Riga Neighbourhoods: Old Riga

Hey Gentle readers, lets explore some more of Riga.

 

Vecriga or Old Riga is the historical centre of Riga. It is located on the East Side of the Daugava and is famous for its churches and architecture.

 

 

Vecrīga is the original area of Riga and consists of the historic city limits before the city was greatly expanded in the late 19th century. In the old days, Vecrīga was protected by a surrounding wall except the side adjacent to the Daugava river bank. When the wall was torn down, the waters from Daugava filled the space creating the Riga City Canal.

In the 1980s Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".