Riga Old Town
Riga Old Town is located on a right side of Daugava River, and was in Middle Ages surrounded by city walls. There are still some reminders of them, from which the most interesting are Powder Tower and Swedish Gate. The important part of fortifications was Riga Castle, built in 14th century, which is now the seat of Latvia President.
During the warmer months, streets and squares of Riga fulfil with open air restaurants and cafés. The majority of street life gather on three main squares – Dome Square, Ratslaukums Square and Livu Square. The first one is neighbouring Dome Cathedral, the most important church in Riga. The second, host the House of Blackheads, meeting place of Hanseatic merchants, and the modern building of Museum of Occupation of Latvia. Livu Square has a little different atmosphere, as it is partially green, with more grass and trees. Some buildings around it are newer, than around Dome Square, and here are located the most fancy pubs and restaurants.
On the edge of Old Town, in a park at the place of former fortifications, are located two monuments – reasons of national pride. One, the National Opera, is a 19th century, majestic building, housing ballets, operas and theatre performances. Few minutes of walk from Opera, lies Freedom Monument – high statue of Independence War (1918-1920)
