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The Cat House

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Discover Riga's iconic Cat House: a blend of Art Nouveau architecture and whimsical legends in the heart of Old Town.

The Cat House in Riga's Old Town is famous for its black cat sculptures perched on the roof. Built in 1909, the Art Nouveau building is tied to a legend about a merchant's feud with the Great Guild.

A brief summary to Cat House

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cat House.

  • Look closely at the cat sculptures to appreciate their detail and mischievous expressions.
  • Visit during the day to get the best light for photographing the building's facade and the cat statues.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Old Town to explore other nearby landmarks and attractions.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cat House is located in the heart of Old Town Riga, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Freedom Monument, walk southwest along Brivibas bulvaris, then turn left onto Kalku iela. Continue onto Meistaru iela. The Cat House will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Cat House via public transport, take a bus, tram, or trolleybus to the 'Stacijas laukums' or 'Centra stacija' stop near the central station. From there, walk towards Old Town and head to Meistaru iela, a short 10-15 minute walk. Follow signs leading to Old Town. A single public transport fare is approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride within the city center to the Cat House should cost approximately €6-10, depending on the distance and traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Cat House

The Cat House (Kaķu nams) is an iconic building located on Meistaru iela in Riga's Old Town. Constructed in 1909 by architect Friedrich Scheffel, it showcases a blend of medieval and Art Nouveau styles. The building's most distinctive feature is the two black cat sculptures with arched backs and raised tails adorning its roof.The origin of these cat sculptures is rooted in local legend. As the story goes, a wealthy Latvian tradesman was denied membership to the Great Guild. In retaliation, he commissioned the cat statues, positioning them with their tails pointed towards the Guild as a sign of disrespect. Another version suggests the merchant had issues with the Riga City Council and aimed the cats in their direction. The ensuing scandal led to a court case, and eventually, the cats were turned to face the guildhouse.Today, the Cat House is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Riga. Visitors can admire the building's architecture, snap photos of the famous cats, and learn about the legends surrounding them. The building also houses a restaurant on the ground floor.

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