Riga, Latvia

House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Pilsētas Kanāls in Bastejkalna Park, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Pilsētas kanāls, the city's old moat, once protected the medieval walls from invaders. 

Riga old town, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Local’s market, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Finnair flight AY 1073 on final approach at Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Vintage car, Riga , Latvia — August 16, 2021

Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

The Latvian Academy of Sciences building in Riga is a prime example of Stalinist architecture, often referred to as “Stalin’s birthday cake” due to its layered design. It’s reminiscent of several other high-rises built in the former Soviet Union during the same period, like Moscow’s Seven Sisters. The building stands at 108 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Riga. Construction of the building began in the early 1950s and was completed in 1961. It was originally intended to be a gift to the city from the workers and peasants of the Latvian SSR in honor of the country’s integration into the Soviet Union. As the name suggests, the building houses the Latvian Academy of Sciences, which is responsible for promoting scientific research and development in the country. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the building maintained its significance in the academic and scientific community of Latvia. The architecture, however, remains a reminder of the Soviet era and its influence on the Baltic states.

View of old town from Bastejkalna Park, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Jacob’s Barracks building showing coats of arms for Latvian parishes, Tornu Street, old town

Borjomi heaven, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Historic Centre of Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Homemade Latvian rye bread, Riga — August 16, 2021

I literally bought the half loaf in upper left of this photos (and devoured it quite quickly!)

Sunset over Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

St. Saviour’s Church, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Vanšu Bridge, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Old town, Latvia — August 16, 2021

The Freedom Monument, Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021

Brīvības piemineklis

Historic Centre of Riga, Latvia — August 16, 2021