Riga is a place where centuries meet. Riga is a modern European city. Riga - the European capital of free WiFi

On the picturesque shore of the Gulf of Riga, one of the most major cities Baltic coast - beauty Riga. Today's Riga is the capital of Latvia, a modern European city, where you can have a great time and, of course, get acquainted with the numerous sights of the city - a wonderful historical heritage left by the glorious ancestors of the inhabitants of Riga.

Since Soviet times, Riga has been distinguished by its atypical color for the allied cities and its typical European appearance. It is no coincidence that domestic directors were so fond of making feature films in Riga, the action in which unfolded behind the impenetrable Iron Curtain. And Old Riga did not even require the construction of additional decorations. Everything about her was decorous and European.

Today, the city, which is home to more than 700 thousand inhabitants, is considered one of the most fascinating centers of the region, on the territory of which there is a huge number of historical and architectural monuments of stunning beauty.

Interestingly, Riga was founded relatively recently - at the very beginning of the 13th century. Its appearance on the map of Europe was due to the missionary activities of the Knights of the Teutonic Order, with whom Catholic monks marched the earth, forcibly converting pagans to Christianity and, as historians say, often “with fire and sword.”

After one of these missionary campaigns, a German colony was formed at the mouth of the Daugava River in 1201, which marked the beginning of the foundation of Riga. Over time, the city more than once passed under various protectorates. Over the years, Riga had the status of a free city and was part of the Hanseatic Trade Union, was part of the Commonwealth, Sweden, Russian Empire, was the capital Republic of Latvia, was administrative center Latvian SSR and, finally, since 1991 became the capital of independent Latvia.

It is quite understandable that such a complex history could not but leave behind characteristic traces brought into its appearance by the influence of various cultures and temporal factors. That is why a huge number of tourists come to Riga every year, not only from Europe, but also from many other continents. They are attracted by the abundance of historical sights, the pleasant mild climate and the intelligent friendliness of the locals.

Sights of Riga

Today's Riga is not only a modern European city where you can have a great free time walking along the shady streets, sitting in cozy cafes and restaurants, spending the night away in dance clubs, but also get acquainted with the wonderful historical heritage left by the glorious ancestors of Rigans.

Riga castle

The first work on the construction of the Riga castle began as early as 1330, during the reign of the Livonian Order in the city, which organizationally was part of the Teutonic Order, located on the territory of Livonia. During the ongoing wars, the castle was constantly destroyed and rebuilt again. Therefore, in its architectural appearance, one can consider the influence of numerous trends in architecture that dominated in one or another historical era.

One of the largest reconstructions of the castle was carried out in 1515, more than forty years before the end of the hegemony of the Livonian knights over Riga. After the order left the city, the castle, replacing each other, housed governors from Poland, Sweden and Russia. During the period of the first republic, the residence of its president was located in the building of the Riga Castle. The Soviet government traditionally arranged the Palace of Pioneers in the castle.

In its original form, the city castle was a fairly simple fortification, crowned with small defensive towers. During the restructuring of the 16th century, two rounded gun turrets were additionally erected, which received the names lead tower And tower of the Holy Spirit. By the way, the personal standard of the President of the Republic of Latvia is flying on the Tower of the Holy Spirit nowadays.

Today, the Riga Castle is considered a recognized example of defensive architecture dating back to the era of late classicism. The manner of distribution of premises in the castle is also traditional. Its first floors were reserved for the master's quarters, as well as for the accommodation of units carrying guard duty. The second floor was occupied by premises intended for the reception of visitors and the residence of the administration. And on the topmost third floor, equipped with small windows in the form of loopholes, there were armories.

As it should be for a real medieval castle, under the Riga fortress there is a dungeon with a wide network of underground passages and its own ghost. The latest reconstruction of the Riga Castle was carried out already at the beginning of the 20th century, which was led by the outstanding Latvian architect Eugen Laube. During the restoration work, the castle vestibule received a modern and presentable look, and a spacious Celebration Hall and a new tower appeared inside, which received the name three stars. The residence of the President of Latvia is now located on the site of the former forburg, that is, the fortifications that were built here in the 16th century.

House of the Blackheads

Just four years after the construction of the Riga Castle, in 1334, another attraction appeared in the city, which at first was called the New House, and then - House of the Blackheads. Immediately after its construction New house served as a gathering place for citizens to announce important government decisions to them. After some time, the city authorities decide to lease it to the so-called Brotherhood of the Blackheads - a kind of association of young unmarried foreign merchants who were engaged in commerce in Riga. Since Saint Mauritius was considered the patron saint of the brotherhood, his image was an adornment of their coat of arms.

