Riga
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This was my first visit into former Soviet occupied countries and to be frank I was expecting utilitarian apartment complexes, squat government buildings as well as surly people to dominate, but regal Riga home of Art Nouveau, smiling people and great beer was anything but. Our visit occurred almost halfway between its independence from Russia in 1990 and today, at the time Riga was trying attract tourist money and discount airlines had direct flights from every major British city making every weekend the Hen doo capital of Europe. Thankfully Riga has many things on offer other than really good cheap beer, like the biggest indoor market in Europe spread across 5 WW1 zeppelin hangers, a pedestrian only spectacular old town that is filled with bars, restaurants and warm people making it one of the hidden gems of Europe.
I took this on May 16, 2008 with my D70s and Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens at 35mm, 1/250s, f8 ISO 200 processed in LR, PS +Lumenzia ,Topaz, and DXO Nik
Disclaimer: My style is a study of romantic realism as well as a work in progress
This beautiful Russian Orthodox church with it's polished gold domes stands a close distance to the Freedom Monument
I posted a photo of the same place some days ago- in B&W- before snow.
The picturesque Livu Square appeared in Riga in 1950 on the site of a building destroyed during the WW2. Designed by P. Seletsky.
Officially, the square was called the square at the Philharmonic. In 1974, it was reconstructed on the idea of K. Barons. A network of paths was laid out and recreational facilities equipped. In the center of the square there was a pool with a fountain, which is currently not working. In February 2000, the square at the Philharmonic was renamed by the Riga authorities in Livu Square.
In winter, Livu Square turns into a city skating rink, and in summer – into a wonderful cafe where you can buy various souvenirs. All kinds of events are often held here in the summer. The area has developed on 0.5 hectareIt's hard to believe that the Square once was the site of the Riga River, which was a shipping route for transporting Latvian grain up to the 16th century. Later it was called the Rīdzene River and even Rīdziņa as it gradually became narrower. Today, along the old route of the river, pavement wears away the shoes of countless Rigans and visitors to the city, and beautiful flower-beds remind one of the past times.
Railway station in the Tornakalns district of Riga on the Western banks of Daugava River. In the background the National Library.
Pedestrian bridge (Bastion Bridge) at Bastejkalns. Rīga city canal.
The total length of the bridge is 31.5 meters. In 1883, at the request of the local residents, a wooden bridge for pedestrians was built near Bastejkalns but in 1892 it was replaced by the the masonry bridge designed by Agtes. In 1994, SIA Rīgas tilti builders carried out bridge restoration works.
travelnews.lv/foto/?gid=2650&iid=38424
Length of the Rīga City Canal is 3.2 km, the depth is approximately 2 m, and 16 bridges cross it.
Honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920), it is considered an important symbol of the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia.[1] Unveiled in 1935, the 42-metre (138 ft) high monument of granite, travertine, and copper often serves as the focal point of public gatherings and official ceremonies in Riga. Guards of honour are always present and Liberty stands on top holding three stars symbolizing the constitutional districts of Latvia: Vidzeme, Latgale and Courland