Riga Castle
Rīgas pils
A Livonian Order castle on the bank of the Daugava River that now serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia, with the National History Museum inside.
Riga Castle was begun in 1330 as the residence of the Master of the Livonian Order. It was destroyed by city residents in the 15th century and rebuilt, then remodeled several times under Swedish and Russian rule. Its appearance blends medieval round towers with Baroque and Neoclassical facades. It is now the official residence of the President of Latvia, and honor guards stand at the main gate. Parts of the presidential residence are not open to the public. Another wing of the castle houses the Latvian National History Museum, which displays archaeological and ethnographic objects from the Stone Age to modern times (admission about 6-10 euros, closed on Mondays; check the official website for current details). The castle stands at the northwestern corner of the Old Town by the river. It is about a 3-minute walk from the Three Brothers, and you can combine it with a stroll along the riverside path.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; museum Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Three Brothers & Swedish Gate
- Riga Cathedral
- Art Museum Riga Bourse
- Latvian National Opera
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square
- Cat House & Līvu Square
- Powder Tower & Latvian War Museum