The Blackheads used the premises of their house exclusively for representative purposes, as well as for storing and saving their goods in them. They also built a special underground passage under the house, which allowed the members of the brotherhood to get unnoticed to the banks of the Daugava River, which had their own pier.

The Brotherhood of Blackheads, investing heavily in the reconstruction and decoration of the New House, gradually turned it into a fashionable social center, where many wealthy citizens considered it an honor to spend their free time. During the last world war, the House of the Blackheads was badly damaged, so the Soviet authorities decided not to restore it, but to dismantle the ruins.

After the country gained independence, and in honor of the 800th anniversary of Riga, the House of the Blackheads was rebuilt in 2001, acquiring its traditional architectural features of Northern European Mannerism. Now tourists from all over the world can again admire its impressive facade, decorated with zinc statues of Neptune, Mercury, Unity and Peace.

The Dome Cathedral

Its majestic bell tower is the architectural dominant of Old Riga, a true symbol and calling card cities. The Dome Cathedral today it is recognized as the largest medieval temple erected on the territory of the Baltic countries. Today it belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran community of Latvia.

Its laying was carried out by the city bishop of Riga, Albrecht von Buxgevden, on July 25, 1211, on the day of honoring the popular Catholic saint Jacob. German architects were engaged in the construction of the cathedral, and the process of its construction dragged on for many centuries and was completed only at the end of the 13th century. At first, the appearance of the temple reflected a transitional architectural style between the outgoing Romanesque and early Gothic styles.

According to the original plan, the cathedral was supposed to have two tall towers, however, due to poor financing of construction, the architects decided to be content with only one, located in the facade of the temple. At the end of the 16th century, a wooden superstructure was built over the tower, which immediately made it the most tall building in the city. However, wood is a fragile material that requires constant repair and maintenance. Therefore, in the middle of the 18th century, instead of a wooden superstructure, the tower received a domed spire, designed in the Baroque style. Crowned with a metal cockerel, the spire of the Dome Cathedral ascended into the sky to a height of 96 meters.

Today, the interior of the Dome Cathedral can be attributed to the Gothic era, and various decorative elements that adorn its interior are made in the style inherent in the classical baroque. The appearance of the temple is dominated by Gothic features, although one can also notice the influence of the Romanesque direction, Baroque and Renaissance.

An interesting feature of the temple is the fact that its floor is at a level lower than the nearby streets. This is explained by the fact that for many centuries the townspeople, trying to reduce the damage caused to the streets by the overflowing waters of the Daugava, constantly poured gravel on the city pavements, gradually raising their height relative to the old cathedral.

Well, the greatest fame for the Dome Cathedral was brought by the organ, which is one of the largest musical instruments in the world.

Riga St. Peter's Church

This temple dates back to the beginning of the 13th century, and at that time it was main cathedral Riga and the tallest wooden building in Europe. Until 1941, the tower of the church was wooden, but at the beginning of the Second World War it burned down from a shell hit. Only in 1973 it was restored anew, but it was no longer made of wood but of metal. The height of the tower is 123.25 meters. If you look closely, you can see a golden cockerel on the spire of the tower. Since ancient times, the rooster has been considered a symbol of vigilance and protection from evil spirits.

On the lower tiers of the tower - 71 and 57 meters there are observation platforms, from where a breathtaking view of the Old city, Dome Cathedral, Riga Castle, Daugava River and surroundings. St. Peter's Church is a functioning Lutheran church, services are held here every Sunday.

cat house

On the street Meistaru iela the famous Riga Cat's House is located or House of cats (Kaku maja). Cat figurines installed on this building attract the attention of both adults and children. Their appearance is associated with a rather amusing story. Allegedly, the Germans who ruled there did not want to accept one wealthy Latvian merchant. As an answer, the merchant built a house not far from the Guild, and on its roof he installed figurines of cats turned back to the Guild building.

The case was even taken to court, and after long trials, the cats were still left, but they were turned in a more diplomatic direction.

"Three brothers"

This name refers to one of the most remarkable and oldest architectural complexes, located on the territory of Old Riga, and to be more specific, on the Small Castle Street of the city (Maza Pils). It should be said that the development of the Old City in the Middle Ages was so dense that three houses, very different in appearance, stand tightly pressed together, mutually continuing and complementing each other.

According to local legend, these three houses were actually built in different time three men belonging to the same genus. The oldest building in the complex was built at the end of the 15th century. In those years, Maza Pils Street was still the outskirts of the city, where representatives of the artisan class preferred to build their houses. Therefore, in the oldest house at number 17, there used to be a craftsmen's workshop.

