Tag Archives: Riga

Churches of Riga

The church of St James in Riga, Latvia, is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic archbishopric. It occupies an important position opposite Latvia’s Parliament. The first reference to St.James’s Church was in 1226. The first few centuries of its history were uneventful as it served as a local church. Then, after the Reformation theContinue reading “Churches of Riga”

Five European city tours with a difference

From a hair-raising rooftop walk of Stockholm to a drag queen-led stroll through Hamburg and sniffing your way around Vienna

Rundale Palace – Latvia Part 2

This extract is from ‘Travel Tales from Exotic Places like Salford’ The Rundale Palace has been almost totally restored and looks good. You can wander around on your own and there is excellent information available in English in every room. Some rooms were excessively opulent and decorated in just one colour; for example, the Duke’s bedroom was aContinue reading “Rundale Palace – Latvia Part 2”

Riga – European City of Culture – 2014

Along with Umea in Sweden, Riga is the European City of Culture for 2014: here is one writer’s view of the city http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/apr/06/riga-latvia-city-of-culture-2014 My finest memories of the place are the Art Nouveau buildings, particularly 10a and 10b Elizabetes Street. The central market, near the bus station, is worth a visit on its own. I onlyContinue reading “Riga – European City of Culture – 2014”