St Peter’s Church

Watch your neck, you’ll need to look up to take in the spire rising more than 120 metres above St Peter’s Church, one of Riga’s most iconic landmarks. First mentioned in 1209, it began as a wooden Catholic church before being rebuilt in brick in the Northern Gothic style. Its current structure, with three naves and a façade that combines Gothic and Baroque influences, reflects the many phases of construction and reconstruction it has gone through. The church has survived fires caused by lightning, destruction during the Second World War, and a major restoration in the Soviet period between 1973 and 1983, when the tower was rebuilt and even fitted with an elevator. Today, it’s both a historic site and a spectacular viewpoint: two observation platforms located more than 50 metres above the ground offer panoramic views over the red rooftops of the Old Town, the Daugava River, and the entire Latvian capital. Inside, visitors can also explore exhibitions, attend concerts, and discover several historic features preserved over time, making St Peter’s Church a powerful symbol of Riga’s history and resilience. As you walk along its left side, you’ll notice the story of the church told through its differently coloured bricks. This patchwork of shades isn’t an aesthetic flaw, but an authentic trace of its many reconstructions over the centuries.