Riga

Riga was founded in 1201 by Bremen merchants under the leadership of bishop Albert after the example of the city of Bremen. German merchants contributed considerably to the economical success of the city of Riga which soon became a rich hanse city. At the end of the 18th century still almost every second inhabitant of Riga was German. Among various prominent buildings of the Hanse time Riga's face is mainly influenced Art Nouveau.

The beautifully ornated Art Nouveau style facades create a very special atmosphere in this wonderful city with its broad and pittoresque boulevards. Undoubtedly Riga is the very heart of the Baltic region. With more than 1 Mio. inhabitants the suburban areas included it is bigger than for example Stockholm or Helsinki.

Blackheads House

One of the most beautiful buildings in the centre of Old Town is the Blackheads House. It was built after the model of Dutch-Flamish guildhouses. The Blackheads was characteristically a common union of young, unmarried merchants and ship captains in the Hansa cities, which chose St. Maurice to be their patron. St. Mauritius was an imaginary African black moor (from this the name of the brotherhood “the Blackheads” comes).

Due to their exceptional status the Blackheads played an important role in the society life and traditions; many VIPs of that time (including Russian tsars) took part in events organized by the Blackheads. As a German merchant club the Brotherhood of Blackheads existed in Riga until 1939.

Jurmala

Only 15 km to the west from Riga visitors can find the town Jurmala which is famous for its mild climate and fine white sandy beach. The popular spa has been attracting the rich and the beautiful from all over the world since the early 19th century. Today its face is influenced by beautiful villas, exquisite restaurants and shops.

Ventspils

The pittoresque seaside town of Ventspils at the Baltic Sea is some 190 km away from Riga. In medieval times the town was part of the Hanse. Nowadays it is the most important harbour for Russian oil and coal at the Baltic Sea. The Ventspils castle dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest building. The wonderfully renovated Old Town of Ventspils is very much worthwhile visiting.