St James’s Cathedral

St James's Cathedral

A contemplative stop on the Riga audio-guided tour, St James's Cathedral is one of the city's four cathedrals, witnesses to its religious diversity. Roman Catholic, it is one of the oldest churches in Riga, built in the thirteenth century.

A sober Gothic architecture

The building is marked by a sober Gothic architecture, dominated by a slender tower topped with roosters, a typical symbol of local medieval bell towers. Its origins go back to 1225, making it one of the oldest places of worship in the city.

What to see

Around the building, excavations carried out in 2018 revealed nearly three hundred burials dating from the fourteenth to the early eighteenth century, as well as a vast ossuary against the south wall, considered the largest known in the Baltic states. This ossuary gathered the bones moved over time. Visit this place with respect and solemnity, in memory of the deceased.

Practical information

St James's Cathedral is in Riga's old town. Like any active place of worship, it is visited in appropriate dress and with respect for silence; hours should be checked depending on the season.

How many cathedrals does Riga have ?

Four cathedrals, belonging to different Christian denominations; St James's is Roman Catholic.

What did the 2018 excavations reveal ?

Nearly three hundred burials and a vast ossuary, considered the largest in the Baltic states.