Latvia

Riga the capital of Latvia is a gem of the Baltics. It is situated at the mouth of the Daugava, on the shores of the Gulf of Riga on the Baltic. Riga has an ancient history and rich cultural heritage. As Riga has always been located at a juncture of trading routes, it is a multicultural city which means there are things to see here: a weekend in Riga is a great way to gather new impressions and to relax. Travellers can admire the diverse architecture of Riga, especially the art nouveau buildings. Riga has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the collection of art nouveau buildings that is one of the largest in the world, as well as a city in whose architecture the entire history from 1201 to the present day is reflected. It is also valued as a city with a unique collection of wooden developments in its central section. In the course of history, Riga has traditionally served as a crossroads for trade and business between east and west. In 1282 it became a member of the Hanseatic League and remained an active member until its disintegration some 300 years later. Riga has an active cultural life. The Dome Cathedral is renowned throughout the world for its acoustics and giant organ. It is worth attending one of the organ music concerts it offers. Various music festivals, from early music to opera to jazz and rock, take place in Riga, especially in the summer months. One can also visit a vast array of exciting museum exhibitions and contemporary art galleries in Riga. Riga is distinguished by its great air, rail and road connections which render it the largest tourist centre in the country. Since olden times Riga has been a city with rich cultural life, so no wonder, it earned the honour of the European Capital of Culture 2014. More than 12,000 participants from almost hundred various cultural institutions: national, local and non-governmental were engaged in the cultural capital of Europe event programme preparation. Riga's European Capital of Culture 2014 event programme featured both modern and historical trends which have left significant traces in the society's memory and culture. Fine arts exhibitions and modern art festival "Survival Kit", which has become a much-awaited event for the general public, several performances, festivities, promotions and attractions and, yes, of course, the light festival "Shine on, Riga!" which lights up the capital in the darkest time of the year. Also, the national solstice festival with sonorous Ligo songs, frothy beer mugs and oak tree wreaths... and much more to come. Welcome to Riga, its picturesque sister city Sigulda and the whole Latvia. Latvian Tourism Development Agency http://www.latvia.travel Unravel Travel TV http://www.unraveltravel.eu Unravel Travel TV on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/Unra... Unravel Travel TV Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Unra... Unravel Travel TV Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/un... Unravel Travel TV Website http://www.unraveltravel.eu Unravel Travel TV Snapchat traveltv #UnravelTravelTV #UnravelTravel

• published: 06 Jan 2015
• views: 2872