TheRamblingWombat Riga - Old City

Great & Small Guild Halls

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In 1282 Riga joined the North German city trading union, Hansa. The Hanastic League governed all trade along the Baltic seacoast until the 19th century. The League founded the Guild of the Holy Spirit in Riga with the mission of ”fostering conviviality, genteel socialising, feasting, charity and spirituality” among its merchant and master-craftsmen members. Sounds to me like a year round Oktoberfest though that is probably a little less genteel and lacking in the spirituality department! Continue reading “Great & Small Guild Halls” →

TheRamblingWombat Riga - Old City

World’s First Decorated Christmas Tree

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Given the multiplicity of other more obvious attractions within the square, you might be forgiven for missing this ‘sight’ when visiting the Town Hall Square in Riga.

The slightly domed plaque, depicted in my attached picture, is located on the ground between the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the House of Blackheads. Continue reading “World’s First Decorated Christmas Tree” →

TheRamblingWombat Riga - Old City

Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums)

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The Old City of Riga has a collection of small squares, each worthy a visit in its own right.

One of, if not, the oldest of these squares is the cobbled Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums). This has been the administrative/local government centre of the city since it was founded in 1201. Since then markets, festivals and all manner of events have occupied or taken place in this square. For those into it, this used to be the place to go for an afternoon’s merriment at a public execution or two. Continue reading “Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums)” →