Riga bkl-ENG3a.indd - Baltic Hotels Online
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Riga bkl-ENG3a.indd - Baltic Hotels Online
TOURISM MANUAL Schwab house 6 Rātslaukums (Townhallsquare), Riga, LV -1050, Latvia Telephone: +371 67037900 Fax: +371 67037910 E-mail: tourinfo@riga.lv www.rigatourism.com Riga international Bus Station 1 Prāgas Street, Riga, LV -1050, Latvia Telephone: +371 6722 0555 Riga Central Train Station 2 Stacijas Square, Riga, LV -1050, Latvia Telephone: +371 6723 3815 Latvian Tourism Information Bureau 4 Smilšu Street, Riga, LV- 1050, Latvia Telephone: +371 6722 4664 Fax: +371 6722 4665 E-mail: info@latviatourism.lv Riga International Airport /Arrival area/ Telephone: +371 67292611 CONTENT Riga in figures 3 History of Riga 7 The unit of money in the Republic of Latvia 11 How to reach Riga? 13 Concert halls, Theatres, Cinemas 15 Museums 17 Map 18 The most notable locations in Old Riga 21 Art Nouveau 27 Traditions and holidays 31 Biggest events in Riga 33 Useful links 35 Where to call in urgent situations? 35 What is prohibited in public places? 35 Foreign representation 36 1 RIGA IN FIGURES Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia, the state's administrative and political centre and the largest city in the Baltic States. Riga is located in the coastal lowlands on the banks of the River Daugava, close to its estuary in the Gulf of Riga. The geographic location Latvia's place on the map of the world has always brought along not only welfare, but also a wide variety of disasters. Often enough the people of Latvia have been forced into a sense of hopelessness. Over the course of the centuries, countless invaders have tried to make this small country on the shore of the Baltic Sea a part of their empires. Latvia is in the very centre of the continent of Europe, and it is no accident that it is often called a bridge between the East and the West. The Latvian capital city of Riga can be accessed with equal speed and ease from Moscow and from the largest cities of Western Europe. Latvia is 64,589 km2 in size, and it has 1,865 kilometers of border - 1,350 on land. Area The area of Riga covers Residential areas Streets and roads Industrial areas Water Parks 21,8% 8,0% 17,0% 15,8% 19,0% 307,17 km2 67,00 km2 24,64 km2 52,45 km2 48,50 km2 57,54 km2 Riga is divided into 6 administrative districts: Vidzemes district Zemgales district Ziemeļu district 2 Latgales district Kurzemes district Centra district 3 Religion Christianity arrived in Latvia from the West and the East. The church is separate from the state in Latvia, although since the restoration of the country’s independence, the importance of religion in the everyday lives of Latvia’s residents has increased to a significant degree. Increasing numbers of parents wish to Christen their children, while young couples more and more often wish to get married in church. Traditionally, the largest denominations in Latvia have been the Lutheran, the Roman Catholic and the Russian Orthodox churches. Language The state language in Latvia is Latvian. Latvian is an Indo-European language, part of the Baltic branch of languages. The only two living languages in the branch are Latvian and Lithuanian. Many people in Latvia also speak Russian. Population Latvia has fewer than 2.3 million residents at this writing. The ethnic composition of the population has changed again and again over the last several centuries, and Latvia has always been inhabited by representatives of various ethnic groups. Latvia is certainly a multi-national country. The majority of Latvia’s residents have long since lived in cities and towns. Rural regions tend to be quite sparsely populated. At the beginning of 2007, there were 722,485 permanent inhabitants in Riga. The density of the population was 2352 inhabitants per km2. Climate Average air temperature 2007: January +0,7 °C July +16,3 °C Information: www.meteo.lv 4 5 HISTORY OF RIGA As a Liv Village, Riga exists since the 11th century. 1198 For the first time the name of Riga was mentioned in the chronicles. 