Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

The Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral is a prominent architectural and cultural landmark in Riga, Latvia. Constructed between 1876 and 1883 during the period when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire, the cathedral was designed by Nikolai Chagin in the Neo-Byzantine style. Its construction was initiated by local Governor-General Pyotr Bagration and Bishop Veniamin Karelin, with the blessing of Russian Tsar Alexander II. The cathedral's exterior is characterized by its golden domes and intricate facade, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in Riga. The initial design was modified to include an additional dome for bells, a gift from Czar Alexander II. Inside, the cathedral is adorned with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and icons, reflecting the artistic traditions of the Orthodox faith. The interior was once renowned for its collection of ancient icons and three iconostases painted by pedagogues from the St. Petersburg Academy of Art and Russian painter Vasily Vereshchagin. The cathedral has faced numerous transformations throughout its history. During World War I, German troops used it as a Lutheran church. In the early 1960s, Soviet authorities closed the cathedral, repurposing it as a planetarium and later a restaurant. Following Latvia's independence in 1991, the cathedral was restored to its original purpose as a place of worship. The restoration, which began in the late 1990s, was seen as a symbol of Latvia's cultural and religious rebirth. Today, the cathedral holds regular Orthodox services and is open to visitors.