Riga old town for coffee and flapjack

First things first, time to get implanted.

It was a DIY job this time; hey ho sixty days until the next one.

Fortified with a breakfast beer it was off to see the sights.  The Backpackers is in the old town so it was a case of marking off a route to see all the bits recommended in guide.

Like the other Balkan States Latvia has had a turbulent past and there are many monuments to attest to this but like Tallinn the old town its self is an amazing warren of cobbled streets and narrow canyon like alleys.

First stop St Peter's Church, 13th Century.  The tower has been destroyed many times by lightening and war but always reconstructed.

Thankfully a lift takes you to the second viewing platform.

Could that be France in the distance??  The four extra large Nissen Hut looking buildings were Zeppelin hangars and now house the Centraltirgus Market.

The golden domes left of centre are the Riga Orthodox Cathedral.

The odd looking building over the bridge is the National Library and I think that bridge is my route out of Riga tomorrow.

1726 and the masons marks.

I'm sure it kept one or two 'brickies' busy for a while!!

Locally known as the Black Coffin it houses the Museum of Occupation.

The impressive tower of St Peter's in the centre and to the right The House of the Blackheads, a brotherhood of unmarried merchants.

The House of the Blackheads.

A bit of fancy architecture.

Hidden corners.

And narrow alleys.

 





The Freedom Monument.

Riga Castle, with the Tower of the Holy Ghost and metal tower.

"Three Brothers"  Building group of three houses from three periods, 15th to 18th century.

Just a street.

Elevenses!  Flapjack the healthy option!!

Back to the hostel, time to get sorted for tomorrow.

Almost forgot!  It's entitled The Musicians of Bremen.  (Don't ask me!)

The bar and reception!!

Oooh, just looked across the road, my window is right across from a ladies leaping around and dance class!!  I'll have to pull the blinds down.  (Soon).