1201 Bishop Albert, the Lord of the Bremen's Town Hall, founded Riga as a medieval town. 1211 The first school - Dom School - was founded in Riga. 1225-1226 The Riga Town Council was established. The coat of arms of Riga was created. 1282 Riga joined the Hanseatic League. 1297-1330 The war between the Livonian Order and the Town of Riga. 1521-1524 The start of the Reformation in Latvia. Riga became a Lutheran town. 1524 The first public library was founded. 1558-1583 The Livonian War. As a result, Riga was incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian state. 1561-1581 Riga obtained the status of a free town. 1581 Riga swore loyalty to Stephan Batory, the King of Poland and Lithuania. 1584-1589 As a result of the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar, "Calendar Unrests" broke out and were used by the Guilds and the Town Council to fight for the dominance in the city. 1588 The first printing house - the Mollin printing house - was opened in Riga. 1600-1629 The Polish - Swedish War. 1621 Riga was taken over by Sweden. 1656-1661 The Russian - Swedish War; Riga was besieged by the army of the Russian tzar Aleksey. 1700-1721 The Great Northern War; Riga was besieged by the Saxonian -Russian forces. 1710 Riga was conquered by the Russian tsar Peter the Great. 1773 The first museum - the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation - was opened. 1782 The first public theatre was opened in Riga. 6 7 1812 The Napoleon's army approached Riga and Riga's suburbs were burnt down; preconditions for the present street plan and construction were created. 1857-1863 The dismantling of the Riga's fortification walls started. 1868 The foundation of the Riga's Latvian Society. The period of the Latvian national awakening. 1873 The first Latvia's Song Festival. 2nd half of Riga - one of the most important cities the 19th c. in Russia, with flourishing industry and trade. 1901 Riga's 700th anniversary. 1914 Beginning of World War I. 1915 Industrial enterprises were evacuated from Riga as the front line approached. 18.11.1918 The independent State of Latvia was proclaimed in Riga. 11.11.1919 The Bermondt troops were defeated near Riga. 1920-1921 The peace treaty was signed between Latvia and Soviet Russia. Latvia was recognized de jure by Western powers. 1920-1940 Riga became the Latvia's administrative, cultural, industrial, trade and educational centre. 17.06.1940 Riga was occupied by the Soviet Army and the Soviet regime was established. 14.06.1941 The 1st mass deportation of the Latvian population to Siberia in Russia. 01.07.1941 Riga was occupied by the German troops. 13.10.1944 Riga was recaptured by the Soviet troops and the Soviet regime was re-established. 1949 The 2nd mass deportation of the Latvian population. 1988 The start of the 3rd national awakening to restore the independence of Latvia. 04.05.1990 The Declaration "On the Restoration of the Independence of Latvia" was adopted. 21.08.1991 Latvia declared itself an independent democratic state. 2001 The 800th anniversary of Riga. 8 9 THE UNIT OF MONEY IN THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA 1 Lat (1 Ls = 100 santims) The Lat is freely convertible currency. The exchange rate set by the Bank of Latvia on 1 january 2005: 1 EUR = 0.7028 Ls Banks in Latvia 23 licensed credit institutions are operating in Latvia. German, Swedish, Finnish, Estonian and Russian banks are included among shareholders in Latvian banks, along with several major international financial institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Swedfund, etc. The national currency - the lats - was introduced in 1993. You can get 5-, 10, 20-, 50-, 100- and 500- lats banknotes, and 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50- santims and 1- and 2- lats. Most Latvian banks are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM on weekdays, while some are also open on Saturday mornings. Credit cards can be used in Latvia, and the most common ones are VISA International, Eurocard and MasterCard. Less commonly found are American Express, Diner's Club and Eurocheque. All of the aforementioned