The Freedom Monument of Latvia

It’s been nearly a year since my very first trip to Europe. Latvia (Latvija) has become one of my favourite Eastern European country with it’s beautiful and historical structures and buildings. One of the important structures built is the Freedom Monument of Riga, Latvia.

Considered an important symbol of freedom, independence and sovereignty of Latvia, the Freedom Monument of Riga, Latvia is a monument honouring the soldiers killed during the Latvian Independence War (1918-1920).

Located at the center of old town of Riga on Brīvības bulvāris (Freedom Boulevard), the 42 meters high monument was arranged in thirteen (plus one) groups depicting Latvian culture and history.

Source: Wikipedia, 2013

Tēvzemei un Brīvībai means for 'Fatherland and Freedom'

it was during sub zero temperature at that time and the monument was covered with snow all over..what a sight :D

A closeup view of the Liberty lifting three gilded stars

At the bottom red granite sculpture means "Work" depicting a fisherman, a craftsman and a farmer, who stands in the middle holding a scythe decorated with oak leaves and acorns to symbolize strength and manhood); at the top left sculpture means  Lāčplēsis" the name of the Bear-Slayer, an epic Latvian folk hero

On the right in the middle, means 'Latvia'

the red granite sculpture means Guards of the Fatherland depicting an ancient Latvian warrior standing between two kneeling modern soldiers while the sculpture just on top means "Vaidelotis" a Baltic pagan priest.