Riga Brothers' Cemetery
Brāļu kapi
Latvia’s most important national memorial cemetery, honoring soldiers who fell in World War I and the War of Independence; the “Mother Latvia” sculpture group is solemn and moving.
The Brothers’ Cemetery was built between 1915 and 1936 and holds about 2,000 soldiers who died in World War I and the Latvian War of Independence. It was designed by sculptor Kārlis Zāle, who also created the Freedom Monument. The entrance is a stone gate bearing the national coat of arms. Past an oak-lined avenue and the “Heroes’ Platform,” the statue of “Mother Latvia” stands at the far end, gazing over her fallen sons. The walls and sculpture groups on either side depict figures such as knights and wounded soldiers, and the cemetery blends stone sculpture with natural landscape. Entry is free. It is worth visiting together with the nearby Forest Cemetery (Meža kapi). From the city center, take tram route 11 for about 20 minutes and get off at the Brāļu kapi stop. Please keep quiet and respect the memorial.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Mežaparks & Riga Zoo
- Nativity of Christ Cathedral
- Latvian National Museum of Art
- Art Nouveau District (Alberta iela)
- Freedom Monument
- Bastejkalns Park & City Canal
- Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck
- Powder Tower & Latvian War Museum