cards can be used to withdraw cash advances from ATMs. 10 11 HOW TO REACH RIGA? Air traffic RIGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT www.riga-airport.com Information: +371 6720 7009 E-mail: office@riga-airport.com The airport is located 13km from the centre of Riga. Sea traffic TALLINK Grupp AS is the leading international shipping company in the Baltic Sea area. TALLINK owns and operates vessels meaning passenger ferries, including cruise ferries and high-speed ferries, and ro-ro cargo vessels on routes between Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia and Sweden. Providing high quality cruise and passenger service, TALLINK is also an important player in sea cargo transportation on the Baltic Sea. RIGA PASSENGER PORT 3a Eksporta Str., Riga, LV-1010 AS Tallink Latvija Booking and information phone: E-mail: Cargo phone: E-mail: www.tallink.lv + 371 6709 9700 booking@tallink.lv +371 6709 9707 cargo@tallink.lv Bus traffic Direct trips from Riga to Byelorussia, Benelux, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine. RIGA INTERNATIONAL BUSSTATION 1 Pragas Street, Riga, LV-1050 Information pay-phone Ticket reservation pay-phone Ticket booth for international routes E-mail: autoosta@autoosta.lv Ecolines Eurolines www.autoosta.lv +371 900 0009 +371 900 1111 +371 6721 2402 www.ecolines.lv www.eurolines.lv Railway traffic Railway traffic (without transfer) connects Riga with Moscow, St.Petersburg, Truskavets, Simferopol. 12 CENTRAL TERMINAL STATION www.ldz.lv • www.pv.lv 1 Stacijas laukums (Railway square), Riga, LV-1050 Information phone: +371 6723 1181 Booking phone: +371 6721 6664 +371 6723 3397 +371 6723 2133 13 CONCERT HALLS Concert Hall "Ave Sol", St.Peter - Pavil Church Concert Hall "The Big Guild" www.music.lv/orchestra "The Small Guild" - Riga Culture and folk art centre www.gilde.lv/maza House of Blackheads http://nami.riga.lv/mn Riga Dome Church concerthall www.concert.lv Wagner Concert Hall www.concert.lv Riga Latvian Society house www.rlb.lv Riga Congress Hall www.rigacongress.lv St. Peter's Church www.peterbaznica.lv Anglican Church www.anglicanriga.lv St. John's Church www.janabaznica.lv Latvian Music Academy www.music.lv/academy/lv Latvian University The Great Hall Sapņu fabrika (Dream factory) www.sapnufabrika.lv The multifunctional arena www.arenariga.lv THEATRES Latvian National opera Latvijas Dailes teātris Latvian National theatre Jaunais Rīgas Teātris (New Riga Theatre) "KABATA", independent theatre THEATRE TT "HAMLETS" theatre-club Latvian State puppet theatre Riga Circus Riga Russian drama theatre "SKATUVE", independent theatre Riga Pantomime Theatre group "United Intimacy" www.opera.lv www.dailesteatris.lv www.teatris.lv www.jrt.lv www.teatristt.lv www.hamlets.valsts.lv www.puppet.lv www.cirks.lv www.trd.lv www.pantomima.lv www.unitedintimacy.lv CINEMAS Coca-Cola Plaza Daile Rīga K. Suns Kinogalerija Kinogrāfs 14 www.forumcinemas.lv www.forumcinemas.lv www.cinema-riga.lv www.kinogalerija.lv www.kinogalerija.lv www.kinografs.lv 15 MUSEUMS Museum and Documentation Centre “Jews in Latvia” Andrejs Upitis Memorial Museum Aleksandrs Caks Memorial Flat www.cakamuzejs.lv Latvian Museum of Architecture www.archmuseum.lv Museum of Foreign Art www.amm.lv Riga Film Museum www.nfc.lv Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation www.vip.latnet.lv/museums/Riga/ Riga Motormuseum Firefighting Museum of Latvia www.motormuzejs.lv www.ltg.lv/motormuzejs www.ugdd.lv/lv/muzejs Ethnographic Open-air Museum of Latvia www.virmus.com www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs Museum of Pharmacy Janis Akuraters Museum Janis Rozentals and Rudolfs Blaumanis Museum Jekabs Primanis Anatomy Museum Krisjanis Barons Museum Latvian Museum of Natural History www.baronamuzejs.lv www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv Latvian Railway History Museum, Riga Branch www.railwaymuseum.lv Latvian Museum of Photography www.fotomuzejs.lv Herbarium of the University of Latvia Latvian War Museum www.karamuzejs.lv www.lu.lv/botaniskais Metzendorff’s House City-Dwellers’ House