Art Nouveau Buildings

House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members. The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”. The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world. Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members. The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”. The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world. Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
Riga's old town is perhaps not really a hidden gem, but it's very nice to walk around in none the less (so much artdeco!)
Livu square Old Town of Riga, Latvia - June 2017
Beautiful view of riga

Plan a trip to see Art Nouveau Buildings

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Best Hotel

Best Hotel

3 out of 5
Zemgale Suburb
Price was £115, price is now £98 per person
£98
per person
23 Mar - 26 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Riga (RIX)
8/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
Clean hotel in a convenient location for transport. Walls are a bit thin and others are easy to hear

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025

Old Riga Boutique Hotel Vecriga

Old Riga Boutique Hotel Vecriga

3.5 out of 5
Old Town Riga
Price was £372, price is now £309 per person
£309
per person
12 Mar - 15 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LHR) to Riga (RIX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)
The stay was great however the television would keep turning it self off. On the upside we had a former USSR champion boxer come look at it so made my day despite not being able to fix it! will stay again!

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Viktorija Hotel

Viktorija Hotel

3 out of 5
Centrs
Price was £249, price is now £210 per person
£210
per person
28 Apr - 1 May
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LHR) to Riga (RIX)
7.2/10 Good! (526 reviews)
Good stay for a budget hotel. Clean and tidy. Staff helpful.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Tours & day trips

See all 125 activities
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £109 per adult
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska CastleOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 13 activities
Riga: Beer or Cider Bike Tour

Riga: Beer or Cider Bike Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.8 out of 10 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £37 per adult
Riga: Beer or Cider Bike TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £109 per adult
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska CastleOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 6 activities
K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

Activity duration is 1 hour and 25 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £58 per adult
K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting EffectOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of Riga

Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of Riga

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £74 per adult
Private Chocolate Masterclass in Old Town of RigaOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Latvian attraction - house of the Blackheads, sculpture of Saint Roland and Saint Peters Church in old city Riga, Latvia, Shutterstock ID 309897689, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: ,

Cathedral Square

4/5(9 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Riga with a trip to Cathedral Square. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Cathedral Square
Beautiful view of riga

Riga Cathedral

4/5(111 reviews)

After visiting Riga Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riga. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Riga Cathedral
Town Hall featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and a square or plaza

Town Hall

4/5(14 reviews)

Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Riga, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Town Hall
home three brothers in Riga, Latvia

Three Brothers

4/5(90 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Riga with a trip to Three Brothers. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Three Brothers
European Christmas market in winter Riga in Latvia. Winter. Late at evening. Street and holiday fair in European city Advent Decoration with Crafts Items on Bazaar

Riga Christmas Market

4/5(6 reviews)

During your trip to Riga, you can enjoy retail therapy at Riga Christmas Market. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Riga Christmas Market
St. Peter\'s Church featuring a city and landscape views

St. Peter's Church

4.5/5(102 reviews)

Riga's tallest church is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and is where you can see new artworks, watch a concert and enjoy great views of the Latvian capital.

St. Peter's Church

Top Hotel Deals

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33 Riga
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4 out of 5
Valnu street 49 Riga
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

4 out of 5
Kaleju Str 9/11 Riga
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

4.5 out of 5
55 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Neiburgs Hotel

Neiburgs Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Jauniela 25/27 Riga
Neiburgs Hotel
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

4.5 out of 5
73 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

5 out of 5
Aspazijas Boulevard 22 Riga
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
ibis Riga Centre

ibis Riga Centre

3.5 out of 5
Marijas Iela 5 Riga
ibis Riga Centre
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
See all 574 properties in Art Nouveau Buildings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.