The appearance of this building evokes thoughts of the true asceticism of its owners. The only architectural decoration of its facade can be considered a stepped pediment, Gothic windows and two stone pillar surrounding the entrance to the house along with stone benches. In addition, this is the only house in the complex with a small playground in front of it.

Inside the building there was only one spacious room, which at the same time served as a workshop, a place for selling goods, and a corner for its owners to relax.

The second oldest "brother" at number 19 was added to the "senior" in 1646. In its appearance, the house is the most luxurious and captivating, given the fact that at the end of the 18th century it underwent restoration, carried out in accordance with the drawings of the talented artist of that time I.Kh. Broce. The architectural style of the house can be attributed to the Dutch mannerism, and above its entrance portico you can clearly read the inscription, which reads "Soli deo gloria!".

Compared to the rather poor facade of the "big brother", in the foreground of the average house there are spacious and bright windows. At the same time, the living quarters of the house are located in the back of the building, overlooking the courtyard.

The youngest of the stone "brothers", which is sometimes called "green", was built already in the second half of the 17th century, and has number 21. Initially, the first two floors of this building were reserved for craftsmen's workshops, and on the third there were small apartments for living .

After a large-scale reconstruction, which was carried out at the end of the 19th century, the building of the "green brother" lost its historical appearance. And only the restoration work carried out by the famous Riga architect Pēteris Saulytis in the 60s of the last century allowed the building to regain its original curved baroque gable.

Today, the brothers' houses house expositions of the City Museum of Architecture, the Union of Architects of the Republic with the editorial board of a profile magazine, and the Inspectorate for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Latvia.

It should be noted that we have not listed all the sights. the Latvian capital that are worth paying attention to. However, it is one thing to hear, and quite another to see this beauty with your own eyes.

The Baltic coast, the sea, sand, wonderful architecture and friendly smiles of passers-by… All this is the capital of Latvia, the most Big City country, its political, economic and cultural center. It is not surprising that tours to Riga are becoming more and more popular not only among Russians, but also among guests from far abroad. There is something to see, where to stay and something to be surprised. So, we start a virtual tour, which can easily turn into a real one.

Architecture dominates

The city is “spread out” on both banks of the Daugava River and is located not far from its confluence with the Gulf of Riga. The combination of different styles of architecture distinguishes Riga from other Latvian cities. The spirit of the Middle Ages reigns in the Old Town, while in the rest of the area - Art Nouveau in its most striking manifestations. Residential buildings here are being built in European style, and majestic towers adjoin them, as if descended from the pages of history books, churches with high domes and palaces with sharp spiers.

Today Riga resembles European cities even more than when they made films about Stirlitz or Sherlock Holmes. At the same time, narrow streets have not gone away, where guests and residents of the city leisurely take walks. The big green parks, bright facades, cozy bars, Latvian beer, delicious nutritious food and, of course, the bridges spanning the Daugava are still pleasing.

Close to the sea and easy to get around the city

To the famous resort of Jurmala, where you can enjoy the warm clear sea and visit the famous festivals, just half an hour by train. Taxi is even faster. Many tourists go to the sea every day and deliberately purchase tours to Riga with accommodation in inexpensive hotels.

In Riga itself, a public transport infrastructure very well developed: buses, trolleybuses, trams, fixed-route taxis - you will have no problems and, importantly, you will get inexpensively to a nightclub, restaurant, cinema, museum or the famous Riga market. Taxi fares are divided into daytime (up to 0.70 euros per 1 km and up to 2.10 euros per landing) and nighttime - 20% more expensive than daytime.

Visit the main symbols of the city

The beauty of Riga, first of all, is in its most famous symbols of architecture:

• the Dome Cathedral with its famous huge organ and a 140 m high tower;
• Peter's Church on Skarnu Street in the Old Town with its clock tower;
• Church of St. Jacob with a cockerel on the outbuilding;
• Powder tower with walls approximately 3 m thick;
• The House of the Blackheads is one of the most visited objects in Riga, where a museum and a concert hall function.

Who is in the clubs, and who is shopping!

For lovers of noisy rest, there are many nightclubs open here - both pretentious, focused on the wealthy public, and more modest, but with the same groovy music and entertaining entertainment program.

Do you want to go shopping? Shopping for many is becoming an obligatory component of a tour to Riga, and here everything is at the highest level: travelers easily find shopping centers where they willingly spend money on insignificant souvenirs and essential purchases.

You can talk about Riga for a long time, but is it worth it? Only having visited it once, you can feel all the beauty of this European city and catch yourself thinking that you definitely want to come back here again. And this will be the only proof that the holiday was a success!

