The prototype of Riga City Hall was the New Market which appeared in 14th century. Later, in 16th century, the Market was transfered to the river Daugava, closer to the port. In 1930 a new modern market was built, and now it is called Riga Central Market. In the Middle Ages Riga City Hall Square had town management buildings as well as public buildings. There main town problems were solved. Riga City Hall was a symbol of independence and it promoted construction activity in Riga. St. Peter's Church was situated next to the City Hall and was supported by Riga population.
St. Peter's Church 
St. Peter's Church is an outstanding memorial of art in baroque style. Already in 13th century it was a stone building, the oldest part of which persisted until nowadays in the centre of the church. The elevation of the building entrance is dominant not only in Riga's silhouette, but in the architecture of the city in general. The tower became the highest wooden construction of that period in Europe - about 120 m. In 1721 this tower burnt because of lightning strike and renovation works after fire ended only by 1764. In 1941 it was destroyed under bombardment, and finally, in 1970 a new metal construction was build instead of the wooden tower.
The Blackheads House
The Blackheads House, or initially titled the New House is located on City Hall Square was built in 1334 in the centre of Riga
besides the market place, and afterwards destroyed during the World War II and renovated in 1999. Some time ago it was written on the gates of the Blackheads House: "If I ever have to be destroyed, you will restore me again". Originally the building was intended for meetings and banquets for various social organizations, however in the 12th century its only inhabitant became the Blackheads Society. One of the patrons of the Society was St. Mauritius, which is why the symbol and the distinctive sign of the Society was a Moor's head depicted on the emblem. Now one can witness a new life of the House that continues its old traditions and creating new ones. The interior of the building serves as a place for arranging celebrations, presentations, conferences, special evenings, balls and concerts.
Jacob's Quarter
It is the longest building in the Old Town of Riga. Jacob's Quarters are situated between the former bastions, which, together with the curtain, formed the oldest and the most important part of fortification system in Riga. The building on Tornu 4 is unique as it is the only quarter of 18-19th century that was left in Riga vicinity. The building was renovated and now there are offices, galleries and apartments.
The Powder Tower
The Powder Tower is situated on Smilsu Steet, 20. Originally it served as one of the defence towers of the Riga fortress. For the first time it was mentioned in written sources in 1330. The Powder Tower was built at the end of 13th century in the form of horseshoe, but later reconstructed. It gained its name in the 17th century because it kept the powder. In 1919 the Military Museum was located in it.
Ramer's Tower
The medieval tower of Riga fortress wall is between Troksnu and Tornu streets, next to the Powder Tower, not far away from the Swedish Gates. In 14th century it was called (in Latin) Turris suspensoris, and its new name it got in 16th century. Ramer's Tower was renovated in 1985 – 1987.
Three Brothers
Three Brothers are three houses that remained until nowadays. They were build about 500 years ago. We don't know what they looked like initially, because what we see today is the third, fourth or even the fifth change of the buildings on this place. The eldest Medieval "white brother" with five Gothic bays now serves as the Museum of Architecture.
The Large Guild
In Riga one can witness many signs of German city culture of the 13th century. It was reflected both in medieval stone buildings and in citizens'
life style. Such characteristic for Germany organizations as brotherhoods, guilds and workshops were founded in Riga at that time. Beginning with 1354 the Large Guild united Riga's rich tradesmen who tended to show their wealth in the architecture, for instance, having built the Large Guild's stylish building in the English Gothic style. Nowadays the large Guild serves a home of the Latvian Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Small Guild 
The Small Guild house was built as a location place of rooms for crafts-corporations, ceremonies and representations. It was build in 1864 - 1866 under guidance of J.D. Felsko.
The Philharmonic Square
A green, full of life little square
between Kalku and Zirgu Streets appeared after the World War in place of a demolished building. To the left from the square you can see dwelling houses of the 18th century standing tight to each other, with windows on the roofs and plenty of chimneys. Nowadays the facades of these houses are renovated and coloured in the baroque style. Opposite to these houses there is a building painted bright yellow with a black cat on the top of the roof. Nobody knows why this cat is there, but there is a legend saying that the house belonged to a wealthy tradesman, who was a member of the Small Guild. He could became a member of the Large Guild, however because of scandals nobody wanted to take him in their organization. Then the cunning tradesman put the black cat on the roof his house, with the tail directed towards the Guild; it is not difficult to figure out what it meant. Now it is a symbol of the "Cat's House".
Riga Boulevard
In 1871, after the defence walls had been demolished the trees and bushes
were planted in a sandy place, the city channel, the Bastion hill, the Esplanade Square and the Vermanis park were decorated. These are places where people can have a rest after a hard work day or dinner in one of the numerous cafes in Old Town. The building of the University of Latvia on Raina Street (1885) was built in Roman style. The Orthodox Cathedral was built in 1876 in the Esplanade Square. The Art Academy of Latvia has a very bright and vivid new Gothic appearance.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is both a symbol of independence of Latvia and the piece of art. It is dedicated to the fighting of the Latvian people for independence and its longing for freedom. It was open for public in November 18, 1935. In symbolic language of sculptures it says about the independence and defence of Fatherland, about daily work and life, major history events of people who live in this country. The woman represents the Feedom and she holds three stars in her hands - a symbol for historical and cultural areas of Latvia.
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From very old times there lived the representatives of various nationalities and each of them affected the city's culture and way of living: Livs, Latvians, Hebrews, Russians, Polish, Lithuanians, Estonians, Armenians and other cultures created the face of Riga, however the major impact on Riga's development brought the German, Polish and Swedish cultures. You can see the evidence of it in the architecture of Old Riga.
All the major historical events are related to the Dome cathedral. It was built on site of dwelling of the Liv fishermen, when the process of christening was about to end. The title of the cathedral comes from Latin domus dei - house of God. It was reconstructed and enlarged several times according to the architecture tendencies of different times, and as a consequence became a composite of such architectural styles as late Romanesque (the altar), early Gothic (Basilica) and Baroque (the spire). Also the Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ made in 1884 by the German company E.F. Walker & Co. At that time the organ was the biggest in the world: 6768 wooden and metal pipes from 13 mm to 10 m in height, 4 keyboards for hands and 1 for feet. Today the cathedral has its own parish, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, and a concert hall.
sites in Old Riga which has a long history. There was a first castle of The Knights of the Sword Order in its place; however it was destroyed by the citizens of Riga. A monastery founded by the Convent of the Holy Ghost served as a shelter for diseased and poor people for several centuries. In the 30's the building was reconstructed for flats, and how there is a luxurious hotel.