Museum www.mencendorfanams.com Literature, Theatre and Music Museum Pauls Stradins Museum of the History of Medicine Latvian Culture Museum “Dauderi” Latvian Sport Museum Tennis Museum Ojars Vacietis Memorial Museum 16 Eduards Smilgis Theatre Museum www.mvm.lv St. Peter’s Lutheran Church www.peterbaznica.lv St. John’s Lutheran Church www.janabaznica.lv State Museum of Art www.vmm.lv Museum of Decorative Applied Arts www.dlmm.lv Dome Cathedral www.doms.lv National History Museum of Latvia Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Blackheads House Barricades’ Museum Aircraft’s Museum www.enri.lv www.history-museum.lv www.occupationmuseum.lv http://nami.riga.lv/mn www.barikades.lv http://avia.ak22.net/EN/index.html Lattelekom Museum of Telecommunications http://muzejs.lattelekom.lv The Riga Porcelain Museum 17 18 19 THE MOST NOTABLE LOCATIONS IN OLD RIGA 1 The Dome Cathedral 1 Doma Square The cornerstone for the Dome Cathedral, which is the seat of the archbishop of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, was laid on 1211. The architecture of the church includes elements of Early Gothic, Baroque and other styles, but the main building and the attached cloister form a harmonic ensemble nevertheless. This is the largest church building in Latvia, and inside one can find many art treasures. 2 1 2 3 4 St. John's Lutheran Church 24 Skārņu Street The church began its life as a chapel for a Dominican cloister that was established in 1234. It became a church in the late 13th century, and in 1582 it became the first Latvian church in Rīga. The architecture of the church features a step-type pediment and magnificent arches inside. Major works of sacral art can be seen inside the church. 3 St. Jacob’s Catholic Church 2 Klostera Street Work on this Early Gothic structure began around 1226, according to written documents. This period of construction is represented in the interior of the church by its arches. The Late Gothic period was the time when the attached St. Cross chapel was built. For a time it housed a lyceum - one of the first educational institutions of its kind in Rīga. The steeple was installed in 1756. There is a clock in its base, and a bell to ring alarms was installed in the upper portion of the structure. 4 St. Peter's Lutheran Church 19 Skārņu Street One of the most ancient examples of Medieval churches in the Baltic region, St. Peter’s was first built in the 13th century, although since then it has gone through a number of building periods. A Baroque wooden steeple was installed in 1690 - the highest in the world at the time. The church was burned down during World War II and restored only in 1973. The metal steeple is 123.25 metres high. The interior of the church contains ancient epitaphs and burial plaques. 20 21 1 1 The Melngalvju (Blackheads) House 7 Rātslaukums (Townhallsquare) The origins of this structure date back to the 14th century, when a building was put up for the needs of city officials and tradesmen. The so-called Blackheads Society, whose patron was St. Mauritius, took over the building in the 15th century, although the name “Blackheads House” dates back only to 1687. In 1713, the society won full ownership rights to the building. It once contained one of the world’s richest collections of silver objects. The building was destroyed during World War II, but on June 29, 1995, the foundations for the structure that is seen today were laid. A memorial capsule was inserted into the foundations. Work on the restoration was completed in 1999. 2 The Small Guild 6 Amatu Street The Small Guild was established in the mid-14th century, bringing together Rigensian craftsmen. It was during the same period that the building was put up. The guild issued regulations related to the work of artisans in Rīga. The patron saint of the guild is John the Baptist. The present-day building was built between 1864 and 1866 on the basis of a design from the distinguished architect Johan Daniel Felsko. It is an example of the British Neo-Gothic style. The beautiful interiors of the Small Guild building were restored in 2000. 