Looking over Riga’s stunning old town from atop St Peter’s church in Latvia

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Image credit: Haus of Hiatus

Wanting to explore more of eastern Europe, we took a bus trip from Tallinn to see another capital city, Riga in Latvia, with its old town registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Offering incredible views on a cold winter’s night, St. Peter's Church in is a historic and architecturally significant building located in the heart of the Daugava River and the city's beautiful Old Town.

 

The church's exterior looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, with it’s Gothic brickwork, while the spire, rebuilt after a fire in 1666, showcases Baroque design. The church's spire was historically one of the tallest wooden structures in Europe. The current spire, made of metal and completed in 1973 after being destroyed in World War II, stands at about 123 meters (404 feet).

 

The most interesting part of St. Peter's Church, however, is its observation platform, accessible by elevator. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Riga's Old Town, the Daugava River, and the surrounding areas. The observation deck provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the layout and architecture of Riga, making it a popular attraction for tourists.

 

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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author: A former Royal Marines officer and advisor to the BBC, Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and is the founder of ‘Haus of Hiatus’, a website design and branding studio that designs and amplifies start-ups, scale-ups and special projects around the world.

He has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities, and is delighted to have had his work featured by the United Nations, Red Bull, BBC, and even seen at the South Pole!

https://www.hausofhiatus.com/team
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