Riga Castle (Rigas Pils)
Pils Laukums 3, Central District, Riga, LVA
Standing on the banks of the Daugava River, Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils) is one of the most resilient icons of Latvian heritage. At various points in its 700-year history, the castle has been under Polish, Swedish, and Soviet control. Today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia.
Riga Castle has undergone many mutations throughout its centuries of shifting ownership. Today it consists of four stories and a rectangular courtyard, with four rectangular towers on its corners and two rounded towers added during the 15th century. Although you cannot go inside the castle, guided sightseeing tours of Riga, including shore excursions, typically include a visit to view its exteriors.
Riga Castle will appeal to visitors interested in history and architecture.
One of the best views of the castle is from Kipsala, on the other side of the river.
The castle is one of the most historically significant buildings in Latvia.
Riga Castle is centrally located and within easy walking distance of many hotels and other attractions, including the Three Brothers building complex and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. The nearest tram stop is National Theater (served by lines 5, 7, 9, and 11), a 3-minute walk away.
The exteriors of Riga Castle can be visited at any time. The castle’s picturesque riverside setting makes it particularly attractive at sunrise and during the winter when the river ices over.
Riga Castle was home to the Latvian National Museum of Art and the National History Museum of Latvia until a fire damaged the structure in 2013. Restoration of Riga Castle is underway, and both museums will return when work is complete.
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