Three Brothers & Swedish Gate
Trīs brāļi / Zviedru vārti
Three adjoining residential buildings from the medieval period to the 17th century, showing how Riga's domestic architecture evolved. Nearby are the Swedish Gate, the only surviving city gate in the Old Town, and the Powder Tower.
The Three Brothers are located at Mazā Pils iela 17, 19, and 21, in the northern part of the Old Town. They are three side-by-side houses built in the 15th century, the 17th century, and the late 17th century (the narrow house on the far right, known as the 'Youngest Brother,' is the newest). Their styles range from Gothic to Dutch Baroque, showing centuries of residential architecture in Riga. They form Riga's oldest group of stone houses. Numbers 17 and 19 house the Latvian Architecture Museum, which is free or low-cost to visit (check on site for current prices). A few minutes' walk east is the Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti), a passage cut into the city wall during Swedish rule in 1698. It is the only surviving city gate in today's Old Town, and beside it is a restored section of wall and the Jacob's Barracks. Farther east is the Powder Tower, a 14th-century defensive tower that now houses the Latvian War Museum (free). North of the Three Brothers, not far away, is Riga Castle, now the official residence of the President of Latvia. You can view its exterior. This area sees relatively few tourists, and its quiet streets make it ideal for slowing down and taking photos.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day; architecture museum about Monday–Friday (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Riga Cathedral
- Art Museum Riga Bourse
- Riga Castle
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square
- Cat House & Līvu Square
- Powder Tower & Latvian War Museum
- Latvian National Opera