If you do not know where the Baltic states, the map of Europe will tell you its location.This region can be found in the east of the continent south of the Gulf of Finland, on the coast of the cold Baltic Sea.
Three countries including the Baltic States.Map and introduces us to its larger and more powerful neighbors.This is Russia, and Germany, Sweden and Poland.Bordering the great state makes a significant and sometimes quite controversial contribution to the establishment and development of the region.
Baltic states emerged relatively recently.It happened in the twentieth century.In its short history, they have visited the USSR.However, at the first opportunity to join the European Union.
Baltics attracts travelers with its historical and natural attractions.You can visit the interesting and well-preserved or restored castles and churches, and palaces.Attracts tourists and medieval center, which is rightly proud of European capitals - Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn.
Baltic States for the residents of our state is the closest abroad.In her country, understand Russian, but in everything betrays the influence of Europe.Nature in the Baltic region is quite diverse.A coast beaches - the favorite place of summer vacation.In the southern part of the Baltic its borders with the Kaliningrad region - Russia polueksklavom.
Common features of the Baltic states
Many people had the impression that the region include three European countries that are similar to each other.Yes, these countries were for a long time under the influence of Russia.After the revolution, they declared their independence.Before the war with the Nazis (in 1940), the Baltic countries became part of the Soviet Union.Now they call this event the "Soviet occupation".
After the collapse of the Union of the countries in question decided to take a course on European integration and declared independence.Now all three Baltic states are part of the EU, are in the Schengen area and are included in NATO.These countries have abolished the borders between themselves and instead have adopted the euro the national currency (in Lithuania it will happen in 2015).These points (in addition to the geographical location) - the similarities between these states.
Differences Baltic states
If you examine the history and culture of the three countries, it becomes clear that they are not similar.Affinity is observed only between the Lithuanian and Latvian languages.Estonian is similar to Finnish.
discrepancies observed in the faith.For Estonia the majority adheres to Lutheranism.To a lesser extent there it spreads Orthodoxy.Lithuania is a purely Catholic country, but in Latvia it is possible to meet all three of these religions.
Baltic countries on the world map, which consists of the three states, appeared only in the twentieth century.In the Middle Ages in this region has only one country - Lithuania.It was an independent political force and has left a significant mark on the territory of not only neighboring Belarus, and Ukraine.There are still preserved churches built in the Vilnius Baroque style.Current European capitals - Riga and Tallinn - became centers of only in the twentieth century.
Nature
For many there is still a stereotype that the Baltic States - a pine tree growing on the coast.Indeed, the sandy beaches stretch here is not one hundred kilometers, so there is enough for everyone.However, in Estonia there are also rocky coast and high cliffs, covered with wild roses and juniper.In some places it is almost Tundra.
Mainland Baltic most diverse landscape.Thus, the nature of Estonia reminds the north of Russia.Eastern Latvia pleases with beautiful river valleys and sandstone rocks.With regard to the territory of Lithuania, the nature here is similar to that of Central.
lifestyle
All Baltic countries have one thing in common.It is characteristic of all the three countries lifestyles.He emerged after they gained their independence.What are its characteristics manifested?First of all, a high consumer activity.In the Baltic states can be found throughout the large shopping centers and supermarkets, which operate until late.At the same time there remain, and farmers' markets, flea markets and primitive.In all three countries, everywhere you can pay by credit card and do not eat a hamburger, and a full hot meal.There brewed coffee in the office and hand out free Wi-Fi.That is why the one who mastered in one country easily orient in the other two.
Visiting Latvia
Suppose you decided to get acquainted with the Baltic states, and the end point of your route is Riga.The capital of a country, this wonderful city?Riga - Latvia's administrative center.The city spread along both banks of the River Daugava (Western Dvina), where it empties into the Gulf of Riga.If you need to determine where the Riga on the world map, then look for it in the territory of Eastern Europe, the Baltic states.
Landscape
Riga - Latvia's capital and largest city in the Baltic States.The name of this settlement is translated from the ancient local dialect sounds like a "backwater, backwater, bend".In other words - a place near the bay.
landscape of the city features a large number of small lakes and streams.These reservoirs are almost one-fifth of the entire area occupied by Riga.The capital of a country in Europe can boast such a beautiful natural landscape?What is due to the presence of such a large number of lakes and streams?They have appeared in this area is not accidental.They contributed to the appearance of the last ice age.
central areas of the capital of Latvia built in an area of the lower reaches of the River Daugava.The northern part of the city located on the coast of the Gulf of Riga.In the southern and eastern zone virtually no residential buildings, as there are many swamps and marshes.In earlier times, they were a natural barrier that protects the city from the enemy.
the north and east of Riga is surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and heathlands.In the northwest of the capital of Latvia is washed by the waters of the Baltic.The western suburbs of Riga, Jurmala is famous.
This resort area, which hosts a large number of resorts.It also hosts a variety of festivals.
Climate
City Riga (Latvia) will welcome you warm, humid summers and snowy winters with numerous thaws.This is due to a temperate continental climate of the territory where the capital is located.In summer, the temperature is on average twenty degrees above zero, while in winter the thermometer rarely falls below minus three.
By mid-December Riga completely covered with snow, which lies in the city until the beginning of March.The capital can not boast of clear sunny skies.Overcast days are nearly half within a year.Despite this, the precipitation in the city falls slightly.
administrative staff
Riga territory is divided into three districts.Among them Ziemelu, Kurzeme and Central.As a part of the city are also three suburbs.It Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale.They are divided into several smaller districts.
history
About Riga town the first recordings were made in the annals of 1198 From 1201 the town became a city chosen by the Bishop of Livonia as his residence.The Swedes won the Riga in 1621 from 1710, the city became a part of Russia.In 1919, Riga became the capital of the Republic of Latvia, since 1940 - the administrative center of the Latvian SSR.Now Riga the capital of which country?Since 1991, this city is the heart of Latvia.Riga City - the seat of the president, government and parliament.
