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The Freedom Monument: A Symbol of Latvian Independence

A towering symbol of Latvia's freedom and unity, the Freedom Monument in Riga commemorates the nation's struggle for independence.

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The Freedom Monument in Riga stands as a powerful symbol of Latvia's independence, unity, and freedom. Unveiled in 1935, this 42.7-meter-tall monument commemorates the soldiers who perished during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920) and serves as a focal point for public gatherings and official ceremonies.

A brief summary to The Freedom Monument

Local tips

  • Visit during the changing of the guard (9 am to 6 pm hourly) for a brief but poignant display of respect and tradition.
  • Take time to examine the sculptures and reliefs around the monument's base, each telling a story of Latvian history and culture.
  • The monument is a popular meeting spot, so be prepared for crowds, especially during public holidays and events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Freedom Monument is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of Riga's city center and Old Town. From the Old Town, simply walk along Kalku iela towards Brivibas bulvaris. The monument will be directly in front of you as you emerge from the Old Town.

  • Public Transport

    Many buses, trams, and trolleybuses stop near the Freedom Monument. Check the Riga public transport website (rigassatiksme.lv) or use the Mobilly app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50. Validate your ticket upon boarding.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride from most central locations to the Freedom Monument will typically cost between €6 and €10, depending on traffic and the specific company. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about The Freedom Monument

Located on Brīvības bulvāris (Freedom Boulevard) between Old Riga and Central Riga, the Freedom Monument is more than just an impressive work of art; it's a testament to the Latvian people's enduring spirit. Erected in 1935 on the site where a statue of the Russian ruler Peter the Great once stood, the monument was funded entirely by public donations, highlighting its significance to the Latvian people. The monument's design, by sculptor Kārlis Zāle and architect Ernests Štālbergs, features 56 sculptures arranged in thirteen groups across four levels, each depicting key moments and figures in Latvian history and culture. At the base, the inscription "For Fatherland and Freedom" (Tēvzemei un Brīvībai) encapsulates the monument's core message. The base level symbolizes the nation's work ethic, spiritual strength and striving for independence. Higher up, allegorical figures like Lāčplēsis, the Latvian folk hero, and Chain Breakers represent the fight for freedom. Crowning the monument is a 9-meter-tall copper statue of Liberty, affectionately known as Milda, holding three gilded stars aloft. These stars symbolize Latvia's three historical regions: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. Remarkably, the Freedom Monument survived the Soviet occupation, although its symbolism was temporarily reinterpreted. Gatherings at the monument were forbidden, but it became a rallying point for independence movements in the late 1980s. Today, a two-man honor guard stands at the base, and the changing of the guard occurs every hour from 9 am to 6 pm. The Freedom Monument remains a central landmark in Riga, a place for both commemoration and celebration.

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