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Why is Latvia a great vacation destination?
- Found in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia is a great vacation destination because it is filled with history, art, culture, and entertainment.
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When did Latvia gain independence and how has it developed?
- The country didn’t gain independence until 1991 and has since then developed drastically in terms of the tourism industry.
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What attractions can visitors enjoy in Latvia?
- There are many sites and attractions that are fun and family-friendly, including the Arsenals – Fine Arts Museum, Cinevilla, the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, the National Opera, and the Aviation Museum.
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What are the best things to do in Latvia?
- Here are the best things to do in Latvia.
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1. Araisi Lake Dwelling Site
The Araisi Lake Dwelling Site takes visitors back to 9th century Latvia. Originals and reconstructions of Latgalian dwellings from the Stone and Bronze Age can be seen. Visitors will also be able to see the Lake Castle and medieval castle ruins in the fortified settlement. Visitors can explore the prehistoric Latgalian wooden buildings that have been reconstructed according to the 151 building remains discovered during excavations. There are also nearly 4,000 artifacts, especially ancient tools and pottery, which were excavated and are now available to view in the museum park. The park is open every day of the week from April to October and then from Wednesday to Sunday the rest of the year.
Gauja National Park, Araišu ezerpils, Araiši, Drabeši parish, LV-4139, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-28-00-22-37
2. Arsenals - Fine Arts Museum
Arsenals - Fine Arts Museum is a beautiful place for visitors to go and see a large collection of Latvian and Baltic art from the 18th century onwards. The museum focuses on collection, preservation, research, and exhibition so that locals and visitors can explore some of Latvia’s finest treasures. The building itself is an important architectural monument built in the Russian Classicism style. There are guided tours available throughout the day for visitors to learn the interesting stories behind the exhibits as well as gain a deeper understanding of the art techniques that were used.
Torna iela 1, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-35-75-27
3. Cinevilla
Cinevilla is an outdoor backlot that was converted to use in the feature film, Defenders of Riga. After the film wrapped, the large-scale open-air cinema was opened to the public and soon became a major tourist attraction. Visitors can see replicas of many of Latvia’s historical buildings and sites such as the Stone Bridge or the Pontoon bridges – there’s even a canal that resembles the Daugava river quays. There’s a special effects show that visitors can watch to learn about the many aspects of filming a movie as well as a Film Oscar Cinevilla for visitors to watch movies that have been filmed there.
Vidusvecvagari, Slampe parish, LV-3119, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-28-60-66-77
4. Freedom Monument
Freedom Monument can be found in the heart of Latvia’s capital city, Riga. The memorial, which was unveiled in 1935, honors soldiers who were killed during the Latvian War of Independence. It is a much-respected symbol for Latvian citizens who look upon the monument as a sign of independence and freedom. The monument towers at 138 feet and is covered with sculptures that depict Latvia’s history and culture. Throughout the year there are many events and festivals, which are celebrated at the base of the monument because of its symbol of national independence; visitors are urged to join in on the fun during their vacation.
Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
5. House of the Blackheads
There were two sites for the House of the Black Heads in the old town of Riga; one was the original structure that was built for the Brotherhood of Blackheads in the 14th century. The Brotherhood of Blackheads was a guild for unmarried merchants, wealthy ship owners, and other figures, and the original structure was built as a place for them to meet – a place for the elite’s social events. The original building was ruined in 1941 by the Germans and then demolished in 1948 by the Soviets. Between 1995 and 1999, the House of the Blackheads was reconstructed, and it now looks similar to the original building.
Ratslaukums 7, Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-18-18-00
6. Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Established on the shores of Juglas Lake in 1924, the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum has over 135,000 visitors annually. The idea of the museum came about in 1924 with the plan of relocating homesteads from Courland, Vidzeme, Latgale, and Zemgale – all four regions of Latvia. The first barn was brought in Vestiena parish in 1928, and the museum opened to the public in 1932 with six buildings. Today, visitors can see 118 buildings in the 87-hectare land, all of which house over 3,000 antiquities and artifacts. There are many cultural events held throughout the year, including craft festivals, folk concerts, and traditional fairs.
Brivibas gatve 440, Vidzemes priekšpilseta, Riga, LV-1024, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-99-41-06
7. Latvian Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1845 by the Riga Naturalists Society, the Latvian Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest, biggest, and most multifaceted museums of its kind in the Baltic States. The museum researches, preserves, maintains, and exhibits some of the most fascinating items in their exhibitions dedicated to the forest, human evolution, Latvian ethnic origins, paleontology, geology, bodies of water, birds, and much more. Other than the detailed exhibitions and the interactive displays, visitors can also go on information-filled guided tours and excursions, and they can also participate in the museum’s many events. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open the rest of the week for visitors to enjoy.
K.Barona 4, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-35-60-23
8. Latvian National Museum of Art
After an extensive reconstruction, the Latvian National Museum of Art and its many exhibitions and displays are open to the public every day of the week except Monday. The exterior of the museum is stunning – so much so that the museum received the Annual Latvian Architecture Award Grand Prix in 2016. Visitors can explore the permanent display that houses Latvian art such as those created while Latvia was under Soviet occupation as well as those created after the country gained independence. In addition to the paintings and sculptures, you will also find graphic art, photographs, and a video exhibition.
Jana Rozentala laukums 1, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-32-44-61
9. Latvian National Opera
The stately Latvian National Opera (LNO) building can be found in the heart of the country’s capital, Riga. The LNO Orchestra, LNO Chorus, and the Latvian National Ballet also accompany the national opera of Latvia. The building itself is absolutely stunning and was constructed in 1863. Since then many renovations have taken place. There are many concerts and events held throughout the year with some of the most popular being the Riga Opera Festival, which is going on its twentieth year. The festival presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to get introduced to the season’s upcoming productions and performances.
Aspazijas bulvaris 3, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-07-37-15
10. Latvian Railway History Museum
Railway tourism continues to be a popular way of exploring Latvia’s most scenic sites, from the summer countryside to the winter mountains. The Latvian Railway History Museum takes visitors on an insightful journey, navigating visitors through the country’s extensive history with the railway industry. Visitors young and old find themselves thrilled as they learn about how train traffic is controlled and how to use some of the real-life equipment the museum exhibits. The museum has much more than locomotives, rail cars, and carriages; there are over 20,000 documents, photographs, uniforms, and other artifacts from Latvia’s railway industry as well.
Uzvaras bulvaris 2/4, Zemgales priekšpilseta, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia, Phone: +3-71-67-23-28-49
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