St. Peter’s Church

Riga

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DESTINATIONS latvia riga Do & See St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church

St Peter's Church in Riga is known for its tall tower, which offers stunning views of the city, including the red roofs of Old Town, the modern part of Riga, Riga Bay, and the Daugava River with its large port. The church itself was originally built in 1209, but only a few walls and pillars remain from that time. The Gothic tower, which was over 130 meters tall, was completed in the late 15th century. However, it collapsed in 1666 and was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1690–at the time, it was the tallest wooden structure in the world. In 1721, the tower was struck by lightning and burned down. It was later restored, but once again it burned down during World War II. Renovation of the tower began in 1967, and today, it stands at a height of 123.25 meters. Visitors can access the second gallery, which is 72 meters above the ground. In 1997, St Peter's Church was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Do & See

Riga offers plenty in terms of sightseeing and entertainment, just as one would expect from a city that was named the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Guided tours normally depart from Old Town Square. Many of the most beautiful and interesting sights are concentrated in the Old Town, so it is a good idea to start your tour from there.