3 2 3 4 The Gunpowder Tower 20 Smilšu Street This is one of the towers which helped to form the formerly walled city’s fortifications. Initially known as the Sand Tower, it dates back to 1330. It was rebuilt several times and took on its present identity in the 17th century – logically enough because gunpowder was stored in the tower. A military museum was installed in the tower in 1919. A new museum structure was attached between 1937 and 1939, and today there is an interesting and extensive exhibition at the facility. 4 The Large Guild 5 Amatu Street The Large Guild, for its part, was established in 1354 by tradesmen in Rīga, and the guild monopolised trade in the city until the 19th century. The patron saint of the guild is St. Mary. Fragments of the building’s original, 14th-century interiors can still be seen in the form of an ancient column. The present-day structure was put up between 1854 and 1857. Today the building is the home of the Latvian Philharmonic Orchestra. 22 23 1 The Freedom Monument At the crossing of Brīvības blvd. and Raiņa blvd. The Freedom Monument is a symbol of Latvia’s freedom and independence, erected by the architects Kārlis Zāle and Ernests Štālbergs. People donated money for the project, which was completed in 1935. On the front wall of the monument is the inscription "Tēvzemei un Brīvībai", or "For the Fatherland and Freedom" - an expression of the meaning of the monument. 2 The Rīga Castle 3 Pils Square The castle was built in 1330 as a residence for the master of the Livonian Order. The building was sacked in 1448, and in subsequent decades it was rebuilt a number of times. Eventually it lost its Medieval appearance. The lead tower was put up in the early 16th century, while the so-called three star tower was erected in 1938. A new three-story addition was attached between 1785 and 1787 for the needs of the provincial institutions in the city. The White Hall was installed in 1818. In 1938 the architect Eižens Laube redesigned the interiors so that they could be used by the government for ceremonial occasions. The Red Hall was one of the results. The president of Latvia has offices and ceremonial facilities in the castle at this time but does not live there. The complex also contains several museums. 1 2 24 3 3 The Three Brothers 19 Mazā Pils Street The "three brothers" are an example of Medieval residential structures in Rīga - three buildings that were put up on very narrow strips of land. The facades and interiors provide a textbook example of the development of architecture over the course of time. Mazā Pils iela 17 is the oldest stone residential building in Rīga (late 15th, early 16th century), and its distinctive chimney has been preserved. The facade is accepted with a steptype pediment and a Gothic niche. Number 19 was put up in 1646, while Number 21 took on its appearance in the late 17th century. One of the walls in the interior yard of the structure contains the oldest known city emblem of Rīga, along with some stone portals. 25 ART NOUVEAU We begin our tour with the first Art Nouveau building in Riga, at Audēju Street 7 (1899, architects Alfred Aschenkampff and Makss Scherwinsky). This is the earliest Art Nouveau building in the city. It is a classical Art Nouveau design, with stylised plants (irises, blooming trees, reed mace) and fantasised human faces. Audēju Street 9 (1900, architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns). Here we find the motif of the sun - a motif that was so typical of Art Nouveau, symbolising, as it does, the flourishing of new life. The sun motif can be found on many Art Nouveau buildings. Teātra Street 9 (1903, architects Heinrich Scheel). This building is decorated with images of mythological gods - Athena and Hermes. The building is crowned by Atlas, holding on his shoulders a globe that is made of glass and zinc. The globe is lit up at night. Kalēju Street 23 (1903, architect Paul Mandelstamm). This building is distinguished by the corner portal that is in the form of the crown of a tree, and by the gilded sun motif that is in the décor. Kalēju