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Three Brothers: A Glimpse into Riga's Architectural Past

Explore Riga's oldest residential complex, a trio of medieval houses showcasing the city's architectural evolution, now home to the Latvian Museum of Architecture.

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The Three Brothers are three historic houses in Riga's Old Town, each built in a different century, representing a unique timeline of the city's architectural evolution. Housing the Latvian Museum of Architecture, they offer a captivating journey through time.

A brief summary to Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Local tips

  • Visit the Latvian Museum of Architecture to see architectural drawings, designs and models.
  • Explore the courtyard to see historical construction details from lost Riga architecture.
  • Take your time to observe the architectural details of each building, noting the differences in style and period.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Three Brothers are located in the heart of Riga's Old Town, making them easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Doma laukums (Dome Square), walk north on Pils iela, then turn left onto Mazā Pils iela. The Three Brothers will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Riga offers an extensive public transportation system. Several buses, trams, and trolleybuses stop near the Old Town. From the Central Train Station, take tram number 1, 2 , or 11 to the Audeju iela stop, which is a short walk to the Three Brothers. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Riga. A short ride from the Central Train Station or other central locations to the Three Brothers should cost approximately €5-€10. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

The Three Brothers, located on Mazā Pils iela (Small Castle Street) in Riga's Vecrīga (Old Town), are a trio of historical houses that stand as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. These dwellings, built in the 15th, 17th, and late 17th centuries, showcase the evolution of residential architecture in Riga. Legend says that the houses were built by three men from the same family. The oldest of the three, number 17, dates back to the late 15th century. Its exterior features Gothic niches, crow-stepped gables, and early Renaissance details, reflecting the influence of Dutch merchants during that time. Originally, the house consisted of a single large room and an attic used for storage. The middle house, number 19, was constructed in 1646 and showcases Dutch Mannerism in its design. A stone portal, added in 1746, further enhances its facade. The inscription “Soli Deo gloria!” (“Glory to God alone!” in Latin) can be seen above the door. The youngest of the brothers, number 21, is a narrow Baroque building that acquired its present appearance in the late 17th century. It is the smallest of the three and features a mask on its facade, believed to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits. Today, the Three Brothers complex houses the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection. The Latvian Museum of Architecture is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Latvia's architectural heritage. Although the museum doesn't have a permanent exhibition, its collection of architectural drawings, designs, and models is available to specialists by appointment. Visitors can also explore the courtyard, which features historical construction details from lost Riga architecture. The Three Brothers earned the European Heritage Label on April 1, 2020.

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