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Zviedru Vārti: Riga's Sole Surviving City Gate

Explore Riga's Swedish Gate, the Old Town's only remaining city gate, steeped in history and captivating legends from the Swedish era.

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The Swedish Gate (Zviedru Vārti) is the only remaining gate of the eight that once fortified Riga's Old Town. Built in 1698, it offers a glimpse into the city's history under Swedish rule and is surrounded by intriguing legends.

A brief summary to Zviedru vārti

  • Torņa iela 4-1a, Riga, Central District, 1050, LV

Local tips

  • Explore the charming cobblestone streets around the gate for a feel of Old Riga.
  • Look for the lion bas-reliefs and the dolomite decorations on the gate.
  • Visit at night to experience the gate's mysterious atmosphere and perhaps hear the whispers of the walled-up maiden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Swedish Gate is located in the heart of Old Riga, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Freedom Monument, walk along Kalku iela into the Old Town, then follow Torņa iela. The gate will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus and tram lines serve the Old Town. Get off at a stop near the Old Town, such as Aspazijas bulvāris, and walk along the cobblestone streets to Torņa iela. The Swedish Gate will be a short walk away. A single journey ticket costs around €1.15.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. Simply request a ride to Torņa iela 4-1a. Expect to pay around €6-€8 for a short trip within the city center. Be sure to confirm the price with the driver beforehand.

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Discover more about Zviedru vārti

The Swedish Gate, or Zviedru Vārti, stands as a unique historical monument in Riga's Old Town, Latvia. Constructed in 1698, it is the only remaining gate from the original eight that once formed the city's defensive wall. The gate was erected to connect the inner city with houses built outside the old wall and a Swedish garrison. After the construction of bastions, the old defensive wall lost its practical significance, and the city council allowed houses to be built against it. A passageway was created in a residential building on Torņa iela 11 to link the quarter outside the wall with the Swedish garrison's barracks. The gate was opened at sunrise and closed at sunset, with the keys kept in the Town Hall. Legends surround the Swedish Gate, adding to its mystique. One story tells of a young woman who secretly met with a Swedish soldier at the gate and was punished by being walled up alive within it. It is said that her whispers can still be heard at midnight, professing her love. Another legend suggests the name honors the bravery of Swedish soldiers during the Great Northern War. Despite being defeated by famine and plague in 1710, Peter I, impressed by their valor, allowed the surviving soldiers to leave through the gate. Today, the Swedish Gate is a state-protected architectural monument in Riga. Above the gate are bas-reliefs of lions, symbolizing the Swedish king, and the gate itself is decorated with dolomite from Saaremaa. Remnants of the former Jürgen's Tower, part of the original defensive wall, are incorporated into the adjacent building.

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