Viewpoint of the Golden Roosters

You are now standing in Dome Square, the central hub from which seven of Riga’s main streets radiate. For once, I’ll first ask you to look down and find a circular bronze plaque, it reminds us that Riga’s entire historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. From here, take a few steps towards the building with the majestic balcony so you can see the three golden roosters that crown the church spires at the same time. Can you spot all three of them? These roosters weren’t just decorative, in the past they also served as markers for sailors. According to tradition, they had one golden side and one black side, and when the wind shifted, the visible face would indicate the weather to come. Gold meant calm conditions and that ships could safely enter the harbour, while the dark side warned of storms and danger. It seems the weather is always fair these days, as they are now entirely golden. Since you’re standing beneath this impressive balcony, let me tell you about the National Council for Electronic Mass Media hidden behind these walls. This imposing and theatrical balcony once served as a public platform where speeches, official announcements, and even concerts were held for the crowds gathered in the square. Towards the end of the Soviet period, this institution even played a symbolic role in the circulation of information and in resistance movements, as radio became one of the voices of Latvian identity. You may have noticed that the building has a rather remarkable feature: it presents two very distinct façades, almost like two different personalities. The one facing the square is elegant and monumental, designed to reflect the institution’s prestige, while on the other side you’ll discover a cylindrical tower topped with a copper dome, stronger vertical lines, and exposed brick sections that break with the classical façade, offering a true glimpse of Art Deco. Turning your gaze to the left, your attention may also have been drawn to the ochre colour of the former Riga Stock Exchange, built in the 19th century in a style inspired by Venetian Renaissance palaces, with its massive columns and elegant façade. It now houses an art museum and recalls the time when Riga was a major centre of maritime trade. I’ll give you a moment to take in the square and its surroundings as a whole.