Cathedral Square (aka Dome Square), Riga
Another of Old Riga's cobblestone squares lies squarely in front of the Riga Cathedral. Commonly called the Dome Cathedral, this is one of Riga's trademark buildings. The word "Dome" comes from the German "Dom," which also means cathedral. It is considered to be the largest medieval church in the Baltics.
The church was built on the river in 1211 by Livonian Bishop Albert of Riga from Lower Saxony. It was Roman Catholic until a 1923 referendum forced it to be shared with the Lutheran Church. During the Soviet Era, the church was used as a concert hall. Religious services were restarted in 1991, and today it is used by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.
Cathedral Square is the site of various events during the year, including a popular Christmas Market. It's a great place for souvenirs and local delicacies. But no matter what time of the year you stop through, there's bound to be something going on. From art installations and cultural festivals to bustling sidewalk cafes and great people watching, Cathedral Square is at the center of it all.
The church was built on the river in 1211 by Livonian Bishop Albert of Riga from Lower Saxony. It was Roman Catholic until a 1923 referendum forced it to be shared with the Lutheran Church. During the Soviet Era, the church was used as a concert hall. Religious services were restarted in 1991, and today it is used by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.
Cathedral Square is the site of various events during the year, including a popular Christmas Market. It's a great place for souvenirs and local delicacies. But no matter what time of the year you stop through, there's bound to be something going on. From art installations and cultural festivals to bustling sidewalk cafes and great people watching, Cathedral Square is at the center of it all.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Riga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cathedral Square (aka Dome Square) on Map
Sight Name: Cathedral Square (aka Dome Square)
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Riga, Latvia
Create Your Own Walk in Riga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Riga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
One great thing about Riga is that the majority of its religious sites are concentrated in the historic center. A variety of faiths found in the Latvian capital is fairly broad for such a small country and includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran, to mention but a few.
The 13th-century Riga Cathedral is perhaps the most significant house of prayer in the city. The imposing mix of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The 13th-century Riga Cathedral is perhaps the most significant house of prayer in the city. The imposing mix of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Riga Old Town Walking Tour
The area that is home to present-day Riga has hosted inhabitants since the days of the Vikings. With a sheltered natural harbor nearby, the River Daugava made Riga a stop on the Vikings' Dvina-Dnieper trade route to Byzantium.
Trade allowed the area to flourish, and the Livs, a Finnic tribe, settled it. In the early Middle Ages, the town's economy revolved around fishing, trading, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Trade allowed the area to flourish, and the Livs, a Finnic tribe, settled it. In the early Middle Ages, the town's economy revolved around fishing, trading, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Art Nouveau Architecture Walk
An architecture lover in general and that of Art Nouveau in particular will find plenty to look at in the quiet center of Riga. J奴gendstil (Latvian: Art Nouveau) architecture makes up roughly one third of all buildings in the heart of Latvia's capital. In fact, the city boasts the highest concentration of Art Nouveau structures anywhere in the world.
Constructed during a period of rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Constructed during a period of rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice of 12 Uniquely Latvian Souvenirs from Riga
Reemerged after regaining independence in the early 1990s, Latvia is anxious to reveal its beauty to the outside world. The country's capital Riga is a good showroom for the country's cultural riches and traditions. Here's the list of the unique Latvian products to look for while in...