10 Top Attractions in Jurmala (2025)

1. House of the Black Heads
5.2

4.5/553 Reviews

No.1 of Best Things to Do in Riga

Historic buildings

悦行悠韵History: From the guild badges to the reborn landmark Blackhead Palace, built in 1334, was originally a meeting place for the city's public organizations. In the 17th century, the Blackhead Brotherhood, a German merchant, became the owner of the place, and its badge was derived from the black avatar of martyr Saint Morris, a mysterious symbol still embedded above the main entrance of the building, becoming the spiritual totem of Riga. During World War II, the Blackhead Palace was razed to the ground, until 1996, Latvians re-enacted the medieval landmark through archaeological excavations and architectural reproduction. In the archaeological sites of the underground floor, unearthed medieval coins, ceramics and guild archives, like the opening of a heavy history book. Architecture: The gothic appearance of the blackhead palace with a delicate narrative under the cold exterior is breathtaking: pointed arch windows, flying walls and complicated stone carvings cast shadows in the sun, and the combination of bronze medallion and black marble at the main entrance is more solemn. The interior, though restored, retains the original structure: the arc of the wooden dome, the texture of the stone corridor, and even the humidity of the underground cellar are telling stories of the guild era. It is especially recommended to pay attention to the guild hall on the second floor. The mural fragments and relief decoration restore the scene of the Brotherhood members' deliberations. The details can be seen in the exquisite skills of medieval craftsmen. Experience: The changing ceremony and the immersive historical theater's daily changing ceremony of guards should not be missed! The guards dressed in traditional costumes and holding long fins staged a solemn historical drama in the City Hall Square. If you catch up with the free guided tour on the weekend, you must go deep into the underground holographic projection technology to recreate the banquet scene of the Blackhead Brothers, the light and shadow interweaving, as if traveling back to the carnival night 600 years ago. In addition, every Wednesday's "Blackhead Palace Night Tour" activity is worth experiencing, candlelight swaying to listen to the narrator tell the secret of the guild, the atmosphere is full. Surrounding: Time and space roaming in Old Town Blackhead Palace is located in the heart of Old Town, walking distance to the essence of Riga:- St. Peter's Church: The 72-meter-high tower overlooking the red-tile roof and the magnificent panoramic view of the Daugava River. - Art Nouveau-style neighborhood: more than 800 Art Nouveau buildings on Albert and Elizabeth streets, interpreting the romance of "Paris North" with smooth lines and natural reliefs. - Central Market: One of the largest markets in Europe, where you can taste Latvian specialty rye bread and smoked salmon. Travel Tips - Photograph: The cafe terrace at the southwest corner of City Hall Square is the best seat to frame the Blackhead Palace with St. Peter's Church. - Hidden play: participate in the "guild member experience day", wear medieval costumes to learn etiquette, and even participate in a mock debate. - Practical information: tickets are about 5 euros, student tickets are discounted; underground exhibitions need to buy additional tickets, it is recommended to reserve more than 2 hours.

Riga

2.6km from Pētersala-Andrejsala

From £5.88