Latvian capital - one of the most popular tourist cities in the Baltic.Going on vacation, many people want to know more in advance about the attractions of Riga.Photo description will help to understand what really deserves attention, and create a route for a nice walk.Among the places that need to be included in it without any doubt - the famous Duomo, in the heart of the city.
What is the attraction?
Dome Cathedral in Riga is a real symbol of the capital.It is not only recognizable architectural structures of the medieval era, but also the center of cultural and spiritual life of the country, operating temple of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and a place for all kinds of concerts of sacred and organ music.
Dome Cathedral is located in the heart of the city - on the eponymous square.The architectural complex also included the Cross Gallery and the monastery with its museums located in maritime history and most of Riga.A distinctive feature of the temple is that it is located below ground level.This has resulted in a constant struggle with the flood in which the townspeople used the gravel is poured on the streets.So it happened that the church as if sinking into the ground under its own weight.
history of the cathedral
Like many other medieval churches, Riga was built many decades and has undergone various changes throughout its existence.His story began eight centuries ago, in 1211, when the bishop Albrecht von Bukskhevden issued a decree on the construction.The building was supposed to be a symbol of the successful conquest of Livonia, so the ceremonial laying of the cathedral took place at the site of the village fisherwoman Liv.
work were invited to the Dutch and German masters and chief priest personally monitor progress.But in 1229 the bishop died and was buried in an unfinished cathedral.Over the years, his burial place was forgotten and remains currently unknown.
Construction meanwhile continued until 1270, when the cathedral was completed, albeit with changes from the original plan.In 1547 the interior was destroyed by fire.By the restoration of the temple built a tower, and fifty years later, and the spire was added, which lasted until 1766. In the late eighteenth century, changing virtually ceased and the cathedral acquired its modern look.Numerous restructuring led to the fact that the Dome Cathedral in Riga can serve as a real encyclopedia of architecture, combining Romanesque, early Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and other styles.
legendary rooster on the spire
During reconstruction of the tower of the cathedral in 1776 it was added to the domed spire in the spirit of the Baroque.He was crowned rooster.According to legend, a unique figure was two-way - on the one hand the bird was black, the other - gold.With it you can predict not only wind, but also the success of commercial transactions.However, some believe that cock turned black with time from the wet climate of the Baltic, which is different Riga.Photos attractions, which is now kept in the museum, can be found at the Cross Gallery.The legendary Cockerel survived two world wars and earned rest as an exhibit.
Interior temple
Dome Cathedral is good not only outside but inside - not least why they are so proud of Riga.Photos attractions inside are impressive - Gothic stained glass in the high windows of the imagination.
This interior was restored in the last years of the nineteenth century.Artwork from the fragments of colored glass tell of laying the first stone of the cathedral, on the Swedish king and the proclamation of religious freedom, which occurred in 1525. Unfortunately, some stained-glass windows were destroyed during the Second World War.But the medieval masters preserved carved benches - two of them are paintings with biblical scenes.Decorated with carvings and the department, and the north entrance is decorated with a beautiful painting of Mary.
body in the temple
Dome Cathedral in Riga, known not only for its history, but also a terrific body.This is one of the most famous and valuable musical instruments in the world, a true symbol of Latvia and one of the largest in Europe, and once - the largest in the world.
like himself Dome Cathedral in Riga, the body has been a lot of centuries and is associated with a variety of stories.He first appeared in the church in 1603 and served almost until the early twentieth century.In 1883-1884 he was the new body is set to be used now.
Its dimensions are impressive - wide tool extends to eleven meters in height and occupies the same space as the nine-story building - namely, twenty-five meters.The structure 6718 used pipes.Unique even frame body formed in the Baroque style.During the Second World some pipes have been lost, but in 1962 it was created anew.
Dome Cathedral in Riga inspired his authority Liszt Hungarian composer - especially for this instrument, he wrote the song "praising God."Currently, concerts are not held because of the renovation, but soon the music once again filled the house.The body sends the sound of any musical instrument, and repeats the sound of the waves and the wind, so all the music lovers should definitely remember the address, "The Dome Cathedral in Riga."Concerts also impressive due to its excellent acoustics, so it is a really special place for musicians.
condition cathedral today
Today attractions Riga photo description which attract tourists to the city, there are some problems - Cathedral in danger of collapsing.Temple made the list of the one hundred world monuments that can disappear.And this situation has led to the deterioration of structures and the wrong technology during restravratsii.Now the cathedral tower of more than half a meter deviates from the vertical, with its bells were removed.The cathedral is surrounded by scaffolding - a large-scale restoration of the church should return the old strength in the next ten years.
When you can get to the cathedral?
For those who travel to Riga in the summer, the church is open from 9 to 18, from September to May schedule changes and opening hours - from 10 to 17. On Sunday services are held inside, there are activities during the major holidays.In the cathedral there is a museum about the history of the old town.The fee for his visit is three euros, is for the maintenance of the museum and restoration work.Children up to ten years to pay for a ticket to the museum is not necessary.
Find Cathedral?
Even if you were in Riga for the first time, you can easily find the main symbol of the city.The Dome Cathedral is located in the center, on a square of the same name, and is one of the tallest buildings in the area.
reference point can serve as a cockerel on the spire - the original weathervane kept in the museum, but its modern golden copy is in the same place, adorning the cathedral tower.Those who embarks on a journey to the winter holidays, it is worth remembering that in the square outside the cathedral at this time will be a traditional Christmas Fair.It is possible to buy souvenirs, corporate gifts and delicacies loved ones that will make a visit to the Duomo even more memorable.
