Riga Castle

If you happen to spot someone at the window, it might just be the President of Latvia, because you’re standing in front of Riga Castle, which also serves as his official residence. Originally built in 1330 on the banks of the Daugava, then reconstructed at the end of the 15th century after being destroyed during local uprisings, the castle remained the centre of power in the region for centuries, successively under Teutonic, Polish-Lithuanian, Swedish, and Russian rule before becoming the presidential residence in 1922. The differences in colour and materials visible on its façades tell this long story: the grey stone core dates back to the medieval castle, the yellow sections were added by the Swedes in the 17th century, and the white façades correspond to the Russian transformations of the 18th and 19th centuries. Rather than being standardised, these additions have been preserved, giving the building its unique architectural patchwork appearance today, where each detail reflects a different period. You can visit Riga Castle, which offers two different spaces to explore. On one side, there’s the National History Museum of Latvia, where you can dive into Latvian history through its permanent exhibition, with an entrance fee required. On the other side, you’ll find the presidential residence. Visits to the residence are free, but you’ll need to register in advance through the Presidential Chancery website.