Riga, LATVIA
Airing Date: Nov 7th, 2005
Riga, the oldest city in Latvia and it's capital, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast at the mouth of the Daugava River. Riga is also the largest city in the Baltic States and serves as a major cultural, educational, political, financial, commercial and industrial centre.
Today more than half of Latvia's population lives in Riga. There are 50 museums to be found in Riga, amongst the oldest and largest are the Museum of History and Shipping, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Museum of Latvian History and the National Art Gallery. The National Opera and Latvia's most professional theatres are also situated in Riga.
Riga has an 800 year history but has only been under Latvian control for 60 of those years. Germany, Sweden and most recently Russia have all occupied Latvia. In 1991 Latvia gained independence from the USSR. This varied history has left its mark on the city, where Middle Age dwellings and church towers coexist with art nouveau and eclectic architecture. In fact, Riga has Europe's biggest collection of Art Nouveau buildings. In 1997 Riga's old city centre was included in UNESCO's list of the world's most important cultural and natural sites.
Some of the main landmarks and attractions include: Freedom Monument, Laima clock, The Great and Small Guild, The House of Blackheads, The Cat House, the Three Brothers, the central market and the Riga Motor Museum.
The Riga Motor Museum ties together political and motor vehicle history. On display they have Stalin's 7.5 tonne, 8 cylinder, armoured limousine, although he didn't drive himself, preferring to ride in the back. You'll also be able to see the 1966 Silver Shadow Rolls Royce that Russian President Brezhnev drove himself and crashed in Moscow in 1980.
During Soviet occupation, Latvians were unable to get certain things in the shops and they established, not a black market, but a free market where people could buy fresh produce and flowers. These days the market still sells produce such as cheese and vegetables. It's a good place to soak up the atmosphere of every day life in Latvia.
Further information
Qantas & Finnair to Riga from: $2248 ex Sydney. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply. Highlights of Riga Package from $600 a person twin share. Includes three nights at Reval Latvija Hotel, breakfast, transfers & guided tours. Valid until 31/12/05
Russia & Beyond
Telephone: 1300 363 554
Website: www.russiabeyond.com.au
Prices correct at 07/11/05
