Latvian War Museum: Riga's Ultimate Military History Museum to Hunt Down
Latvian
War Museum
If you think that Saving
Private Ryan is
an uncompromising powerful war movie, then you definitely must experience your
inner military discovery by visiting the Latvian War Museum in Latvia’s capital, Riga city. You can just
imagine a quiet true-life recreation of the bravery and loss of the Latvian
culture, all thanks to Riga’s iconic cityscape must-visit. One cold winter
morning, our troop of travel brothers, minus the bloodied battle scars and
brutal faces, decided to spend a couple of hours inside this museum, which used
to be called as the Latvian Riflemen
Battalion Museum.
Located in the Powder Tower in Old Riga, this war museum in Latvia is known to be the biggest
military-inspired museum that boasts extensive historical collections about the
military and political situation of Latvia’s war stricken past. With over more
than 25,000 artifacts ranging from documents, orders, photos, weapons,
uniforms, and other interesting depictions about the Latvian war. Upon entering the museum, I couldn’t help but notice
how peaceful and empty the museum was; it feels so spacious and relaxed,
considering that it is a “war” place.
The 14th century Powder Tower, one of the former fortification towers of Riga, is a good venue for this museum, because it kind of feels like
you are in one of the hideout places during the olden times. Of course inside
you’ll see all the art of warfare during the first and second world wards, the
stuff from the Soviet occupation, Latvian armies and soldiers, and impressive
medals and military uniforms during that era. It brings back good memories of
your History classes, especially when you visit areas on The Defense of Latvia Republic (1920 –
1940), Latvia in World War II, and Latvians in Western Bloc Armed Forces.
If you are looking for that laid back yet
comprehensive take and trace of wars, the Latvia War Museum is worth visiting for sure. Did you know that
Latvians had been compelled to fight on both sides during the wars (Hitler era and Soviet Red army troops era). Knowing this, undeniably you’ll want
to get to know more about their history, especially through their permanent
exhibitions, which includes their independence in 1918 and 1991. Head down here
since the Admission is Free, so you
are encouraged to explore the place at your own pace. They offer guided tours
for 12 EUR for a group, though. And you can even grab some souvenirs while you’re
here. Overall, I would recommend the Latvia War Museum to be part of your itinerary, even for 1-2
hours of visit. It’s near cafes too, so you can grab a quick snack after your
visit. Have you had a chance to visit such
kind of museum that’s in a Powder Tower?
Address: 20, Smilsu Street, (Pulvertornis) Riga,
LV-1050 Latvia
Opening Hours: 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. April to October,
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. November to March
Official Website: http://www.karamuzejs.lv/lkm/home.aspx?sc_lang=en
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatvijasKaraMuzejs
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