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Daina Hill Song Garden
The garden is dotted with sculptures dedicated to epic Latvian heroes immortalised in the dainas , poetic folk songs which are a major Latvian tradition.
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Bastion Hill
A former tower hill, which used to be a part of the city wall, It is now the highest and arguably the most romantic feature of the park that runs along the city canal.
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Jūrmala City Museum
After a pricey renovation, this museum now features a beautiful permanent exhibit detailing Jūrmala’s colourful history as the go-to resort town in the former USSR.
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Russian Orthodox Church of Transfiguration
The hilltop Russian Orthodox church of Transfiguration, which the von Sievers built at their family cemetery (like many Germans on Russian service they converted to Orthodoxy).
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Laima Clock
Built in 1924 as a gentle way to encourage Rīgans not to be late for work, this clock is a popular meeting place, carrying the branding of a popular chocolate manufacturer.
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Rīga National Zoo
Set in a hilly pine forest in Mežaparks, Rīga National Zoo has a motley collection of animals, including a new assortment of tropical fauna, as well as the usual cast of Noah’s ark.
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Krimulda Medieval Castle
On the northern side of the valley, a track leads up from near the bridge to ruined Krimulda Castle, built between 1255 and 1273 but destroyed by fire in 1601. Only one original wall remains.
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Liepāja History & Art Museum
Features a variety of impressive displays such as Stone and Bronze Age artefacts unearthed on local archaeological digs, and an interesting collection of old jewellery, weapons and vintage memorabilia from both world wars.
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Bicycle Museum
Exhausted by the sun? A good respite from the beach boredom is this lovely collection of retro bicycles, including a 130-year-old specimen assembled in Latvia. Non-retro bikes are available for rent at €10 for 24 hours.
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Jūrmala Open
In Lielupe, between Jūrmala and Rīga, this museum preserves 19th-century fishers’ houses and a collection of nautical equipment. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try smoked fish prepared in a traditional Latvian manner.
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Castle Watchman’s House
The Castle Watchman’s House was built in 1735 to protect the ruins of the Livonian Order Castle. Legend has it that the house was the site of executions and beheadings, and the stream behind the house ran red with the victims’ blood.
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Sabile Synagogue
The modest old synagogue that hasnt seen any services after the Jewish population perished in the Holocaust is worth checking out, because it often houses temporary modern art exhibitions curated by Pedvāle Open-Air museum.
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Cable Car
Save yourself some hiking time and enjoy terrific views by catching a ride on the cable car over the Gauja River. From the Sigulga side, it departs from a rocky precipice south of the bridge and heads towards Krimulda Manor.
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Natural History Museum
Sitting diagonally opposite to the garden across K Barona iela, this museum features a permanent collection that includes stuffed birds, dinosaur fossils, details about Latvia’s ecosystem and information on the region’s ethnic origins.
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St Simon’s Church
St Simon’s Church dates to 1283 and shelters a fine 19th-century organ. You can climb its church tower for a donation. Along the same street you’ll find the ruins of Valmiera Castle , founded by the Livonian Order in the 13th century.
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Andrupene Farmstead Museum
The museum occupies a farm that that remains unaltered since the 1920s, when many Latvians received generous chunks of land in the agrarian reform. Contact it in advance to arrange a traditional Latgale dinner that comes with delicious bread baked on the spot.
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Swedish Gate
Built into the city’s medieval walls in 1698 while the Swedes were in power, this is the only remaining gate to Old Rīga, set in the largest surviving section of the town walls. It leads into Trokšnu iela, Old Rīga’s narrowest and most atmospheric street.
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Jaunmoku Castle
Built as hunting palace by Latvias most celebrated Englishman, Rīga mayor George Armitstead, Jaunmoku Castle looks like a fantasy themed on his fathers native Yorkshire. There is a interesting small museum, a nice park and a not-so-great hotel on the premises.
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Mentzendorffs House
Built in 1695 as the home of a wealthy German glazier, this sparsely furnished house offers an insight into everyday life for Rīgas successful merchants. Theres a permanent exhibition of contemporary glass art downstairs and temporary exhibitions are held in the attic.
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House of Craftsmen
Check out the largest piece of amber art in the world (an enormous dangling tapestry) here plus legions of old women knitting scarves, mittens and blankets available for purchase. The jeweller, based on the 2nd floor, makes unusual (and beautiful) earrings and necklaces.
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