Getting into the Great Guild in Latvia in the 14th century, was an incredibly huge honor. Similarly, getting snubbed from the Great Guild was a gigantic insult. One Riga local was so offended that... »

| Edited by Dampo and atimian

At the turn of the 20th century, Zeppelins were seen as the transportation of the future. During that time, five giant hangars were created to house the German-made airships in the center of Riga,... »

Architectural Oddities | Edited by Dampo and atimian

Since 1900, Karosta Prison held military personnel convicted of crimes, captives of war and political prisoners. Used by both Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union during their control of Latvia,... »

Crime and Punishment, Odd Accommodations | Edited by serflac and atimian

Built in 2004 as the set for “Defenders of Latvia,” Cinevilla is a strange mix of historic recreation and Hollywood-esque fantasy world. Spanning over 370 acres in total, the complex has all... »

Small Worlds and Model Towns, Ghost Towns, Odd Accommodations | Edited by serflac and atimian

Under the Riga Town Hall building (destroyed during WWII, and rebuilt in 2003) there is a narrow cobble-stoned street where one can find small souvenir and flower shops and an old oak tree laying... »

Natural Wonders, Extraordinary Flora, Natural History, Long Now Locations | Edited by playrigadotcom, Dylan and others

Art Nouveau or Jugendstil (as it was known in German influenced countries) was a style in decorative arts which marked the turn of 20th century. It originated in France but quickly spread... »

Eccentric Homes | Edited by stanestane

One place immediately stands out from a myriad of bars and restaurants of Old Town in Riga, and it is not for the feint of heart. Hospitalis is a crossroad of fetishes. It is a burlesque, fetishy,... »

Bizarre Restaurants and Bars | Edited by stanestane, A Facebook user and 2 others