Monday, 24 August 2009

How To Travel Latvia


By Graham McKenzie

Like Estonia on her north, and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is a major trading center; she has an ancient history and rich traditions. Although she is the largest of the three Baltic Republics, Latvia is a small country on the Baltic coast. The coastal plain here is comparatively flat, but as you progress inland, the land becomes hilly and you will find forests, lakes and rivers. Indeed, Latvia has close to 12,000 rivers. Although Russian controlled this country for many years, Latvia is now independent, and budding into one of the more popular tourist destinations. As a matter of fact, she?s thought to be one of Europe?s hidden treasures.

Riga, Latvia?s capital, is the most attractive of the Baltic cities, and with superb air, train and road facilities, it has become a chief tourist destination. It is situated on a sandy plain that?s about 15km from the mouth of the Daugava River. This city offers rich variety in Baroque, Classical and Art Nouveau buildings. Without a doubt, the center of the city has some of the finest Art Nouveau buildings in all of Europe, and it?s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Dome Cathedral, which is located in Old Riga, is a great example of the architectural mixture of this city. Started in 1211, it has been added to over the centuries, and this has fashioned an amazing fusion of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. On top of that, the cathedral?s organ, with almost 7,000 pipes, is the world?s greatest musical instrument. The St. Jacob?s Catholic Church, is another favorite. It was constructed in 1226, and epitomizes Gothic style of architecture. The Viestura Garden surrounding it is exceptional; Peter the Great is said to have laid the foundations and planted the first tree. Naturally, if you go to Riga you must visit the Freedom Monument. As the city?s centerpiece, it is a beautiful symbol of endurance, survival, and the cost of freedom.

Built in 1226, St. Jacob?s Church offers a model of Gothic architecture. The surrounding Viestura Garden is quite delightful, as well. Laid out by Peter the Great, it is said he even planted the first tree. Ultimately, every trip to Riga demands a visit to the Freedom Monument. Riga?s showpiece is not only a symbol of liberty, but also one of survival, as well. Located close to Riga is the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. Buildings from all over the country can be found here, covering architecture from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and you will see everything from windmills to wooden churches.

First established in the 13th century, Sigulda is another health resort not far from Riga, on the banks of the Gauja River. It is here tourists can visit the Gauja National Park, and Turaida Castle. The largest and deepest cave in all the Baltic countries, Gutmanis Cave, is here, too. Sigulda is also a very popular site for skiing in the winter, and boating in the summer.

If you visit Latvia, you will enjoy remarkable medieval towns, museums, parks, castles, palaces, and age-old fortresses. Still ingrained in custom, crafts and culture, a trip to Latvia will leave a lasting impression.

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