Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Winner of several design and culture awards, the huge 5-storey facility aims to 'become the world’s centre for the ideas of freedom, democracy and solidarity to be fostered.'
Read more at bit.ly/ESCGdansk
Winner of several design and culture awards, the huge 5-storey facility aims to 'become the world’s centre for the ideas of freedom, democracy and solidarity to be fostered.'
Read more at bit.ly/ESCGdansk




![Riga In Your Pocket - Soviet Riga
Below you can find more information on all individual sights.
Soviet Victory Monument [Uzvaras piemineklis]
The Soviet war memorial which commemorates the supposed communist liberation of Riga is the place to meet die hard reds on Soviet anniversary days. Built in 1985 to lionise the Red Army and to dishearten and annoy the Latvian populace, the monument consists of a tall concrete obelisk adorned with five golden stars symbolising the five years of WWII. On either side are bronze statues of Mother Russia and soldiers advancing with their weapons raised. Dozens of hectares of parkland surround this shrine to former Soviet glory. Take tram N°5 from 11. Novembra krastmala to the second stop over the Akmens Bridge.
Academy of Sciences [Zinātņu Akadēmija]
This Soviet edifice is a cousin to similar statements of ugliness all over Eastern Europe and local nicknames for the Empire State building copy include Stalins birthday cake or the Kremlin. Most Latvians just consider themselves lucky that the portrait of Uncle Joe that was supposed to be a part of the facade never came to fruition. If you look closely you can spot several hammers and sickles up top. At a height of 65m, the 17th-floor balcony is open to the public for 2Ls, but only from April - September.
Riga Aviation Museum [Rīgas aviācijas muzejs]
If youre a fan of Tom Clancy novels or the Cold War in general, then this little known museum located to the right of the airport terminal is a must see when in Riga. Walk among Soviet helicopters and planes of varying age and size from MiG fighter jets to the enormous Mi-6 passenger helicopter which set world records for speed and hauling capacity. Its rotor has an unbelievable diameter of 36m!
Open 10:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun by appointment only. Admission: 2Ls for locals, 5Ls for tourists.
Pokrov Cemetery [Pokrova kapi]
Although this old cemetery is seldom visited by anyone apart from the occasional animal enthusiast out to walk his dog, its a fascinating place to stroll about for an hour or so. Most of the headstones are from the 19th century and tell tales of tsarist bureaucrats who will be dearly missed, but a small section is also dedicated to fallen communist soldiers crowned by a large gold-coloured monument depicting a soldier carrying a Soviet flag. One bizarre stone also immortalises roughly a dozen orphans who were supposedly drained of their blood by the Nazis. The orthodox church and chapel are also worth a quick peek.
Latvian Riflemen Monument [Strēlnieku piemineklis]
In the centre of Old Riga stands a controversial statue in honour of the Latvian Red Riflemen, some of whom became Lenins personal bodyguards. Some view the monument as a symbol of the old communist system and would love to tear it down. Others believe it is a necessary tribute to Latvians who fought in the early years of WWI. Politics aside, its quite an impressive statue.
Soviet Symbols can be found on the left bank of the Daugava River.
Spilve Airport is usually not open for tourists.
Shot and edited by Nienke Bos - Riga In Your Pocket
For more information check out riga.inyourpocket.com Riga In Your Pocket - Soviet Riga](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q10j3-fLLK4/mqdefault.jpg)





