Wander
these streets: Alberta iela, Elizabetes, Strēlnieku,
Blaumaņa,Vīlandes iela, Šķūņu, Smilšu iela to view a roster of
Art Nouveau masterpieces by notables that include Mikhail Eisenstein,
Eižens Laube, and Konstantīns Pēkšēns. With facades bearing prominent pine
cones, cherubs, a sphinx, elongated faces, dragons, lotus petals,
gargoyles, and curiously-shaped windows (including a resemblance to
keyholes), the buildings radiate a mythical feel that, at times, even
convey a sense of the macabre.
To
further saturate yourself with the art nouvea vibe, spend some time
in the Riga Art Nouveau Museum that's housed in lavishly-detailed
former apartment of Konstantīns Pēkšēns.
These facades below are just a few of my favorites.
Love the detailed architecture photos. This is one place I've always wanted to visit.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas, Glad you liked my photos. And if you need any travel help regarding what to see/do in Riga, don't hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I'm a fan of the style, but the only time I've ever read about Riga was in Henning Mankell's Wallander book, "The Dogs of Riga". Can't say that book did much to make me think I'd like to visit.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Riga offered Art Nouveau! My dad travelled through Riga on his way out of Russia in 1919.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Latvia - you've intrigued me!
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I totally understand. Riga was never top on my list either. I spent only two days there and wished I could've spent several more. It's got a very vibrant vibe.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexandra, I'm a big fan of Art Nouveau and didn't know it was an epicenter for that style until I arrived.
ReplyDeleteHi Brette, Riga was the only place I visited in Latvia. Reason for a return trip.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about this country. Great photos and great story.
ReplyDeleteIn a place like this it seems a walking tour would be the best way to really get a feel and take in everything.
ReplyDeleteThe architectural details look magnificent! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBest, Irene
Architectural details look amazing! Thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeleteIrene
Oh my. So beautiful. I'm just stunned by the detail in that architecture.
ReplyDeleteHi Living Large, Thanks bunches. I always wanted to visit Latvia but didn't know about the Art Nouveau, which I'm a big fan of.
ReplyDeleteHi merr, In fact, I took a walking tour to get all these shots. It's the best way of getting around the city.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane Louise, The detail is amazing. I could explore the details of these buildings all day.
ReplyDeleteHi Irene, Glad you enjoyed this post.
ReplyDelete