Riga Cathedral
Rīgas Doms
The largest medieval church in the Baltic region, founded in 1211. Its organ, completed in 1884 and once the largest in the world, makes attending an organ concert a classic Riga experience.
Riga Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady) was founded in 1211 by Bishop Albert and is the largest medieval church in the Baltic region. Its architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and other styles, and a weathercock sits on top of the bell tower. The most striking feature inside is the organ built in 1884 by the German firm Walcker, with about 6,700 pipes. When it was completed it was the largest organ in the world, and Liszt composed a hymn specially for its inauguration. The church has excellent acoustics. In summer there are short organ concerts of about 20 to 30 minutes almost every day at noon, and formal evening performances, with tickets around 10 to 30 euros (check the official website). The church also has exquisite stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Riga's history. The adjoining cloister courtyard is one of the oldest cloisters in northern Europe and displays old bells and stone carvings from the Old Town. The Cathedral Square in front is the largest square in the Old Town, with outdoor cafés in summer and a Christmas market in winter. Admission is about 5 euros (confirm on site).
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00/18:00 (adjusted for services and concerts; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Three Brothers & Swedish Gate
- Art Museum Riga Bourse
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square
- Cat House & Līvu Square
- Riga Castle
- Powder Tower & Latvian War Museum
- St. Peter's Church