Riga. Capital of Latvia. The largest city in the Baltic States.

What is worth seeing in Riga if you come here for 1 day? Of course the Old Town, listed in 1997 world heritage UNESCO. That's where we headed.

Unfortunately, the weather was not kind. Grey sky. Drizzling rain, sometimes turning into a downpour. All this did not allow us to properly inspect the city and take vivid photographs, but we managed to get the first impression of the city.

In the very center of the city is the so-called "House of the Blackheads". This is a modern reconstruction historical building trade guild "Blackheads"

The house of the Chernovs was built in 1334. Killed during World War II and restored in 1999.

The name of the Blackheads Guild was given in honor of the symbol of the patron saint of the corporation of foreign merchants, St. Mauritius. The black head was featured on the guild crest.

The House of the Blackheads can be viewed for quite some time. It is adorned with a number of statues. On the facade are statues of Neptune, Mercury, Unity and Peace.

There are other sculptures on the building.

In front of the house of the Blackheads, a restored statue of Roland, with a drawn sword of justice, a symbol of the freedom of a medieval city.

Opposite the House of the Blackheads Riga City Hall

The town hall building was rebuilt at the beginning of the 21st century and now it is the seat of the Riga City Council. And the statue on the roof seems to be the goddess of justice Themis.

Behind the house of the Blackheads is the high spire of St. Peter's Church.

The spire of St. Peter's Church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Riga. Its height is 123.5 meters.

The existence of St. Peter's Church is mentioned as early as 1209. The church was built with public money.

The church has been rebuilt and rebuilt several times throughout its existence. So the spire appeared in 1690.

During World War II, the church was destroyed. The decision to restore the church was made in 1966, and in 1973 a new spire was erected, which is a copy of the destroyed one. Restoration continued until 1983. Traces of destruction and restoration are visible on the facade.

Above the entrances to the church there are sculptures in the European tradition.

The Church of St. Peter is now transferred to the Lutheran Church of Latvia and is active.

In Soviet times, there was an exhibition hall here. Now, to the left of the entrance, there are several artifacts left over from buildings destroyed during the war, as well as old photographs of them, which helped in the restoration of the already mentioned house of the blackheads.

And on the spire of the church there are two observation platforms. And not for nothing. After all, this is the most high point old city.

A golden cockerel is mounted on the spire. A similar one is installed at the foot of the church.

Cockerels on the towers served as weathercocks. And they were painted with gold only on one side. If merchants from the sea saw a cockerel turned to its golden side, they understood that the wind allowed them to enter the port. And the turned dark cockerel spoke about the opposite.

Near the church of St. Peter is the church of St. John, built in the 13th century.

Of course, during its existence, the church was also completed more than once, updated and restored.

Now St. John's Church is an active Lutheran church. It did not close even in Soviet times.

By the way, there is also a golden cockerel on the roof of the church.

It is worth mentioning one more monument located in this area of ​​the old town - the monument to the Latvian Red Riflemen

Behind them is the wretched building of the museum of the Latvian Red Riflemen, which has now changed its name and exposition and turned into a museum of occupation. There is some evil symbolism in all this...

There is a monument in Riga to another revolutionaries - the fighters of the 1905 revolution, opened in 1960.

But back to more ancient sights.

The streets of the old city are narrow and paved with large paving stones.

Walking on it is not always convenient, but it maintains the atmosphere of antiquity

In the back streets you can find such stone beauty.

The streets are so narrow that it is almost impossible to take a full-length photo of the house you like...

because the focus is on the details

however, sometimes there are small squares and then you can see the buildings in all their glory.

This is a powder tower - part of the remaining city fortifications. The first mention of this tower was in 1330. This is the only fortification tower that was not demolished in 1856 during the reconstruction of Riga.

Nearby is a house with black cats. Built in 1910, it is one of the most famous symbols of Riga.

He got his name because of the black cats sitting on the roof.

In 1935, the Freedom Monument was erected on the site of the monument to Peter I. Surprisingly, in Soviet times it was not dismantled and now this 42-meter monument adorns the center of Riga.

In the evening, the streets of Riga's old town are even prettier.

Naturally, in Riga there is not only the old city, but also quite modern buildings.

Hockey fans know Riga from Arena-Riga. The local Dynamo plays in this ice palace, and the Moscow Spartak comes here a couple of times a year. The hall is full.

By the way, it was in Riga that the 2012 KHL All-Star Game was held.

As a reminder of Moscow, the building of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, built in the 1950s in the style of Stalin's skyscrapers, serves as a reminder.

In the end - one of the artifacts seen on one of the doors in the city center.

