The House of Blackheads is, for me personally, amongst the most beautiful buildings in the Old Town of Riga. We were in Riga over the Festive Season and got to see the wonderful Christmas lights on the building.
The House of the Blackheads was built in 1334 and has been modified several times over the years. Originally the house was intended to serve as a venue for different organisations. It was a place where merchants would come together to further Riga’s wealth. In the 17th century, the Black Head Society took over the building and gave it its name. Important figures from Riga gathered here and celebrated glamorous parties. They represented Riga and received trade partners in pompous rooms.
The building was completely destroyed in WWII. Archeologic excavations began in 1992 around the original location of the building. Information from the findings was gathered and evaluated. This is how commissioning the reconstruction of the building became possible. The newly built House of Blackheads was finally inaugurated in 1999. I think the reconstruction is very well done. For my untrained eyes, it was not noticeable that I am not looking at an old building. Today, luxuriously decorated rooms inside the building are venues for concerts, conferences, banquets or other important events.
Address:
Rātslaukums 7,
Centra rajons,Rīga, LV-1050,
Lettland
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