Viewpoint of the Golden Roosters

The viewpoint over the roosters

A stop on the Riga audio-guided tour, this viewpoint is on Dome Square, a nerve centre to which seven main arteries of the city lead. A circular bronze plaque on the ground recalls that Riga's historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

Roosters atop the bell towers

From this point, a few steps towards the building with the majestic balcony allow you to glimpse at the same time the three golden roosters that top the city's bell towers. These roosters are not merely decorative: in the past, they served as landmarks for sailors.

What to see

According to tradition, the roosters had a golden side and a black side: when the wind turned, the visible face indicated the coming weather. The gold announced calm weather and the possible entry of ships into the port, the dark side signalled storms and dangers. Look up to spot these three golden sentinels above Riga.

Practical information

The viewpoint is on Dome Square, in the heart of Riga's old town. Freely accessible, it can be discovered at any time.

What were Riga's golden roosters used for ?

As landmarks for sailors: depending on the visible face, they announced calm weather or storms.

Since when is Riga's centre a UNESCO site ?

Since 1997, as a bronze plaque on Dome Square recalls.