And, of course, the traditional cat. True white.

2012. Photo: Artyom Mochalov, Natalya Nagorskaya, Evgeny Turkulets

Riga, capital of the Latvian SSR. Large industrial, scientific and cultural center, transport hub, seaport. Located on the banks of the river Daugava (Western Dvina), at its confluence with the Gulf of Riga Baltic Sea. Within the city limits, the Daugava forms several channels, the water in which, under the influence of wind surge from the bay, overflows its banks in some years, causing floods on the islands and the left bank (in 1969, the water level rose by 2.14 m). In the city center, the average temperature in January is ‒4.5 °С (thaws are frequent in winter), in July it is 18 °С, the frost-free period is 212 days. Precipitation 649 mm per year.

Area 302.8 km" 2 (1974). Population 796 thousand people. (as of January 1, 1975; 348 thousand in 1939, 580 thousand in 1959, 732 thousand in 1970). 31 percent of the population of Latvia lives in R.; Latvians 40.9%, Russians 42.7%, Jews 4.2%, Belarusians 4.1%, Ukrainians 3.5% (according to the 1970 census). R. is divided into 6 districts (as of January 1, 1975).

Historical essay. Archaeological data testify to the existence of settlements on the territory of the so-called Old City in the 10‒11 centuries. R. arose on the site of an ancient trading settlement of the Baltic peoples at the confluence with the river. Daugava river Riga (now defunct), from which the city takes its name. In written sources, it was first mentioned in 1198, as a city from 1201. At the beginning of the 13th century. The German crusaders turned R. into a fortress-base for their aggression to the east. In the 13‒16 centuries. she was subordinate Archbishopric of Riga; from the beginning of the 14th century was part of Hansa. Until 1561 - in the composition Livonian Order. During Livonian War 1558‒83 in 1561 it became a free city. In 1581 it came under the rule of the Commonwealth, in 1621 it was conquered by the Swedes. R. was major center transit trade and crafts. During Northern War 1700‒21 On July 14, 1710, Russian troops occupied R. Since 1714, the center of the Riga, since 1796, the Livonian province. In the 17th century the first manufactories arose in R.. At the end of the 18th century R. is one of major ports And shopping centers Russia, which took the 2nd place in terms of foreign trade turnover (after St. Petersburg). The population grew rapidly (thousand people): 27.8 in 1794; 77.4 in the middle of the 19th century. - 282.2 in 1897; about 500 in 1905. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. R. became one of the largest industrial centers Russian Empire. In 1890, over 16,000 workers worked at 226 industrial enterprises (third place after Moscow and St. Petersburg); in 1913 there were more than 87,000 workers at 372 enterprises. At the beginning of the 20th century The port of Riga took the 1st place in terms of exports and the 2nd (after St. Petersburg) in terms of imports. In 1913 its foreign trade turnover exceeded 4 million tons and equaled over 17% of the foreign trade turnover of the Russian Empire. In the 80s. the strike struggle of the Riga proletariat began. In May 1899, the uprising of the workers turned into the first mass clash with the police and troops in the Russian Empire (the so-called Riga Riot). Marxist circles in R. arose in the early 1990s. 19th century; in the autumn of 1899 the Riga Social Democratic Organization was formed. In the spring of 1900 V. I. Lenin came here; R. was one of the points through which illegal literature was sent to Russia from abroad. Here, since 1904, the Social Democratic newspaper began to be published. "Qinya". In June 1904, the first congress of the Latvian SDLP was held in R. On January 13 (26), 1905, a strike and a mass (50,000 strong) demonstration of protest against the execution of workers in St. Petersburg on January 9 (22), 1905 were held in the city; about 100,000 workers went on strike (more than 1/4 of all those on strike in Russia).

During World War I (1914–18), R. was a front-line city. On August 21 (September 3), 1917, the bourgeois Provisional Government and Supreme Commander-in-Chief General L. G. Kornilov surrendered R. to German troops; on January 3, 1919, the city was liberated by insurgent workers and Reds Latvian Riflemen. On January 13, 1919, the opening of the First All-Latvian Congress of Soviets took place in R. The congress proclaimed Soviet power, adopted the first constitution of Soviet Latvia; the first Latvian Soviet government was created: on May 22, 1919, the forces of internal and external counter-revolution captured R. In 1919–40 it was the capital of bourgeois Latvia. During the years of the bourgeois regime, industry developed slowly, many enterprises fell into decay. In 1938 there were 2,200 industrial enterprises with 76,000 workers. The cargo turnover of the port was 2 times less than in 1913. The revolutionary struggle continued underground.

