PLACE RĀTSLAUKUMS

At the center of the square is the statue of Roland, the city's patron saint, chosen by all Hanseatic towns for his image of bravery and sacrifice. The original statue, severely damaged during the Second World War, is currently on display in St. Peter's Church. All distances in kilometers from Rīga are calculated from the tip of Roland's sword. At the foot of this statue is the town's only drinking fountain, where you can quench your thirst! Until the Second World War, this square was also known as the Place des Têtes noires, where merchants gathered. In the old cellars and on the first floor, there's a permanent exhibition retracing the history of the Maison des Têtes noires (open from 10am to 5pm).

A few steps away,in Strēlnieku square , stands the controversial statue of the Fusillés (Strēlnieku piemineklis), which pays tribute to three men of Lenin's bodyguard, who are said to have been among the executors of the Romanov family. Politics aside, this pink granite statue is still very impressive.

Opposite, the Akmens Bridge joins the south bank of the Daugava and offers another postcard-perfect view of Rīga! Near the bridge, towards the east pier, boats leave every afternoon for excursions lasting an hour or two. Depending on the option you choose, they will take you along the old town and around to the port and the Gulf of Rīga.