Medieval and Gothic St. Peter's Church of Riga, Latvia

First mention of the St. Peter's Church in ancient chronicles was dated back to 1209. The church was a masonry construction and therefore undamaged by a city fire in Riga that year. St. Peter's was a Catholic church until 1523, when it turned Lutheran. It has collapsed and was rebuilt several times. According to their belief to see how long it would last, the builders would hurl a glass from the top of the tower. The more pieces the glass broke into, the greater the tower's longevity. Well, 1 piece of glass is equivalent to year?

Fancy gothic and the medieval history? The history of the church can be divided into three distinct periods. Two associated with Gothic and Romanesque building styles, the third with the early Baroque period. The second period dates to 1408–09 while the third period of construction dates to 1671–90, with the construction of the western facade and the new tower. 

It's worth to explore the nave too for a glance at the Gothic interior, or better still take the lift to the observation platform for spectacular views of the city with a fee of course (next posting :D). Students with student international card, the ISIC would be able to obtain a discounted ticket.

You would also like to look up for more holiday deals around the world including Riga, Latvia. 

 

The Soviet, Medieval, Gothic Exterior Design of the St. Peter's Church

The three identical portals by Bindenshu and Andreas Peterman which were added in 1692.

 

Vertical view way up from the three portals

That's me as a proof that I was there entering one of the 'portals'

As you enter, you will be able to spectate the typical wide and tall nave of an European church

Majestic and tranquil

The Bishop's See

 

Centuries old carved stone in German Language which translates into "Christ is my life, death is my victory,  Niclaus Braunschweig and his heirs" (thanks to my German reading Swedish friend :D)

On the left of the nave there is an exhibition space about the church

 Beautiful Architectural Design of their time