Street 6. In the facade of the building, we see an engraved ornament of flowers that is typical of later Art Nouveau. The unusual metal flag holder that is in the shape of a stylised dragon has survived. Kaļķu Street 22 (1912-1913, architect Paul Mandelstamm) and Kaļķu Street 24 (1913-1917, architects Paul Mandelstamm and Herbert Timmer). Both buildings have a vertical Art Nouveau design. These are typical office buildings with elements of Neo-Classicism. They have been rebuilt since their original construction, but they have maintained their original shape. Kaļķu Street 15 (1913, architect Jānis Alksnis). This is a typical commercial building from the early 20th century, built in the style of Neo-Classicism. It was one of the first buildings in Riga to use a monolith cement carcass in its structure. Meistaru Street 10 (1909, architect Friedrich Scheffel). Known as the "Cat House" because of the cats that sit atop its corner towers, this building was put up specifically to display the owner’s superiority over the owners of the Great Guild building which is nearby. The facade has a medieval air to it, but it does include some decorative motifs from the school of Art Nouveau, particularly in the portal. One of the portals has masks that are typical of Art Nouveau. Vaļņu Street 2 (1911, Edgars Freisendorfs). Of interest here is the entrance portal with its sculptural reliefs - one of the most expressive manifestations of Art Nouveau relief in the city. There are copper statues of characters from Greek mythology - Asclepius, the god of medicine, and the Moira Atropos, who was one of the goddesses of fate. The statues symbolise life, health and labour. 26 Smilšu Street 1/3 (1906, architect Nikolajs Proskurņiks from St Petersburg). This building is a combination of a variety of Art Nouveau motifs. An allegorical depiction of Hope is at the centre of the structure. 27 Smilšu Street 2 (1902). This building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga. The facade is decorated with a depiction of a peacock, which was one of the key elements of beauty and self-confidence in Art Nouveau. The bay is supported by trees which turn into the figures of Atlantis and Cariatide. The reliefs on the building depict various hybrid beings, while the dormers are decorated with the motifs of the sun. The building is “guarded” by masks of dogs. Specialists believe that the depiction of Hermes under the dormer is the most beautiful depiction of a female figure in Rigensian Art Nouveau architecture. Smilšu Street 3 (1910, architects Artur Medlinger and Hermann Seiberlich). This was originally the headquarters of a bank. The entrance portal from Smilšu Street is decorated with reliefs which illustrate the idea of a bank as an international institution. Smilšu Street 6 (1912, architect Wilhelm Bockslaff). This building was also put up as the headquarters of a bank. The gilded ornament reflects the influence of Neo-Classicism. Smilšu Street 8 (1902, architects Heinrich Scheel). This building features a wealth of masks, hybrid beings and flora. Above the side bays there are two female figures holding a crown in their outstretched hands. The two portals feature another female figure with her eyes closed, depicting a melancholic air that was typical of Art Nouveau. The decorations in the entrance hall are seen by specialists as a textbook example of the ornamental forms of Art Nouveau. Smilšu Street 10 (1910, architect Ernest Pole). The facade of the upper floor of the building includes stylised elements of Neo-Classicism. Šķūņu Street 4 (1911, architect Paul Mandelstamm). This used to be one of four multi-floor department stores in Riga. The windows in the stairwell feature stained glass that is typical of the Art Nouveau period. Šķūņu Street 10/12 (1902, architects Heinrich Scheel and Friedrich Scheffel). The facade of the building is decorated with the initials of the initial owner, along with masks and motifs of flora. Above the bay in the building’s pediment there is a dog which is “guarding” the building. Tirgoņu Street 4 (1900, architects Heinrich