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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.09mi , Attraction : Cathedral (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
Brīvības gat. 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
POI 1 Tour Image
Nativity of Christ Cathedral
We’re starting here at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic states and a powerful place to begin exploring the city. From the very first stop, Riga tells you exactly what it’s about — layers of history, changing identities, and remarkable resilience.

The cathedral was built in the late 1800s, when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire. Its golden domes, bold arches, and rich ornamentation were designed to make a statement of faith and imperial presence right in the center of the city.

That message didn’t last forever. During the Soviet era, religion was suppressed, and this cathedral was stripped of its sacred role. For years, it served as a planetarium — a place to study the stars rather than worship beneath them.

After Latvia regained independence, the building was carefully restored and returned to its original purpose. Today, it stands not just as a place of worship, but as a symbol of survival, renewal, and national identity.

Before we continue, take a moment to look around. Notice how this grand cathedral sits alongside parks, modern buildings, and busy streets — that contrast is Riga in a nutshell.

When you’re ready, follow the route to continue on to our next stop the Freedom Monument.

  https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/riga-nativity-of-christ-cathedral
Place #2
Distance: 0.05mi , Attraction : Monument (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
Brīvības bulvāris 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
POI 3 Tour Image
Freedom Monument
Standing in front of you is the Freedom Monument — the most important national symbol in Latvia.

Unveiled in 1935, the monument honors those who fought for Latvia’s independence. At the top, you’ll see a female figure holding three stars above her head. Those stars represent Latvia’s three historic regions, united as one nation.

What makes this monument especially powerful is what happened here during Soviet rule. Public expressions of nationalism were forbidden, yet Latvians quietly continued to lay flowers at this site. Doing so could lead to questioning or arrest, but people came anyway. This became a silent, peaceful act of resistance.

In the late 1980s, the Freedom Monument turned into a focal point of the Singing Revolution — massive gatherings where people sang traditional songs as a way to protest occupation and demand independence without violence.

Today, the monument stands freely again, guarded with honor and surrounded by a lively city that has reclaimed its voice. If you see a guard change taking place, pause and watch — it’s a moment of quiet respect that still carries deep meaning.

Take a moment here before moving on. This is not just a landmark — it’s the emotional heart of modern Latvia.

When you’re ready, continue to our next stop.

  https://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/freedom-monument
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Map Pin Place 2 Freedom Monument
Map Pin Place 3 Latvian National Opera
Map Pin Place 4 Bastejkalns Park
Map Pin Place 5 Powder Tower
Map Pin Place 6 Swedish Gate
Map Pin Place 7 Three Brothers
Map Pin Place 8 Riga Cathedral
Map Pin Place 9 Jauniela Street
Map Pin Place 10 Big Christopher & the Daugava River
Map Pin Place 11 Latvian Riflemen Monument
Map Pin Place 12 House of the Blackheads
Map Pin Place 13 St. Peter's Church
Map Pin Place 14 Cat House
Map Pin Place 15 Art Nouveau District (Alberta Street)



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