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Triangula Bastion: A Glimpse into Riga's Fortified Past

Explore Riga's Triangula Bastion: Where history meets modernity at the heart of the city's ancient fortifications.

The Triangula Bastion, dating back to 1727, is a remnant of Riga's 18th-century fortifications. Once a key defensive structure, its foundations are now visible beneath a modern office building, offering a unique blend of historical intrigue and contemporary architecture.

A brief summary to Triangula Bastion

  • 11. novembra krastmala 17, Riga, Central District, 1050, LV

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby riverside promenade for scenic views.
  • Look out for guided tours that provide deeper insights into the historical significance of the bastions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are starting from the Old City (Vecrīga), head southwest towards the Daugava River. Walk along the riverbank until you reach 11. novembra krastmala street. Continue walking along the river, and you will see the Triangula Bastion on your left, located at 11. novembra krastmala 17. The walk should take about 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the central bus station (Autoosta), take bus number 24 towards 'Zolitūde'. Get off at the '11. novembra krastmala' bus stop. From there, walk a short distance along the 11. novembra krastmala street, and you will arrive at the Triangula Bastion, located at number 17. The total journey should take approximately 30 minutes. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride from the city center to Triangula Bastion will cost approximately €6-€8. Taxi fares in Riga start at €2.50, with an additional €0.70 per kilometer. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also available.

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Discover more about Triangula Bastion

The Triangula Bastion, or Triangular Bastion, stands as a testament to Riga's rich military history. Constructed in 1727 following the Great Northern War, it was one of four bastions built to protect the city from attack. The bastion's strategic triangular shape provided a significant advantage in military architecture. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Riga developed a new bastion fort system to defend against artillery attacks. The territory of present-day Old Riga was surrounded by an earthen rampart with polygonal bastions at the corners. The Triangula Bastion, the smallest but highest of these bastions, was pentagonal in plan and open on the side facing the town. Its walls were constructed with pink and grey dolomite blocks, with an inner wall filled with sand. As firearms became more powerful, the fortifications gradually lost their importance, hindering urban development. Between 1857 and 1864, the wall was taken down, with only part of the moat preserved as the city canal. In 2000, during the construction of a new shopping mall, the remains of the bastion were discovered. Excavations revealed the most extensively investigated part of Riga's 17th–19th-century fortification system, which were preserved inside the new building. Today, the foundations of the Triangula Bastion can be seen beneath a modern office building, offering visitors a glimpse into Riga's medieval past. The site is located on 11. novembra krastmala, along the Daugava River, and is often a focal point for city celebrations.

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