Background

The Three Brothers: A Glimpse into Riga's Architectural Past

Explore Riga's oldest residential complex, a trio of medieval houses showcasing centuries of architectural evolution in the heart of Old Town.

4.4

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 Riga's rich history and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Local tips

  • Visit the Latvian Museum of Architecture, located within the Three Brothers, to delve deeper into the city's architectural history.
  • Explore the courtyard behind the buildings to see historical construction details from lost Riga architecture.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Riga's Old Town to fully appreciate the historical context and significance of the Three Brothers.
widget icon

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 the Riga Cathedral, walk north on Herdera laukums, then turn left onto Mazā Pils iela. The Three Brothers will be on your right. The walk is short and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Riga's public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trolleybuses, provides convenient access to Old Town. Several routes stop near the Three Brothers. Check the Riga public transport website (rigassatiksme.lv) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride within Old Town should cost around €6-€8, but confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. Be aware of potentially inflated prices from unofficial taxis.

Unlock the Best of Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

The Three Brothers, located on Mazā Pils iela, are a complex of three historical houses that stand as the oldest residential dwellings in Riga. These buildings, constructed between the late 15th and 17th centuries, showcase the architectural styles of their respective eras. Legend says that the houses were built by three men of the same family. The oldest of the three, at number 17, dates back to the late 15th century and features Gothic and early Renaissance details, including crow-stepped gables. Originally, it consisted of one large room and an attic used for storage. The middle building, at number 19, was built in 1646 and exhibits Dutch Mannerism influences with a pale yellow exterior. Above the entrance is the inscription "Soli Deo Gloria!" ("Glory to God alone!"). The youngest, at number 21, was constructed in the late 17th century and reflects Baroque architectural trends. Its green facade was meant to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits. Today, the Three Brothers house the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The museum's collection includes a bibliographical list of Latvian architects and a collection of outstanding works. While the museum doesn't have a permanent exhibition, its collections are available to specialists by reservation. The Three Brothers earned the European Heritage Label in 2020, underscoring their significance as a cultural landmark.

Popular Experiences near Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Popular Hotels near Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Select Currency