Scheel and Friedrich Scheffel ). This apartment and retail building its facade design is different. Doma Square 8 (1913, architect Paul Mandelstamm). The pediment of this, a former bank building that was designed in the style of Neo-Classicism, includes an allegoric composition that is typical of Art Nouveau. Jauniela 25/29 (1903, architect Wilhlem Bockslaff). This building features various historical styles in its design, combined with ornamentation from the Art Nouveau period. Seeking to ensure that the building fits in with its background, the architect divided it up into three segments and optically reduced its height. A key element in the visual impression is the mask which stands against the motif of the sun. 28 M. Pils Street 6. Our tour concludes at this café, where we can enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying the comfortable Art Nouveau interior. The interior was reconstructed in 1996. 29 TRADITIONS AND HOLIDAYS The traditions and festivals of ancient Latvians were all related to the rhythms of nature and the placement of the Sun in the sky. Holidays relating to religious events took on a distinctly pagan nature. The most important holiday for every Latvian is the Summer Solstice festival, or Jāņi, which is celebrated on the night of June 23. Farms are bedecked with garlands of oak and birch branches and meadow flowers. Nearly everyone leaves the city for the open air so that the shortest night of the year can be spent in the merry company of friends. Campfires are lit, special songs are sung, dancing is a universal element during the festival. Traditional caraway seed cheese and lots of beer are on the menu. Latvians are very proud of their quadrennial Song and Dance Festival. This festival has been organised since 1873, and each time it brings together literally tens of thousands of singers and dancers, dressed in their best folk costumes and coming from every region in Latvia. The festival always unifies the Latvian nation, strengthening its spiritual self-esteem. The Song and Dance Festival has never lost its significance, and it helps in upholding ancient traditions of song and dance in Latvia. The festival is always held in Rīga, with the culminating concert on the grand open-air stage in Mežaparks. A massive parade of participants weaves through the city, and every resident and guest of Rīga is on hand to watch the spectacle. 30 31 BIGGEST EVENTS IN RIGA July January Music Festival "Winterfest" Remembrance of the Barricade Days of 1991 International Blues Festival www.hbf.lv www.rdkp.lv www.blues.lv www.rigasritmi.lv www.mgtops.lv www.concert.lv www.concert.lv August February Latvian Annual Festivity "Meteņi" (Shrovetide) St.Valentine's Day Party International Festival of Rhythmic Music "Riga Rhythms" Latvian Florist Exhibition "Flower Ball" International Ancient Music Festival International Organ Music Festival www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs http://nami.riga.lv/mn March Great Music Award Ceremony and Winners Concert www.music.lv/balva 12th International Baltic Ballet Festival www.ballet-festival.lv The Great Day. Spring solstice events Spring time is welcome and celebrate with Latvian folk songs and dances www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs Commemoration Day of Victims of Communist Terror www.rdkp.lv 10th International Sacred Music Festival Festivity of Riga City www.music.lvchoirs/Latvia www.rdkp.lv September September Days of Chamber Music www.concert.lv Days of Poetry Phone: +371 67555180 International Festival of Film Actors "Baltic Pearl" www.balticpearl.lv Fair on the Mikelis Day's Eve in the Dome Square and Apple Fair in the Town Hall Square www.rdkp.lv • http://nami.riga.lv/mn October New Music Festival April 5th International Festival of Animation Films BIMINI www.bimini.lv Boy Choir Festival "Riga Cathedral" www.boyschoirfest.lv International Competition in Callisthenic "Baltic Circle 2006" www.sports.riga.lv The Easter in Riga www.rdkp.lv Opening of Tourism Season www.rigatourism.lv May The street relay- race www.sports.riga.lv The Anniversary