Riga Attractions
Classic Jurgendstil architecture © David Fair
Art Nouveau architecture
Riga is the world's best preserved open-air museum of Art
Nouveau (also known as Jugendstil) architecture which dates from
the early 20th century. The style is characterised by unusual
shapes, curved and organic arches, gargoyles, and flamboyant
cornices. Over 30 percent of central Riga's buildings were created
in this style, many supervised by famous Russian architect Mikhail
Eisenstein. The best streets to view buildings on are Elisebetes,
Strelnieku and Albert.
