4 Beautiful Places of Worship That Highlight Riga’s Incredible History
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Latvia 0 Comments

Places of Worship That Highlight Riga’s Incredible History

Growing up as a devote Catholic, in a country where Religion is a pretty big deal, I’ve always included visiting Churches and places of worship as part of my travel itineraries. Like many of you, I used to pray and participate in any form of spiritual activity in that place, even if it’s a mosque and I have no clue what I am doing. It’s an action borne out of respect, but also encouraging curiosity and appreciation towards the cultural lifestyle that has been built out of that.

Latvia has had several beautiful places of worship constructed even before it gained independence. You can see a wide variety of influences, most of it Western, and come from a vast number of different denominations. What I like about the churches in Riga alone is that they are so gloriously historical in their designs and representation of religion. Likewise, many of them are easily accessible (on foot), so you can easily do a Station of the Cross ritual or do a Church Hopping kind of activity when you visit Latvia’s capital. You can marvel at the stunning architecture and pay good tribute to their legacy that existed for over hundreds of years ago. You have to pay homage to these four churches that will hopefully inspire you to visit more often.

St. Peter's Church, Riga

Address: Skārņu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Year Opened: 1746

St Peter’s Church was built in 1209, but just some walls and some pillars have remained from that time. Initially it was a small hall, possibly with a separate bell tower. The current basilica was created during renovations in the 15th century. The church hall leaves a grand impression, the middle part of it reaches a height of 30 meters. The altar part with five chapels demonstrates verticality of the Gothic style and fine profiles. In 1997 Riga St Peter’s Church was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Read more: https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/riga-st-peters-church

Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral

Address: Brīvības bulvāris 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Year Opened: 1867

With gilded cupolas peeking through the trees, this Byzantine-styled Orthodox cathedral (1883) adds a dazzling dash of Russian bling to the skyline. During the Soviet period the church was converted into a planetarium, but it's since been restored to its former use. Mind the dress code – definitely no shorts; women are asked to cover their heads. Read more: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/latvia/riga/attractions/nativity-of-christ-cathedral/

Old St. Gertrude Church

Address: Ģertrūdes iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia

Year Opened: 1865

Anyone who walks down Ģertrūdes iela can’t help but notice the monumental neo-gothic church at the beginning of the street. Consecrated in 1869, this red brick masterpiece topped with a green copper spire was designed by one of the city’s most prolific architects, J.D. Felsko. Unfortunately, some of its decorative ornaments cast in concrete are now in a sad state and hang precariously above passers-by. Many of the art nouveau buildings surrounding the church are also worth a look. Read more: https://www.inyourpocket.com/riga/old-st-gertrudes-church_36360v

St. James Cathedral, Riga

Address: Jēkaba iela 9, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Year Opened: 1225

The church building was dedicated in 1225. It was not originally a cathedral since the Rīgas Doms served that function. At the beginning of the 15th century the Holy Cross Chapel was built at the south end of the early Gothic church, and part of the church was transformed into a basilica. In 1522 during the Protestant Reformation the building became the second German language Lutheran church in Riga. In 1523 it became the first Latvian language Lutheran church there. Read more: https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/1045/st-jamess-cathedral/