Attractions
begin acquaintance with the capital of Latvia needs to the area where once it was made laying the first stone.This so-called Old Riga.This part of town is a magnificent architectural and historical ensemble, the territory of which about one hundred sixty monuments of ancient architecture.
most famous buildings of Old Riga is the Dome Cathedral.Every tourist visiting the Latvian capital, must necessarily go there and listen to the famous organ.Cathedral was laid back in 1211 Period of completion is the end of the thirteenth century.Throughout its history, the building was reconstructed several times.Thus, the side chapels were built, and the Romanesque-Gothic features appeared.The climax was the baroque cathedral tower has a height of ninety meters, the spire of which is a golden rooster.Now this building has become a symbol of the city.
In 1601, the Dome Cathedral organ was installed.They are rightly proud of Riga.The capital of a country can boast of such a tool?Dome organ is unique in the beauty of their sound.Today it is one of the biggest in the world.
magnificent monument of medieval architecture is the Church of St. Peter is located on the street Skarnu.Construction of this building started in 1209. In 1941 the church building was destroyed.Today, the monument is completely renovated.Since its observation deck offers a magnificent view of the Baltic capital.
If your destination is selected Latvia (Riga), map of the city will certainly be needed.It will help to quickly navigate the streets of the Baltic capitals.Not far from the Church of St. Peter you can find the Castle Square.It is also a famous landmark of Old Riga.In this area you can admire the castle of the Order of the Crusaders, which was built in the XIV century.It is called the Riga Castle.In earlier times, this building was the residence of a magistrate of the Livonian Order.After the Riga Castle lived the rulers of Poland and Sweden.Since the end of the seventeenth century it became the residence of the Governor-General of Russia.Today, the castle is located a few museums.Their exhibition introduces visitors to the history of Latvia, foreign art and the history of literature and art of the country.In the castle there is a small courtyard.It houses a permanent exhibition of garden sculptures.
Continuing the tour of the Old Town, you can see another monument of medieval architecture.He is a Powder or Sand Tower.It is the only surviving building, which was part of the defensive fortifications of Riga.The tower, built in 1650, has a height of 25.5 m, and its diameter - 14.5 m. This building has a blind three-meter walls, laid out of red brick.And only in some places in the tower there are narrow windows-loopholes.The majestic and powerful construction makes an indelible impression.
On the map of the city is to find out the turn.It is here arranged the Swedish Gate.They were punched in 1698 in the wall.After passing under the arch of the gate, you can see the church of St. James.Above this building, built in 1225, stands a Gothic spire, on top of which is the Golden Cockerel.
Riga - Europe.That is why in the Latvian capital, you can find the building, which houses the Large and Small Guild Hall.This is a characteristic of all medieval European cities.Guild is the union of the privileged citizens.I was no exception and Riga.So, in the Big guild merchants in the city were of German origin, and Minor - craftsmen.
Old Town invites you to visit the architectural ensemble of the XV century., Which is called "Three Brothers".He will give an idea of how it was arranged a medieval dwelling.
in the ancient part of the city are the most famous metropolitan cafe.Among them - the institution "Old Town" and "Thirteen chairs."They can be ordered Black Balsam, prepared by prescription, come to us from the Middle Ages.
In its central part of Riga (see below photo) is much younger.This area is characterized by the presence of various styles of architecture.Buildings in the downtown area are beautiful and graceful.
boundary of the Old Town is the Bastion Hill.It is a monument that recalls the redevelopment, in the city, in the middle of the XIX century.It was then demolished trenches and ramparts of the old part of the capital.After all, they have completely lost their purpose as defensive structures.At the spot where the first was located sandy bastion was built Bastion Hill.The moat has become a city canal.
new city center was finally formed by the end of the XIX century.At the site of the demolished structures paved wide boulevards and streets, which built public, administrative and residential buildings.The decoration of the new center of Riga became parks, created in the late XIX - early XX century.
attention of tourists attracted by the Latvian Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, which is located near the Bastion Hill.It was built back in 1863 Initially, the building was erected for the German Riga Theatre.It worked as the composer Richard Wagner, there were performances by Schumann and Liszt, as well as many other celebrities.
If you walk the boulevard John Rainis, you can see the largest educational institution of Latvia - State University.The building was built in 1866-1869 gg.Originally it housed a polytechnic school, later transformed into the Institute, and then in the University.By John Rainis Boulevard is make a leisurely stroll, he's one of the finest in Riga.There are parks, who pitched in the style of an English garden, which has a free plan.As a jewelry green area in decorative sculpture.The capital of Latvia has always been proud of its boulevards, squares, parks and gardens.Green areas in many places decorated with sculptures.
remarkable Central Park Riga - Forest.Its territory is Grand Stage for singing groups.Not far from the forest is broken Zoological Garden.Is Riga Park Song Festival, which is held by Latvians favorite folk festival.
sights of Riga is built in 1935, Freedom Monument.It is a sculpture of a woman holding three stars above his head.It is a symbol of freedom of the city.Stars crowning monument visible from the many parks in the capital of Latvia.
Attractions Riga can be safely attributed and the central market, which is one of the biggest indoor facilities of its kind in Europe.
