Riga is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the B altics. It is a vivid historical example at the epicenter of modern civilization with a rich collection of medieval facades and green parks.
Museums of Riga
In the capital of Latvia there is a powerful concentration of various and equally unique museum and exhibition complexes. The most visited museums in Riga are:
- history of medicine, nature, railway;
- artistic, ethnographic;
- aviation, shipping;
- fire fighting, water supply;
- botanical garden;
- bike museum;
- memorial exposition house and fabulous park in Tervete Forest.
Museums of Riga, which present historical values and art paintings by famous masters, are actively visited by guests of the city, excursion groups, and local residents. And after returning home, tourists share their emotions and vivid impressions in their reviews.
About the Powder Tower
One of the sights of the city is the Powder Tower, which is a protective structure from the attack of possible enemies from the main entrance.
The tower, 26 meters high, about 20 meters in diameter and up to 3 meters thick walls, was named because of the historical storage of huge stocks of explosive charges there. A unique feature of this structure is considered to be an unusual entrance. Previously, it was possible to get into the tower only through a ladder attached to the opening. The hole was five meters above the ground.
The famous tower once housed a fencing hall, a dance floor and even a student pub. At the moment, the city's Military Museum is located here, offering visitors a rich exposition of modern weapons.
The Powder Tower on its territory contains many underground bunkers, which are considered to be the long-term keepers of various historical documents of special national importance in Latvia. These hideouts were once a safe haven for the city's gold reserves from being plundered.
Riga Ethnographic Museum
One of the oldest European ethnographic museums is located near the center of Riga. Here is a huge collection of various outbuildings and residential buildings from all over the country.
The museum differs in that it is located in a beautiful open-air forest park area and allows guests of the city not only to get acquainted with the old life and economy of old Riga, but also to become a participant in colorful theatrical performances, exhibitions and annual fairs. There local artisansbring textile, ceramic and wicker handmade goods. They make great gifts and souvenirs for friends and family.
In summer, the museum territory offers unhurried walking along the shores of Lake Jugla and a visit to the old church, which provides an opportunity for couples in love to order a wedding ceremony that will be remembered for a lifetime in a historical place. At this time of the year, organ and folk music concerts are held in the exhibition halls.
For those who visit the ethnographic museum in winter, Riga offers friendly sledding, ice fishing and minimally extreme skiing on the available high hills.
In a small area of the complex there is an old "pillar" mill of the 19th century, a cozy bathhouse, as well as several building structures that make up a fully equipped fishing village with all the necessary household items and tools.
History of Riga and navigation
The oldest museum complex not only in the capital of Latvia, but throughout Europe, is the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The building of the XVIII century is made in the classical architectural style of the Enlightenment.
The museum consists of three branches:
- building of the nautical school in Ainazi;
- Menzendorf House Museum;
- Latvia Museum of Photography.
The fame of the Ainaži school lies in the fact that it was there that in the middle of the 19th century a new system of teaching seafaring art was tested. 18 merchant ships were assigned to it, designed for cadets to master the practical component in the new training program.
The museum presents an impressive collection of more than half a million exhibits of numismatics and archeology. Additionally, there you can explore the entire history of navigation, see photos of the best graduates who received diplomas.
Reviews of tourists about the museums of Riga
Everyone who has ever visited the main museums of Riga responds only positively about them. Most vivid reviews about the ethnographic complex of the city. The historical collections presented there are described very vividly and vividly! According to tourists, interesting excursions to remarkable places of the city are actually complemented by delicious and inexpensive national cuisine.
