Swedish Gate

The Swedish Gate

A legend-laden stop on the Riga audio-guided tour, the Swedish Gate was built in 1698 during the Swedish period. It is the only one of the city's twenty-five former gates still visible today.

A legend of forbidden love

The gate served as a controlled passage to enter the fortified city, where merchants and travellers passed under the watch of the guards. A legend tells that a young girl of Riga fell in love with a Swedish soldier. As relationships with foreign soldiers were forbidden, they met secretly at this gate.

What to see

According to the legend, one day the soldier did not come, and the inhabitants, having discovered this forbidden relationship, walled up the young girl. It is said that at midnight, those whose love is pure can hear her whispers. Pass through this unique gate, the last remnant of the entrances of fortified Riga.

Practical information

The Swedish Gate is in Riga's old town. Freely accessible, it can be walked through at any time.

Why is the Swedish Gate unique ?

It is the only one of Riga's twenty-five former gates still preserved today.

What legend surrounds the gate ?

That of a young girl walled up for loving a Swedish soldier, whose whispers are said to be heard at night.