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Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly Monument, Riga

A tribute to Field Marshal Barclay de Tolly, a key figure in the Napoleonic Wars, reflecting the Baltic region's rich military history.

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This monument in Riga honors Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly, a Baltic German Field Marshal who served in the Russian army and played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars. The statue stands as a tribute to his military achievements and connection to the region.

A brief summary to Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly

  • Elizabetes iela, Riga, Central District, 1010, LV

Local tips

  • Take a stroll through the surrounding Central District to appreciate Riga's architecture.
  • Visit the monument during daylight hours for better visibility and photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Elizabetes iela, known for its Art Nouveau buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly monument is located on Elizabetes iela in Riga's Central District. From the Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis), walk east along Brīvības bulvāris, then turn right onto Elizabetes iela. The monument will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The monument is accessible via several public transport options. Take any tram or bus that stops near the National Theatre (Nacionālais teātris) or the Latvian National Museum of Art (Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs). From the bus or tram stop, walk along Elizabetes iela to find the monument. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride from the Old Town (Vecrīga) to the monument on Elizabetes iela will typically cost between €5 and €7, depending on traffic and the specific taxi service. Be sure to check the rates displayed in the taxi or on the ride-sharing app before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly

The Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly monument in Riga stands as a tribute to a significant figure in 19th-century military history. Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly (1761-1818) was a Field Marshal and Minister of War in the Russian army, playing a vital role during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. Born into a Baltic German family of Scottish descent in the region of Livonia (present-day Latvia and Estonia), his family had been settled in Riga since the 17th century. Barclay de Tolly distinguished himself in numerous campaigns, including the Russo-Turkish War, the Russo-Swedish War, and the Napoleonic Wars. He rose through the ranks, becoming Minister of War in 1810 and later commander of the 1st Army of the West when Napoleon invaded Russia. His strategic retreat and implementation of a scorched earth policy, though initially unpopular, proved crucial in weakening Napoleon's forces. He later commanded the Russian forces that occupied Paris in 1814 and was honored with the rank of Field Marshal. The original monument was erected in 1913 but was lost at sea during World War I. A new bronze statue was erected on the original granite pedestal in 2001, ensuring that Barclay de Tolly's legacy continues to be recognized in Riga. Today, the monument serves as a reminder of the complex history of the Baltic region and its connections to European military events. While a monument to Barclay de Tolly was dismantled in Esplanade Park in October 2023 , this entry refers to the monument located at Elizabetes iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010.

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