Latvia
The pearl of the Baltic States, is one of the European Union member states since 2004 and is situated in the North of Europe – on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Since ancient times Latvia has been on the crossroads between East and West, North and South. Therefore, Latvia is a multi-cultured state, where the traditions of all these countries have merged, creating a unique environment, the like of which is not to be found anywhere in the world. Tourists coming both from Western Europe and the Eastern countries feel comfortable in Latvia and find things that are of interest to them. Latvia, like other European countries, can offer a vast culture historical heritage; however, it is unique – the one and only and inimitable. Careful observations and unhurried recreation will allow you to notice things that will make your heart beat faster in delight.
General information
| Republic of Latvia | In Latvian: Latvijas Republika |
| Area: | 64 589 sq km |
| Population | 2 290 240 |
| Capital City: | Riga (706 000 inhabitants) |
| Currency: | Euro |
| Time Zone: | sGMT / UTC +2 |
| Language: | Latvian |
| Religion: | Lutheran Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox |
| Government: | parliamentary democracy |
| The Independence Day | 18th of November |
Riga
The capital of Latvia, is the pearl both of Latvia and the whole of the Baltics. Riga is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. It is located in the central part of the country, on the south coast of the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of our largest river, the Daugava. Riga is home for more than 700,000 inhabitants and is the largest city in the Baltic States.
As Riga has developed on the crossroads of trade, our metropolis has become a multicultural city in which one can always find a large number of things that are of interest. Riga is a great destination for a weekend trip, somewhere to gain brand new impressions and to relax.
Each century has left its mark in the city’s features. They can be seen in the architecture of the Old Town and the City Centre. This cultural heritage coexists harmoniously with the quick pace of modern living.
Riga is also known as the pearl of architecture – a city where churches built at the city’s very origin stand together with wooden architerture buildings survived throughout the centuries as well as the medieval buildings of the Riga Old Town and,of course, Art Nouveau trends in the development of the city. The Freedom Monument, a female figure that stretches three stars from the Latvian national coat of arms to heaven, forms the transition of the old town to the city centre. The central market housed in five former Zeppelin hangars is also worth seeing. Primarily domestic foodstuff is sold here.
Reasons to visit Riga
RIGA – CULTURE CAPITAL OF THE BALTICS
Riga offers dynamic cultural life. Latvian National Opera invites world-level artists. Concert halls regularly offer classic and popular music concerts, exhibition halls present works of world-known classical and contemporary artists, cultural life of Riga is generous in various manifestations.
RIGA – AN ARCHITECTURAL PEARL
Architecture of Riga is beauteous and diverse. Heritage of 800 years old Gothic churches, built by founders of Riga, medieval buildings in the Old Town, exquisite Art Nouveau, as well as wooden buildings make Riga a true pearl of architecture.
RIGA – CAPITAL OF GASTRONOMY
Riga’s restaurants offer fusion cuisine, where one can taste Latvian traditional meals, and original meals offering an astonishing combination of tastes and taking you for an exciting gastronomic journey.
RIGA – PLACE FOR ACTIVE HOLIDAYS
Marathon, orienteering, and adventure competitions – those are only some of activities, which one may enjoy in Riga. Parks are perfect for jogging in summers and skiing in winters. Water resources, golf fields, motor sport racetrack there is something for all sport enthusiasts.
RIGA, WHERE CENTURIES MEET
Riga is more than 800 years old. Each century has left its marks in the architecture in the Old Town and and the City centre where cultural heritage coexists with the quick pace of modern living.
RIGA – CITY FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
Riga is cut out for enjoying SPA treatments and beauty procedures. When being in Riga, one must enjoy traditional Latvian bath!
RIGA – CITY FOR SHOPPING
The Old Town is cut out for leisurely shopping – little shops offering souvenirs, art galleries are settled in the narrow streets of the Old Town, but shopping centres offer items both of foreign and local brands.
RIGA – CITY FOR YOUR HEALTH
Professional and high class medical personnel will help you to improve your health. Health procedures in Riga have become popular thanks to attractive prices and high quality service.
RIGA – CITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Riga is perfect for organising conferences, exhibitions, and team-building activities. The city is very dynamic and can offer not only a professional service, but also good infrastructure.