In the June days of 1940, the working people of R., under the leadership of the Communist Party of Latvia, overthrew the bourgeois regime and restored Soviet power. Since July 21, 1940 R. has been the capital of Soviet Latvia. The restoration of links between the city's industry and traditional fuel and raw material bases and areas for the sale of its products began. On July 1, 1941, the Nazi invaders occupied R. They inflicted enormous damage on the city. An underground communist organization fought against the fascist German occupiers in R.. October 13, 1944 as a result Baltic operation 1944 the city was liberated by the Soviet Army.

In the post-war years, the destroyed industrial enterprises were restored, many of them were reconstructed. Mass residential construction began. The housing stock of R. at the end of 1973 amounted to 10,908 thousand m 2 . From 1946 to 1973 5.2 million m were commissioned 2 new total area; new regions emerged. November 26, 1970 R. was awarded the Order of Lenin.

Economy. The leading industries are mechanical engineering, metalworking and light industry. Branches of all-Union significance are developing especially rapidly, such as radio engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, instrument making, transport, and agricultural production. mechanical engineering. The share of R. in the total volume of industrial output of the Latvian SSR is 56% (19/2); About 53% of all workers and employees of the Republic of Uzbekistan are employed in industry and construction, and about 12% are employed in transport and communications. The total volume of industrial output increased by a factor of 36 between 1940 and 1974 (since 1969, mainly due to higher labor productivity and better utilization of equipment). The most promising are less material-intensive industries that require highly qualified personnel. During 1966–72 more than 400 new types of machines, equipment, apparatus and instruments were created. The share of radio in Soviet production (1973) was 30% of mainline passenger cars, 53% of telephones, 23% of refrigerators, 49% of mopeds and motorbikes, 28% of radios and radios, and 18% of household washing machines. The largest enterprises of mechanical engineering: electrotechnical plant "VEF" them. V. I. Lenin, radio plant named after. A. S. Popova, electric machine building, car building, diesel building, Rigaselmash, electric lamp, lighting engineering, semiconductor devices, Gidrometpribor, Avtoelektropribor, Sarkana Zvaygzne motor plant, ship repair.

The chemical industry is represented by factories: paint and varnish, "Reagent", medicines, chemical pharmaceutical plant, production association "Sarkanais square" (rubber products) and the company "Latvbytchim". There is a combine for the complex processing of wood, a paper factory, woodworking, glass and porcelain factories. Developed building materials industry. The most significant textile enterprises are Rigas Manufactura, Rigas Audums, Sarkana Tekstilniece, knitwear firms Mara and Sarkanais Rits, the Avrora hosiery factory, the sewing production associations Latvija and Rigas Apgerbs. In the food industry, instead of the former small enterprises, large combines have been formed - meat-packing, dairy, mill, confectionery factories, etc.; Perfume and cosmetic factory "Dzintars".

R. is a large fishing industry center. There are canning and culinary "Kaya" and sardine factories, in the fishing port - the base of the trawl and refrigerator fleet.

R. enterprises receive from other Soviet republics and foreign socialist countries fuel, raw materials, semi-finished products, component parts, production equipment, vehicles. CHPP built, CHPP-2 under construction (1975); in 1974, the first units of the Riga hydroelectric power station on the Daugava were put into operation. R. receives a significant part of its electricity from the unified northwestern energy system. The city is supplied with gas from the Komi ASSR (via the Valdai-Pskov-R. pipeline). Railways converge in R. lines from Moscow, Leningrad, Tallinn, Vilnius, Kaliningrad, etc. Suburban sections to Aizkraukle, Zvejnieksciems, Tukums and Jelgava are electrified. Plays an important role Riga seaport. River communication - along the Daugava. 2 airports. The suburban zone functionally connected with R. includes industrial satellites (Jelgava, Tukums, Olaine, Balozhi, Kegume, Ogre, Vangazhi), agro-industrial complexes (Kekava, Ulbroka, Olaine, state farm named after V. I. Lenin, etc.), a scientific center Salaspils.

