Riga Neighbourhoods 3: The Centre

The Centre of Riga is a designated neighbourhood in its own right.

The borders of the district are Hanzas iela, Eksporta iela, the River Daugava, the suspension bridge, Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela, Zigfrīda Annas Meirovica bulvāris, Aspazijas bulvāris, the railway, Dzirnavu iela, Aleksandra Čaka iela, Tallinas iela, Miera iela, Alojas iela, Tomsona iela, Ēveles iela and Vesetes iela.

The center of Riga is also designated by UNESCO as a part of the World Heritage List. It has an area of about 4 square kilometers

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This area of Riga grew rapidly during the 18th and 19th century as Riga became more and more important as a trading post between Russia and Western Europe. Industrialization in this area grew and the increased population, due to migration from other parts of Latvia, settled in the suburbs.

A 32km long canal separates the center from the Old Town and was built in the late 19th century,

The center was designed on a grid iron system with a large amount of green spaces.
The buildings are an eclectic mix of  neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque and Neo-classical design. The Latvian National Opera, Latvian University, the main building of the Latvian Academy of Art, the Latvian National Theatre, the Freedom Monument, Riga Latvian Society House, Riga Circus and a number of other structures are examples of brilliant architecture.



Especially attractive are the Art Nouveau buildings in the center of Riga. It is the famous Alberta Street by M. Eisenstein and similar projects nearby on Antonijas, Elizabeth Street and others that have given Riga its UNESCO status.
Individual public buildings and complexes deeper into the city center, such as the Bergs Bazaar,  the Riga 1st Hospital, Daile Theatre, Vidzeme market and others are also worthy of praise.



Green areas make up approximately 10% of the Center of Riga with the largest areas being Kanālmalas apstādījumi, Vērmanes dārzs, Esplanāde and Kronvalda parks.

The Canal park is a large area that has 19 different species of tree including rare gingkoes.
It is also the location for/a large number of statues.


Vernanes Park has a wonderfully ornate fountain and has a stage for live musical performances.


Esplanade, near the Orthodox Cathedral is a large park  with flower beds and cafes.


Kronvalda Park which borders Valdemara iela has its own Pagoda.