Art Nouveau Buildings

House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members. The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”. The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world. Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members. The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”. The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world. Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
Riga Latvia September 2013 #Riga, #latvia www.wyldfamilytravel.com
Riga's old town is perhaps not really a hidden gem, but it's very nice to walk around in none the less (so much artdeco!)
Livu square Old Town of Riga, Latvia - June 2017

Tours & day trips

See all 143 activities
Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 33 per adult
Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black HeadsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 16 activities
Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group

Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 213 per adult
Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small GroupOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska Castle

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
The previous price was RM 591 and current price is RM 502 per adult
Group Day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & Bauska CastleOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 7 activities
K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting Effect

Activity duration is 1 hour and 25 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 315 per adult
K5 Phytotherapy And Aroma Therapy With Body Sculpting EffectOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities
Art and Wine Sip and Paint Party in an Art Studio in Riga

Art and Wine Sip and Paint Party in an Art Studio in Riga

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 232 per adult
Art and Wine Sip and Paint Party in an Art Studio in RigaOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Latvian attraction - house of the Blackheads, sculpture of Saint Roland and Saint Peters Church in old city Riga, Latvia, Shutterstock ID 309897689, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: ,

Cathedral Square

You can learn about the history of Riga with a trip to Cathedral Square. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Cathedral Square
Beautiful view of riga

Riga Cathedral

After visiting Riga Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riga. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Riga Cathedral
Town Hall featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and a square or plaza

Town Hall

Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Riga, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Town Hall
St. Peter\'s Church featuring a city and landscape views

St. Peter's Church

Riga's tallest church is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and is where you can see new artworks, watch a concert and enjoy great views of the Latvian capital.

St. Peter's Church
House of the Blackheads showing heritage architecture and street scenes

House of the Blackheads

Learn about the local history of Riga when you spend time at House of the Blackheads. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

House of the Blackheads

Small Guild Hall

Learn about the local history of Riga with a stop at Small Guild Hall. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this culturally rich area.

Small Guild Hall

Top Art Nouveau Buildings Hotel Deals

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33 Riga
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4 out of 5
Valnu street 49 Riga
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

4 out of 5
Kaleju Str 9/11 Riga
Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

4.5 out of 5
55 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Tallink Hotel Riga

Tallink Hotel Riga

4 out of 5
Elizabetes 24, 24 Riga RIX
Tallink Hotel Riga
Eurostars Metropole

Eurostars Metropole

4.5 out of 5
Aspazijas Boulevard 36/38 Riga
Eurostars Metropole
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

5 out of 5
24 Jekaba Street Riga
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)
Monte Kristo Hotel

Monte Kristo Hotel

4 out of 5
56 Kaleju street Riga
Monte Kristo Hotel
See all 567 properties in Art Nouveau Buildings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.