W. R. Putt.

Architecture. The river has a concentric-belt planning structure. On the right bank of the Daugava is the ancient core of the river - the Old Town, which has preserved a network of narrow medieval streets. Along the Daugava, from the center to the Gulf of Riga, sea, commercial and fishing ports and the fishing state farm "Devitais Mays" stretched; on the shore of the bay - a coastal suburban area with a group of holiday villages. Garden and park semicircle, created in the 2nd half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. on the site of the demolished city fortifications, separates the Old Town from the later central region (the region of the former suburbs), regularly planned in the 17‒19 centuries. The left bank (Pardaugava) was extensively built up from the 18th century. There are many parks, squares, and boulevards in R., occupying about 400 hectares in the city itself. Vast forest parks located on the outskirts (about 5 thousand hectares) are adjacent to new residential areas with a free spatial composition. On S.-V. there is a lake Kisezers, on its west bank the largest forest park in R. is Mežaparks. On the eastern outskirts of R., near Lake Juglas, there is a residential area of ​​the same name (1962–70, architects P. Vogele, O. Krauklis, A. Plesums, L. Naglin, and others; see ill.); to the south, the Purvcisms residential area (1965–74, architects E. Drande, G. Melberg, E. Vogelis, and others); on the southern outskirts of R. are the residential areas of Kengarags (1961–71, architects I. Strautmanis, M. L. Brodsky, G. Melbergi, and others) and Krasta (built up since 1970, architects E. Vogelis, M. L. Brodsky, I. Millers and others). Left Bank - now a well-greened area with several industrial zones and sparse residential development; major new residential areas here – Āgenskalns pines (1958–62, architects N. Rendel, E. Jakobsone), Ilguciems (1967–70, architects R. Lelis, L. Naglin, T. Franzmane, etc.), Imanta (under construction since 1970, architects R Lelis, R. Paikuns, T. Franzmane, etc.). Numerous architectural monuments are concentrated in the Old Town, including: Romano-Gothic Dome Church and the Church of Jacob (13th century, rebuilt in the 14th and 18th centuries, see below). ill.), the Gothic church of Peter, the church of Jan (first mentioned in 1297, rebuilt in the late 15th - early 16th centuries, late Gothic; choir - 1587-89, Renaissance, see. ill.; former Order Castle (1330, rebuilt in 1497‒1515, expanded in the 17‒19th centuries); Peter Pavila Church (1780‒86, engineer-architect S. Zege, architect K. Haberland) and arsenal warehouse – classicism; fragments of city fortifications of the 13‒15th centuries; residential buildings 15‒18 centuries [including the so-called Reitern house (1684‒88, architect R. Bindenshu), Dannenstern house (1694‒98), house of the end of the 18th century. on Shkyunyu Street (architect K. Haberland)]. The buildings in the central district are dominated by 5‒6-storey tenement houses and front public buildings(for example, the building of the Art Museum of the Latvian SSR, 1905, architect V. Neiman) in the spirit of eclecticism and in the style "modern"; a number of buildings were built in the spirit of neoclassicism (the Palace of Justice, now the building of the Council of Ministers of the Latvian SSR, 1936‒38, architect F. Skujins). In Soviet times, major urban transformations were carried out: new highways(Augusta Deglava Street, Pernavas Street), squares, parks, embankments were reconstructed (Komsomolskaya Embankment, 1949‒60, architect M.L. Brodsky, engineer B.A. Bulgakov), old bridges across the Daugava were restored and new ones were built, designed general plan(approved in 1955, architect E. A. Vasiliev), free territories were developed. The new master plan (approved in 1969, architects V. Apsitis, E. Puchin, G. Melberg, and others) provides for the preservation historical appearance Old R., architectural and spatial development central regions R., their importance as a citywide administrative and cultural center, the improvement of the city's transport system and further mass construction in the peripheral free territories. The high-rise buildings of the Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR (1950–57, architects V. Apsitis, O. Tilmanis and others), railway stations (1957–66, architects V. I. Kuznetsov and V. P. Tsipulin) and the sea station (1963– 65, architects M. Gelzis and V. Savisko), the airport terminal (1970–74, architects L. Ya. Ivanov, V. M. Ermolaev), the Institute of Electronics and Computer Technology of the Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR (1965–71, architects Yu. P. Platonov, V. R. Rannev), the Palace of Sports (1970, architects B. Burchika, O. Krauklis, etc.), the Memorial Museum of the Latvian Red Riflemen (opened in 1971, architects D. Driba, G. Lusis-Grinberg, sculptor V. Alberg, a complex of a music secondary school and a choreographic school (1957–73, architect O. N. Zakamenny and others), the building of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Latvia (1972–74, architects J. Vilcins, G. Asaris and others). Monuments: the Fraternal Cemetery Ensemble (tuff, 1924‒36, architect A. Birzeniek and others; and the Freedom Monument (granite, tuff, 1931‒35, architect E. Shtalberg) - both sculptor K. Zale; monument to R. Blaumanis (granite, 1929, sculptor T. Zalkaln); J. Rainis at the Rainis cemetery (granite, 1934, sculptor K. Zemdega, architect P. Arend; and in the Communards Park (granite, 1958‒65, sculptor K. Zemdega) - made by sculptors A. Gulbis and L. Blumberg, architect D. Driba); a monument to V. I. Lenin (bronze, granite, 1947‒50, sculptors V. Ya. Bogolyubov and V. I. Ingal, architect E. Shtalberg), P. Stuchka (bronze, granite, 1962, sculptor E. Melderis, architect G. Melderis): a monument to the fighters of the Revolution of 1905 at the cemetery of Mathis (granite, 1956–59, sculptor L. V. Bukovsky, architects O. N. Zakamenny and A. Birzeniek; and on Komsomolskaya Embankment (bronze, granite, 1959 , sculptor A. Terpilovsky, architect K. Pluksne).