of Declaration on Restoration of Latvia's Independence www.rdkp.lv The May Fair http://nami.riga.lv/mn The Art Days www.rdkp.lv Mother Day activities www.rdkp Events in the first Sunday of May with concerts at cultural houses and parks Museum Days' activities www.muzeji.lv The Riga International Marathon www.sports.riga.lv Rowing Festival www.sports.riga.lv Riga's Pupils Palace celebration www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs www.arenafest.lv November 6th Contemporary Folk Music Festival "Live Music" Event dedicated to the Lāčplēsis Day Events dedicated to the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia www.km.gov.lv www.rdkp.lv www.rdkp.lv December Lighting Riga's main Christmas tree Christmas Market Log Pulling evening in Riga / Christmas Party New Years Eve www.rdkp.lv www.rdkp.lv www.rdkp.lv www.rdkp.lv June Riga Cycle- marathon www.velo.lv Market of Latvian Folk Art www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs Riga Opera Festival www.opera.lv Summer Solstice. Enchanting of John's Day www.ltg.lv/brivdabas.muzejs The Green Market in Dome Square www.rdkp.lv "Līgo" celebration in Riga http://ac.lido.lv 32 33 USEFUL LINKS: www.rigatourism.com Riga Tourism Coordination and Information Centre www.riga.lv Official website of the Riga City http://vip.latnet.lv/ArtNouveau/en/default.htm Art Nouveau www.inspirationriga.lv Information on meetings and incentives in Riga and Latvia www.riga-airport.com Riga International Airport www.autoosta.lv Riga International Bus Station www.ldz.lv Riga International Train Station www.rigamap.lv The Latvian Institute www.li.lv www.latviatourism.lv Latvian Tourism Board www.lv General information about Latvia www.ailab.lv/Riga/Riga-en.htm Cultural Heritage of Riga www.muzeji.lv Museum Guide www.lvra.lv Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Latvia www.eventguide.lv Events in Riga and Latvia www.latvia.lv Official country website WHERE TO CALL IN URGENT SITUATIONS? HOTLINE FOR TOURISTS Fire station Police Ambulance Gas emergency service Inquires AIDS centre Central phone (in case of any accident) 22033000 01 02 03 04 1180, 1188, 1199 67543777 112 WHAT IS PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC PLACES? 34 35 FOREIGN REPRESENTATIONS AUSTRIA Elizabetes 15 Tel.: 67216125, fax: 67214401 AZERBAIJAN Raiņa bulv.3 Tel.: 67142889, fax: 67142896 BELARUS Jēzusbaznīcas 12 Tel.: 67325321, fax: 67322891 BELGIUM Alberta 13 Tel.: 67114852, fax: 67114855 BRAZIL CANADA CHINA CZECH REPUBLIC DENMARK ESTONIA EU FINLAND FRANCE GERMANY GREAT BRITAIN Tel.: 67805100, fax: 67805101 Tel.: 67813945, fax: 67813960 Ganību dambis 5 Tel.: 67357023, fax: 67357025 Elizabetes 29a Tel.: 67217814, fax: 67217821 Pils 11 Tel.: 67226210, fax: 67820234 Skolas 13 Tel.: 67812020, fax: 67812029 Torņa 4 Tel.: 67325270, fax: 67325279 Kalpaka bulv. 1 Tel.: 67078800, fax: 67078814 Raiņa 9 Tel.: 67036600, fax: 67036616 Raiņa 13 Tel.: 67085100, fax: 67085148 Alunāna 5 Tel.: 67774700, fax: 67774707 GREECE Elizabetes 11-5 Tel.: 67356345, fax: 67356351 GEORGIA Raiņa bulv. 3/9 Tel.: 67225812, fax: 67225812 IRELAND Alberta 13 Tel.: 67039370, fax: 67039371 ISRAEL Elizabetes 2 Tel.: 67320980, fax: 67830170 Teātra 9 Tel.: 67216069, fax: 67216084 Valdemāra 21 Tel.: 67812001, fax: 67812004 ITALY JAPAN LITHUANIA Rūpniecības 24 Tel.: 67321519, fax: 67321589 MOLDOVA Basteja bulv.14 Tel.: 67359160, fax: 67359165 NETHERLANDS NORWAY POLAND PORTUGAL RUSSIA SLOVAKIA SPAIN Torņa 4-1a Tel.: 67326147, fax: 67326151 Zirgu 14 Tel.: 67814100, fax: 67814108 Mednieku 6b Tel.: 67031500, fax: 67031549 Balasta dambis 60 Tel.: 67821926, fax: 67334233 Antonijas 2 Tel.: 67332151, fax: 67830209 Smilšu 8 Tel.: 67814280, fax: 67814290 Elizabetes 11 Tel.: 67320281, fax: 67325005 SWEDEN Pumpura 8 Tel.: 67686600, fax: 67686601 SWITZERLAND Elizabetes 2 Tel.: 67338351, fax: 67338354 TURKEY UKRAINE UNITED STATES UZBEKISTAN 36 Vācieša 13 Baznīcas 20/22 Blaumaņa 5a Tel.: 67821600, fax: 67320334 Kalpaka 3 Tel.: 67243082, fax: 67325583 Raiņa bulv. 7 Tel.: 67036200, fax: 67820047 Elizabetes 11-11 Tel.: 67322424, fax: 67322306 37