Cat House

If you scan the rooftops, you’ll spot two felines arching their backs in perfect balance atop the twin turrets. The Cat House, built in 1909, is an elegant building that blends medieval influences with Art Nouveau and is immediately recognisable thanks to the two black copper cats perched on its roof. But what really made it famous is the legend surrounding these sculptures. According to the most popular version, a wealthy merchant, offended after being refused entry to the prestigious Great Guild of merchants located just opposite, had the cats installed with their backs turned towards the building in a deliberately provocative and mocking posture. Faced with the scandal, the authorities eventually demanded that they be turned around to put an end to the provocation. Today, they look towards the street, but their proud and rebellious stance still recalls this small story of rivalry and pride that turned this house into one of Riga’s symbols.