Vecriga, Old town Riga
Shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, I visited the Baltic states for the first time. I instantly liked all three countries and have been back many times since. Just got back from the Baltics yesterday, in fact – and posts will follow, especially from Lithuania.
Riga, Latvia
Today, however, I wanted to share one of my favourite photos of Vecriga, the medieval part of the Latvian capital, and once a major player in the Hanseatic League. Apart from the multi-national Struve Geodetic Arc (more on that later, too), Riga’s historic centre is the only site in Latvia protected by UNESCO.
For more on Latvia, check out Brooke vs the World and Katie Going Global. And for a fabulous B&B in Riga, have a look at AbsurdReviews.
Have you written about Latvia? If so, feel free to share your links in the comments. Want to see more fun travel photos? Head over to Travel Photo Thursday and Friday Daydreamin’.
Lovely photo and town. I’ve visited Riga without writing about it, so in that respect there’s nothing much to share:)
ItalianNotes recently posted..Exploring the attractions around Taormina on your own
I should have a look around and round up other blog posts on Riga…
Amazing architecture with beautiful chiseled details, that’s really characteristic for this country! I haven’t been in Latvia before but my husband has got some relatives from Estonia, it is in the neighborhood!
Reka recently posted..Fogpótlás Magyarországon
That it is. Although I find Latvia and Estonia to be very different from one another, both so interesting in their own unique ways.
I visited the Baltics for the first time in the early 90s, and I remember being surprised by how beautiful Riga was (even though it was February and cold and snowy). My main plans on that trip had been to spend time in Lithuania and Estonia, but when I got to Riga, I tacked some extra days on to the trip, so I could spend some time in the city.
Margaret recently posted..Eighth-grade reading list
Riga is the one Baltic capital that feels most like a city, I think.
The architecture is stunning. I think this part of the world would be really interesting to visit.
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — August 29, 2012 — An Egyptian Sunset
I would recommend taking the time to visit all three Baltic countries. Very different, and very easy to travel between them.
What amazing architecture. I have not been to Latvia so look forward to reading your posts about this historic part of Riga.
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Broome’s Hidden Flying Boats
Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius all have interesting Hanseatic architecture and all have old towns on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Well, we loved Riga when we travelled through Eastern Europe but I’ve got to say, I’m eagerly awaiting your Lithuania posts. We just fell in love with that city!!
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..Bodrum Peninsula: Onwards To Turgutreis – A Photo Story
Vilnius posts coming up
What a stunning building and great photo. I’ve not been there, but photos like this one certainly scoot it further up my bucket list.
Jackie Smith recently posted..TPThursday: Spain’s “La Fiesta Brava”
The Baltics make an interesting (and inexpensive) stop if you’re in Northern Europe.
I love how you caught the gold at the top of the building- it sparkles while the rest is kind of dull colors. Beautiful photo!
jade recently posted..The Best Hot Dogs in the World
Gorgeous buildings, aren’t they…
I think this is probably the very first travel photo I see of Latvia. Weird huh? You have just piqued my interest for this country and will be looking at more photos now!
- Maria Alexandra
Spanish Translator @latinAbroad recently posted..Puerto Rico patriotism: The U.S. territory’s dilemma
Cool! Happy to introduce you…
The size of the photos has huge impact. What a lovely town square.
Lovely, indeed.
Beautiful photo! We spent a day in Tallinn on a Baltic cruise 3 years ago and I was charmed – would love to explore that region a bit more.
Lisa recently posted..Postcards From Nova Scotia
Ooh, I adore Tallinn. A fairy-tale kind of place.
Great picture! I can only imagine how beautiful the rest of town is.
Sabrina recently posted..Bingo 101: Playing Bingo For The First Time
Riga is indeed very pretty.
As usual, your photos make me want to hop on a plane right now!!! I hope you will link it up to Friday Daydreamin’ too!
Becca@R We There Yet Mom? recently posted..Friday Daydreamin’: Labor Day Lesson
Will do
Great shot and beautiful architecture!
Angela recently posted..Photo Essay: Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant and colorful Sunday market
Thanks, Angela.
I did write about Ryga, came up with a total 15 posts. It’s slightly more expensive than my hometown Vilnius but Ryga City Card were supportive and provided me with the city card, which enabled me to visit many sights.
Ele recently posted..Mushrooms in Lithuania (well, some of them)
Do you have any Latvia posts in English, Ele? If so, let me know and I’ll link to them.
Thanks for linking up this week with us – have a super weekend!
Becca@R We There Yet Mom? recently posted..Friday Daydreamin’: Labor Day Lesson
Wow, stunning! Latvia looks like another place to add to my list.
InsideJourneys recently posted..#TPThursday: An Eyecatching Jamaican Church
Getting long that list, Marcia
Latvia is a country that has been on my mind for several years since I met someone from there. She had lived there in turbulent times and it was so interesting to hear her stories. Your photo of Vecriga is inviting me to make a trip there.
It’s always fascinating to speak with people who used to live in the Soviet Union, people my age. Such recent history, yet it seems ages ago…
We hoped to fit Latvia in on this trip but weren’t able to – have to get there some day!
Andrea recently posted..Scandinavian Beer: Unique and Brutal, Served In a Bottle
Just a short hop from Norway
The photograph of Vecriga is very beautiful and the buildings are royal. I want to know more about Latvia. So, i want to visit your shared link to know more about Latvia. Thanks for your shared links.
I’ll add some links in the post above.
The best part about reading travel blogs is discovering new (to me) places. Your picture is gorgeous and very tempting.
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Thanks for reading