M. Vasiliev.

Cultural building. In R. is Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, various scientific institutions: Latvian Research Institute of Forestry Problems, Central Research Institute automated systems management civil aviation, the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics, the Latvian Scientific Research Institute of Light Industry, and others (as of January 1, 1974, there were 57 scientific institutions), as well as large educational institutions.

In the 1974/75 academic year in 7 universities of R.: Latvian University, at the polytechnic, medical, civil aviation engineers, physical education, the conservatory and the Academy of Arts studied 32.9 thousand students. In 22 secondary specialized educational institutions - 26 thousand students; in 161 general education schools of all types - 106.6 thousand students; in 21 vocational schools - about 10 thousand students; in 1974, 35,000 children were being brought up in 260 preschool institutions.

As of January 1, 1975, there were 177 mass libraries (4.5 million copies of books and journals), the State Library of the Latvian SSR. V. Latsis (see Art. Libraries of the Union Republics), Fundamental Library of the Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, etc.; 19 museums with branches, including the Museum of the History of the Latvian SSR, the Museum of the Revolution of the Latvian SSR (branches - the Memorial Museum of V. I. Lenin, the Memorial Apartment-Museum of V. I. Lenin; see. Museums of V. I. Lenin), Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, Latvian Art Museum, Museum of the History of Medicine. P. Stradins, Museum of Nature of the Latvian SSR, memorial museums R. Blaumanis and J. Rosenthal, A. Upita, G. Skilter, Museum of the History of Literature and Art. J. Rainis and others, near R. Ethnographic Museum under open sky; Latvian Opera and Ballet Theater, Latvian Drama Theater, Latvian Art Theater, Theater of Russian Drama, Theater for Young Spectators. Lenin Komsomol, Puppet Theatre, Operetta Theatre, circus, philharmonic; 45 club institutions; 46 stationary film installations; 21 out-of-school institutions.

Republican publishing houses Zvaigzns (Star), Zinatne (Science), Liesma (Flame), and others are located in R.; information Agency Latininform. 9 republican newspapers, 27 magazines are published (see. Latvian SSR, section Printing, broadcasting, television). Since 1957, the city's evening newspaper Rigas balss (Voice of Riga) has been published in Latvian and Russian. Radio broadcasts are conducted from R. on 4 programs; Republican radio in the amount of 26.1 hours per day in Latvian and Russian; programs of the All-Union Radio are relayed. Television programs of the Republican and Central Television are conducted on 3 programs. In R. - a television center.

Healthcare. In 1940 there were 20 hospitals with 4,100 beds (11,5 beds per 1,000 inhabitants), and 1,200 doctors worked (1 doctor per 300 inhabitants). There were 17 women's clinics, children's clinics and outpatient clinics. By 1974, there were 32 hospitals with 11,700 beds (15,1 beds per 1,000 inhabitants), 39 institutions for the protection of motherhood and childhood; more than 5 thousand doctors worked (1 doctor per 148 inhabitants). Medical personnel are trained by the Riga Medical Institute (founded in 1950; faculties of medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, and pharmacy). Research Medical Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics (founded in 1946). Near R. - climatic resorts Jurmala, Ogre, Sigulda and balneological resorts Baldone And Kemeri.

Lit .: Ergle Z. E., Tsielava S., What houses and streets tell about old Riga, [per. from Latvian], Riga, 1971; Museums of Riga, Riga, 1966; Pakaln Ya.P., Heart of Soviet Latvia. Riga yesterday, today and tomorrow, Riga, 1967; Lazdyn V.K., Purin V.R., Riga. Economic and geographical essay, M., 1957; Latvia, M., 1968 (Series " Soviet Union”): Debrer M., Krasilnikov M., Guide to Riga, Riga, 1971; Vasiliev Yu., Classicism in the architecture of Riga, Riga, 1961; his own, Riga. Monuments of architecture, Riga, 1971; Riga is the capital of the Latvian SSR. Recommended index of literature, Riga, 1953.

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