FREEDOM MONUMENT (BRĪVĪBAS PIEMINEKLIS)

Sculpted from 1931 to 1935 by the famous Kārlis Zāle, the Freedom Monument is dear to Latvians. It testifies to the people's love for the homeland, and remains a symbol of their desire for independence. The motto engraved at the foot of the statue, Tevzemei un Brivibai(Fatherland and Freedom), resonates in everyone's mind. The 42-metre high monument was built with donations from the population. In the reliefs of the first level, the Latvian mythological heroes and symbolic characters are represented. Thus, you will recognize Lāčplēsis, the bear ripper. At the top, Milda, the Latvian Marianne, supports at arm's length the stars symbolizing the three regions, the Kurzeme, the Vidzeme and the Latgale (the Zemgale having come into being later). Forbidden to be celebrated during the Soviet era, this monument is today the most flowered and the most loved in the city. In the park next to the statue, Bastejkalns Bastion stands on the edge of the Pilsētas Canal. This hill was created in 1857 with the last remains of Rīga's fortifications. On one of its slopes flows a delightful little man-made waterfall, which, if you follow it, will lead you to the Bridge of Loves. Each lock represents a couple and symbolizes love that stands the test of time. A few meters away, you can see the five slabs of the memorial in honor of the victims of the January 1991 events. Further south, on Aspāzijas bulvāris, the National Opera, directed by Wagner in 1837, was reopened in 1995.