirts of Riga on the coast of Lake Jugla. The museum presents an opportunity to learn about the history and life in Latvia in authentic surroundings. The museum is divided into four regions according to the territorial division of Latvia’s provinces – Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale and Latgale. The museum is home to peasants’ farmsteads, windmills, wooden churches and pubs from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Sigulda Castle dates from the 13th century. The castle was construct-ed by Teutonic invaders and was destroyed in the 18th century. Some of the ruins have been partially restored.

Turaida Castle is located about 50 km northeast of Riga and is one of the most visited medieval castles in Latvia. Dating from the 12th century it was once the residence of the Archbishops of Riga. Here one can find the grave of Turaida Rose located under an old linden tree. She was the heroine of a true love story from the 17th century.

SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to Riga and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our organized Shore Ex-cursions. For information concerning tour content and pricing, consult your Shore Excursion Brochure or contact the Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, be advised to take with you only necessary items and secure any valuables onboard.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining: Prices in large stores are fixed. Bar-gaining may take place in smaller owner-managed shops, and some local street vendors.

Tipping: Generally a service charge will be included on the bill; other-wise 10-15% is a good guideline.

Local Cuisine: Latvian recipes typically contain fresh local ingre-dients commonly available such as pork, bacon, fish, potatoes, cab-bage, onions and pickles. Often served are Piragi, a pastry made from wheat flour filled with a meat stuffing, Borshch, a soup made from beets and sauerkraut. Bread is very important on a Latvian table. Dark rye breads are popular but there are many different wheat and barley breads to be found as well.

Kimenu siers is a traditional Latvian cheese often served at celebra-tions. Pickled mushrooms are a Latvian specialty.

Drink Specialties: Latvia has been producing many fine quality beers for centuries. Among the some of the popular local brands are Aldaris,

Cesis and Lacplesis. One of the best selling spirits is Kristala dzid-rais, a well liked Latvian-produced vodka. In the whiskey category, Zverkavis has an interesting taste. The national Liqueur is Riga’s Mel-nais Balzams. The thick, dark drink is made from a complicated recipe and is said to be an acquired taste. For a cold weather climate, Latvia has some very good local wines. Bottled water is recommended.

SHOPPING FACILITIES There are many shopping opportunities in Riga especially in the Old City district. There are quaint specialty stores as well as shopping malls. The “Galerija Centrs” is one of Ri-ga’s best known department stores and has undergone extensive reno-vations to create a modern shopping experience. The Central Market is a chaotic and fascinating place to explore. Located southwest of the Old City next to the main train station, the Central Market is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Shopping hours are generally from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday thru Saturday. There may be some tourist-oriented shops that stay open later. Most small shops are closed on Sunday.

Items of interest are; Latvian made Laima Candies, Riga Black Bal-sam, jewelry, Baltic amber, leather items, linen, antiques, music, handicrafts and souvenir items. There are of course varying degrees of quality but it is possible to obtain some real bargains as well as some unique souvenirs.

LOCAL CURRENCY The official unit of currency is the Latvian Lat (LVL). The Lat is subdivided into 100 Santims. The new notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Lats. Coins can be found in denominations of 1 and 2 Lats and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Santims.

Most major shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.

POST OFFICE AND TELEPHONE FACILITIES The main Riga Postal Centre “SAKTA” is located 32 Brivibas bulv..

Public Telephones are easy to use. The phones are activated with a Lattelecom calling card. Phone cards can be purchased at post offices or from newspaper kiosks. To make an International call you must purchase an International phone card. You can also place calls with your personal calling card using the following access codes:

AT&T: 800.2.288MCI: 800.8.888

TOURIST INFORMATION There are two Tourism Information Of-fices in Riga. One is located in the Old City in the House of Black-heads complex at Ratslaukums 6 (I-2).

The second is located at the bus terminal at Pragas 1.

TRANSPORTATION Taxis are in limited supply in the pier area. Fares should be negotiated prior to entering the cab and departing.

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES

Yes • Ja No • Ne Hello • Labdien Farewell • Uz Redzesanos Thank You • Paldies You’re Welcome • Ludzu