Edificios Art Nouveau

House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia

Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec

House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. 

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members.

The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”.

The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world.

Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia

Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec

House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga. 

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members.

The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”.

The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world.

Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.
Riga Latvia September 2013

#Riga, #latvia

www.wyldfamilytravel.com
Riga's old town is perhaps not really a hidden gem, but it's very nice to walk around in none the less (so much artdeco!)
Livu square
Old Town of Riga, Latvia - June 2017


Tours y excursiones de un día

Ver las 101 actividades

Alimentos, bebidas y vida nocturna

Ver las 11 actividades

Aventura y actividades al aire libre

Ver las 9 actividades

Spa y bienestar

Ver las 6 actividades

Clases y talleres

Ver las 4 actividades

Lugares más visitados


Excelentes ofertas de hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33 Riga
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4 out of 5
Valnu street 49 Riga
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Neiburgs Hotel

Neiburgs Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Jauniela 25/27 Riga
Neiburgs Hotel
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

4.5 out of 5
55 Elizabetes Street Riga
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

5 out of 5
24 Jekaba Street Riga
Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)
Hotel Justus

Hotel Justus

4 out of 5
Jauniela 24 Riga
Hotel Justus
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street Riga
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
Pils Street 12 Riga
Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel

Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Minsterejas 8/10 Riga
Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel
Precio por noche más bajo encontrado en las últimas 24 horas para una estadía de una noche para dos adultos. Los precios y la disponibilidad están sujetos a cambios. Es posible que se apliquen más términos.