Like Estonia on her north, and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is a major trading center; she has an ancient history and rich traditions. Although she is the largest of the three Baltic Republics, Latvia is a small country on the Baltic coast. The coastal plain here is comparatively flat, but as you progress inland, the land becomes hilly and you will find forests, lakes and rivers. Indeed, Latvia has close to 12,000 rivers. Although Russian controlled this country for many years, Latvia is now independent, and budding into one of the more popular tourist destinations. As a matter of fact, she?s thought to be one of Europe?s hidden treasures.
Latvia?s capital city is Riga. Sitting on a sandy plain near the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga is certainly one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities. With first-rate air, train and road services, this city is becoming a major tourist attraction. You will find a fascinating hodgepodge of Baroque, Classical and Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, and in fact, the center of the city is said to have the finest concentration of Art Nouveau building in all of Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dome Cathedral, which is located in Old Riga, is a great example of the architectural mixture of this city. Started in 1211, it has been added to over the centuries, and this has fashioned an amazing fusion of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. On top of that, the cathedral?s organ, with almost 7,000 pipes, is the world?s greatest musical instrument. The St. Jacob?s Catholic Church, is another favorite. It was constructed in 1226, and epitomizes Gothic style of architecture. The Viestura Garden surrounding it is exceptional; Peter the Great is said to have laid the foundations and planted the first tree. Naturally, if you go to Riga you must visit the Freedom Monument. As the city?s centerpiece, it is a beautiful symbol of endurance, survival, and the cost of freedom.
Not far from Riga, you will find the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. It has buildings from around the country, with architectural examples from the 16th to the 19th centuries. You will see everything from wooden churches to windmills. The Baltic resort, Jurmala, is approximately 17km from Riga. Consisting of twelve small villages, this resort stretches over 30km along the Gulf of Riga. With a combination of fresh pine-scented air, golden beaches and warm sunshine, it is one of the more popular tourist attractions.
Sigulda, is another health resort, located about 53km from Riga. It sits on the banks of the Gauja River, and was founded in the 13th century. While in Sigulda, be sure to visit the Gauja National Park. It?s here you will find Turaida Castle and Gutmanis Cave, which is the largest and deepest cave in all the Baltic countries. Sigulda offers skiing in the winter months, and boating in summer.
Visitors to Latvia will love the quaint medieval towns, museums, parks, castles, palaces, and fortresses. Rich in custom, crafts and culture, Latvia is truly a memorable experience.
Latvia?s capital city is Riga. Sitting on a sandy plain near the mouth of the Daugava River, Riga is certainly one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities. With first-rate air, train and road services, this city is becoming a major tourist attraction. You will find a fascinating hodgepodge of Baroque, Classical and Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, and in fact, the center of the city is said to have the finest concentration of Art Nouveau building in all of Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dome Cathedral, which is located in Old Riga, is a great example of the architectural mixture of this city. Started in 1211, it has been added to over the centuries, and this has fashioned an amazing fusion of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. On top of that, the cathedral?s organ, with almost 7,000 pipes, is the world?s greatest musical instrument. The St. Jacob?s Catholic Church, is another favorite. It was constructed in 1226, and epitomizes Gothic style of architecture. The Viestura Garden surrounding it is exceptional; Peter the Great is said to have laid the foundations and planted the first tree. Naturally, if you go to Riga you must visit the Freedom Monument. As the city?s centerpiece, it is a beautiful symbol of endurance, survival, and the cost of freedom.
Not far from Riga, you will find the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. It has buildings from around the country, with architectural examples from the 16th to the 19th centuries. You will see everything from wooden churches to windmills. The Baltic resort, Jurmala, is approximately 17km from Riga. Consisting of twelve small villages, this resort stretches over 30km along the Gulf of Riga. With a combination of fresh pine-scented air, golden beaches and warm sunshine, it is one of the more popular tourist attractions.
Sigulda, is another health resort, located about 53km from Riga. It sits on the banks of the Gauja River, and was founded in the 13th century. While in Sigulda, be sure to visit the Gauja National Park. It?s here you will find Turaida Castle and Gutmanis Cave, which is the largest and deepest cave in all the Baltic countries. Sigulda offers skiing in the winter months, and boating in summer.
Visitors to Latvia will love the quaint medieval towns, museums, parks, castles, palaces, and fortresses. Rich in custom, crafts and culture, Latvia is truly a memorable experience.
About the Author:
Graham McKenzie is a webmaster for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight from the UK.
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