| | History (Source: WCities) | Top | Riga, the capital of Latvia and the country’s major commercial and cultural center was founded in the 12th Century. It is located in the mouth of the river Daugava falling into the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea. In the medieval times it was one of the main cities of the Hanseatic League – a league of cities or rather merchant unions within the cities of Germany and the Baltics. The city flourished in the 13th-15th Centuries and due to its geographical location it developed into a trade and craft centre and a major seaport of the Baltics. The Great Guild and The Small Guild , as well as the rebuilt House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) were artisans’ and craftsmens guilds in the thriving city. Over time Riga suffered from many invasions. It was under the rule of the Polish in the 16th Century, and later ruled by the Swedes, after that it became part of Russia. It has also survived two world wars and nevertheless managed to preserve many beautiful and historical buildings, for example, the fantastic Riga Dome Cathedral dating back to the 13th Century, St Peter’s Church with its splendid Gothic facade, the Three Brothers , an ensemble of stone houses built in different centuries and many more. All this gives this beautiful city its ancient spirit and unforgettable charm. Riga's diverse history influenced its architecture as well. It represents Gothic, Classicism and Baroque styles along with Art Nouveau or Jugendstil architecture which appeared in the 19th-2
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | By Air: Riga International Airport ( +371 7207009 / http://www.riga-airport.com/ ) is located about 10 km south-west of Riga, on the way to Jurmala–Latvia’s popular sea resort. The airport serves European countries as well as some of the post-Soviet countries. The national airlines is Air Baltic ( +371 720 7473 / http://www.airbaltic.lv/ ). Many major European airlines, such as British Airways, KLM, Finnair, Ryanair and others serve from Riga International Airport. Rental Car Companies: AGG ( +371 759 7298 / http://www.carrental-agg.lv ) Aller ( +371 702 7171 / http://www.aller.lv ) Autorent ( +371 828 8828 / http://www.rentalcar.lv ) Chrysler Car Rental ( +371 7812828 / http://www.chrysler.lv ) By Car: It takes 20 minutes to travel from the airport to the city centre. It is possible to cross the country from the west to the east in seven hours by car. By Bus: Bus 22 drives from the airport to the Central Railway Station. It takes about 30-40 minutes using the public transport. By Taxi: Riga Taxi ( http://www.rigataxi.lv/ ) Red taxi cabs work at the airport 24 hours a day ready to provide good service and fast transportation. The length is 15 minutes. Getting Around: By Rail: The Central Railway station is located in 3 Gogoļa iela ( +371 723 3314 / http://www.ldz.lv ). The system includes routs to all major towns of the country as well as the neighboring countries. Riga-Berlin route running throug
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Riga is a very lively and modern city and it leaves a colorful and interesting life. Although the city gets quieter for the cold winter periods when the temperature can fall up to 15-20 degrees below zero, it gets very active when spring comes. Riga offers a rich variety of entertainment places and activities. Music: Whatever your music preference, you'll benefit here. There are small bars where live Jazz and Rock is played. Apart from that there are numerous night clubs which invite local and foreign show business stars to perform for the public. The huge concert hall Ķīpsala is a common place for world famous performers. In addition to this the locals like not only to watch the others' singing, but they also like to participate. There is a saying that three Latvians singing together is already a choir. The Latvians do enjoy singing. The Song and Dance Festival takes place in Riga every few years. Hundreds of thousands of people come together for several days to sing and dance together. This is really a spectacular show and it is worth seeing it. Theatre and Cinema: Riga has a number of theatres the main of which is the Latvian National Opera . In the Soviet times the Soviet Union's strongest ballet school was based there. Today it is also a popular venue for a night out. It often hosts foreign singers and dancers. Many Moscow theatrical stagings are presented to Riga public there.
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