House of the Black Heads: A Symbol of Riga's Hanseatic Past
Explore Riga's iconic House of the Black Heads: a symbol of history, architecture, and the Hanseatic League in the heart of Old Town.
The House of the Black Heads, an iconic landmark in Riga's Old Town, boasts a rich history dating back to 1334. Originally a meeting and banquet venue for Riga's various public organizations, it later became the home of the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a guild of unmarried merchants. Destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1999, it stands as a testament to Riga's resilience and Hanseatic heritage.
A brief summary to House of the Black Heads
- Rātslaukums 7, Riga, Central District, 1050, LV
- +37166957225
- Visit website
Local tips
- Explore the medieval cellar, the only original part of the building that survived World War II, to experience an authentic piece of Riga's history.
- Take a tour of the House to imagine the receptions and concerts held in the Conference Hall during the Black Heads Society era.
- Admire the opulent facade, which showcases various architectural styles and artistic trends from different periods.
- Check out the silver collection and learn about the history and economic development of Riga.
Getting There
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Walking
The House of the Black Heads is centrally located in Riga's Old Town on Rātslaukums 7, making it easily accessible on foot from most major landmarks in the area. From St. Peter's Church, walk south towards the Town Hall Square; the House of the Black Heads will be directly in front of you. Similarly, from the Riga Cathedral, head east through the Old Town's charming streets until you reach the square. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from either location. There are no specific costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Riga offers an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Several routes stop near the Old Town. Check the 'Rīgas Satiksme' website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Central Station, take tram lines 1, 2 , 5, 7, 10 or bus lines 3, 11, 20, 21, 50, 53. Alight at the 'Grēcinieku iela' stop. From there, walk east for about 2 minutes to reach the House of the Black Heads. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride from the Central Station to the House of the Black Heads typically costs between €5 and €10, depending on traffic and the specific taxi company. Be sure to check the rates posted on the taxi door and confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. Using a ride-sharing app like Bolt allows you to see the estimated fare in advance.
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Driving
Driving to the House of the Black Heads is possible, but parking in the Old Town can be challenging and expensive. Limited street parking is available within the Old Town, with hourly rates in Zone R (Old Town) costing €5 for the first hour and €8 for each subsequent hour. Several parking lots are located near the Old Town, such as Jēkaba Arkāde, which offers a fixed daily rate on weekdays. Consider using the Mobilly or Europark app to pay for parking. Be aware that parking in the Old Town is enforced every day from 6:00 to 24:00.
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