By Susan Leisure
Riga, the capital of Latvia, has a history dating back more than 800 years. The city has a diverse ethnic blend and unique architectural treasures. While the city was little known outside of the Soviet Union during most of the 20th century, the post-Soviet era has witnessed a renewal of the city as a cultural and historical hub in the Baltics.
Capital City
Riga has a population of nearly 750,000 people, primarily of Slavic, Germanic and Scandinavian ethnicity. It lies on the Daugava River, on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
History
German merchants and missionaries founded the city of Riga in 1201. Since its start, Riga has been an important political, cultural and transportation hub in the Baltics.
Paris of the North
Latvia became an independent country in 1918. Riga thrived during the interwar period, and was often referred to as the "Paris of the North." After World War I, democratic Latvia was admitted to the League of Nations, and Riga's importance in the region grew. After World War II, Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union, and the international importance of the city waned under Soviet occupation.
Dome Cathedral
Old Riga is home to one of the oldest cathedrals in the Baltics, the Dome Cathedral. The church's construction was started in 1211 and finished approximately 80 years later. During the Soviet-era prohibitions on religion, the Dome Cathedral served as Riga's main concert hall.
Riga Today
Today, Riga is designated as a World Heritage Site. The city boasts the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe, and these architectural treasures draw thousands of tourists every year. The city is easy accessible from multiple cities in Europe, North Africa and North America, and is served by 13 international airlines.
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Leisure has published professionally for over 10 years, and is a reviewer for the "African Book Publishing Review." She has a master's degree from Emory University and has taught college courses in history and political science.
