The Cathedral of Riga was about a one-minute walk from our hotel and, in addition to that, also one of the spots where a Christmas market was taking place.
This made it a location we absolutely had to visit. We were lucky and had lovely snowfall during our trip to Riga. When we arrived at the Cathedral a group of kids with their sledges stormed up the little “hill” in front of the church. Some true action went down here, and the children’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious. We made our way into the quieter church and explored the interior.
The foundation stone of this church was laid in 1211. Only little information about the construction period is available. It is assumed that the choir and the transept were completed first in 1266 and that they were separated from the areas under constriction by a wall so that they could already be used. The building was expanded at the end of the 14th century. The western transept and the stone chapel were built, the walls of the nave were enlarged, and the church became a basilica. Also, the walls of the tower were raised during that time and topped with an octagonal pyramid. Over the years many alterations and renovations were made and also during the time of our visit the Cathedral was under construction.
We went inside and marvelled at the fantastic windows. The window glasses are wonderful pieces of art and when they get hit by the sun the nave is lit in many colours. Other than that the interior is simple and not overwhelming. A space for prayers and tranquillity.
A door in the nave leads through a cloister into the old monastery. Artwork and historic remains from Riga’s history are laid out in the corridor. Some of the exhibits were really interesting.
The Cathedral is reasonably pretty and only a few tourists wandered its halls. We truly enjoyed the peace and quiet in here.
Address:
Doma laukums 1
Riga, Lettland
Opening Hours:
1st July – 30th September:
Saturday to Tuesday: 9.00 – 18.00
Wednesdays and Fridays: 9.00 – 17.00
Thursdays: 9.00 – 17.30
1st October – 30th June
daily: 10.00 – 17.00
Service:
Monday to Saturday: 8.00 Sunday: 12.00
Admission (2016):
Adults: 3€
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