Wooden architecture of Riga

Wooden architecture in Riga through the centuries

Wooden buildings in Riga are mostly found in Grizinkalns, Sarkandaugava and Kipsala neighbourhoods, as well as the Moscow section of town. However, it is Pardaugava, the part of Riga located on the left bank of the Daugava River, that is considered the centre for the utterly charming wooden architecture – and it all began in the 17th century.

During the wars and periods of unrest, wooden buildings were torched to help protect the city from invaders.

A lengthy period of peace began in Riga halfway through the 18th century, which is when grandiose wooden buildings and manor houses gradually returned to Pardaugava. There was plenty of activity in the quaint fishing villages on the Daugava, and that is when wooden architecture, still characteristic of this part of Riga, was created.

Unlike other European capital cities, wooden architecture in Riga continued to develop up until the start of World War II. Less than a century ago, there were around 12,000 wooden buildings in Riga, of which approximately 4,000 have survived to this day, the oldest of which were built at the end of the 18th century.

Wooden architecture in Riga today

• Kalnciems Street Quarter in Agenskalns – A Bohemian style arts & crafts and music centre , a venue for outdoor concerts all year round, as well as a place for contemporary art exhibitions and events for families with children. The Kalnciema Quarter is also known for the very popular fairs where local craftsmen and farmers sell their products.
• Wooden Riga in Grizinkalns – The centre for renovation of wooden buildings hosts regular exhibitions, workshops and seminars. Grizinkalns, formerly a working-class neighbourhood, features many two-storey wooden buildings – both renovated ones as well as buildings in dire need of repair.
• Wooden architecture in Kipsala – Through the centuries, Kipsala, formerly an island of fishermen, developed into a posh residential district. The architecture of Kipsala is very eclectic, where beautifully restored wooden houses are interspersed with large, modern buildings.
• Wooden churches in the Moscow section of town - The Riga Lutheran Church of Jesus with its 37-metre tower is one of the largest wooden buildings in Latvia. Just a short distance away, there are two more Christian churches – the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady Church that also houses the St. Nicholas Church, which features an impressive iconostasis.