Private tour around Old Riga - political powers and the heritage they've left

Here are the facts and reasons why Riga is such a diverse collection of architectural, historical and cultural monuments:

- The Livonian War (1558-1583) led to the Polish-Lithuanian takeover of much of the present territory of Latvia.

- After the Polish-Swedish War (1600-1629), a large part of the Duchy of Pardaugava, including Riga, was taken over by Sweden.

- The Northern War between Russia and Sweden (1700 - 1721), after which, Latvian territories belonging to Sweden (Vidzeme) came under Russian rule.

- After the weakening of Russia during the First World War, the Bolshevik upheaval in Russia in 1917, and the subjugation of Latvia under the German Empire's military and political control, Latvia declared itself an independent democratic republic on November 18, 1918.

- On June 17, 1940 Soviet military forces completely occupied Latvia.

- On June 14, 1941 Moscow began wide scale repression against inhabitants of Latvia who were considered disloyal to the Soviet occupational regime.

- From 1941 to 1945 Latvia was occupied by Nazi Germany’s forces.

- On May 8, 1945, with the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Soviet occupation of Latvia was re-established.  To avoid communist terror, a large part of Latvia’s population fled into exile in the West.

- On August 21, 1991 Latvia re-established its pre-war independence, and reinstated its 1922 Constitution.

- In 2004 Latvia became a member of NATO and the European Union.

Please note that by booking this activity you will donate 1 EUR/per person to support the campaign "Grown-ups for children"

The tour starts with one of the most important monuments found in Riga – The Monument of Freedom, which is originally paid for and built by citizens in 1935. It has a special place in the hearts of all Latvians. After a short introduction your tour host will lead you to the Latvian War Museum – one of the oldest museums in Latvia. This museum opens to a society complex military-political history of Latvia, being especially accented on 20th century during which Latvians had struggle twice for the independence.

Afterwards we’ll take a walk along various architecture monuments, which evidence different powers that Riga has met during its existence.  Each century and each power has left its mark on the city. For example, the Swedish Gate, which got its name thanks to Swedish soldiers. Meanwhile Riga Castle has changed its look for several times, because of changing powers. Each rebuilt it according to their conception. Because of these military-political facts Riga has become a vivid and diverse collection of architectural monuments.

The last, but not the least stop point of this tour is The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which is housed in a fittingly Communist-era building. The museum details events of Latvia's recent history, from the World War II occupations of both the Nazis and Soviets through to the events of independence in 1991.

To highlight the atmosphere of this tour, the final stop is a restaurant named Austrumu Robeza (meaning The East Border). It inspires a portion of ironic about communism and the totalitarian regime. It's everywhere – the interior is decorated with numerous Soviet style features, the menu offers traditional Soviet dishes and the atmosphere created by busts of Hitler, Stalin, Lenin and Putin.

The price is per person and includes:

• Tour host
• Entrance fees to all objects shown in an itinerary
• Lunch at "Austrumu Robeža"