The Nativity of Christ Cathedral

This beautiful Cathedral was discovered while we’re enjoying the snow along the roadside in Riga, Latvia. I have been searching for the name of this cathedral and found out that the name’s ‘The Nativity of Christ Cathedral’ (Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle), It was designed Nikolai Chagin in a Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883. Therefore it resembles the Soviet Union era architecture 

Being the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic provinces, it was built during the era of Russian Tsar Alexander II. The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is renowned for its icons, some of which were painted by Vasili Vereshchagin. 

During World War I, it was turned in to a Lutheran church and back into Orthodox again in the year 1921 German troops occupied Riga and turned its largest Russian Orthodox cathedral into a Lutheran church. In independent Latvia the Nativity of Christ Cathedral once again became an Orthodox cathedral in 1921. In the early 1960s Soviet authorities converted its building into a planetarium. And once again it was restored in the year 1991 after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in the year 1991. 

Source: Wikipedia 2013

It has been snowing heavily in the Feb 2012 and the ground was covered with at least 20 cm thick snow. 

Since it was closed on that day, I was only able to capture the stunning external architecture of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral

Footprint of hcvvorld @ Riga, Latvia

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Bird's Eye View of Old Riga, Latvia

Remember my previous post about the Medieval and Gothic St. Peter's Church? I promised that I would post an another follow-up on the bird's eye view of Old Riga from the top of St. Peter's Church tower. Be sure to head to the top even though it is winter at that time. Indeed when I reached the top, the wind was very strong and the wind chill factor did numb my face and hand. Yes it was 'bloody' cold up there but the view was incredibly awesome.

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At the Western side of the tower...overlooking the one and only Railway Bridge (Dzelzceļa tilts) connecting that crosses the Daugava River

At the Eastern side, is an another clock tower overlooking the Vansu Bridge (Vanšu tilts) which is a cable-stayed bridge that crosses the frozen Daugava River. The length of the bridge is 595 meters long and was built during the Soviet period. It was opened to  public use in 1981 as the Gorky Bridge (Gorkija tilts) after Maxim Gorky street.

 Further East of the of Tower brings us more to the UNESCO City Heritage old structure of Riga with the 'Samsung' office further up..

Snows blanketing the structures and buildings everywhere during the subzero winter in February

 This section shows a more modern city centre with a shopping complex and market area 

 

the bottom of this photo shows the old structured town whereby as you move up to the top, the buildings gradually changing to old and modern architecture.

Despite the subzero temperature (between -5 degrees Celcius to -10 degrees Celcius), the view was still spectacular of its own. But I am sure that the Spring and Summer view in Riga would be the best. Hopefully I will be able to visit Riga during other season as well.

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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

 

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Latvia National Opera House

Ever fancy to be part of Phantom of the Opera? Well you shouldn't give it a miss if you are visiting Riga, Latvia. The hall's fabulous with the Soviet Union era designs whereby the tickets are very affordable. (it costs about 25 USD for a very good seating position). Performances ranging from 3 long hours Opera to 2 hours long Ballet Performance. Too bad that video or photos are not allowed during the show

The Front of Latvia National Opera

 

Beautiful entrance and carpeted floor

The main hall from my seating position

Side seating position

The section whereby the orchestra performs their music

Beautiful art carvings and paintings on the wall to be appreciated

 

Dinner, wine, coffee session during the interval

That's me as a proof I'm there :D

Hope you enjoy this post and thank you very much for your support!

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Red Nose Hostel of the Old Riga, Latvia

The very first city I have visited at the Eastern Europe is Riga, Latvia. As my own experience goes by, the very first accommodation will leave either a good or bad experience forever. And yes! I really miss this hostel I have stayed during my four day trip in Riga, Latvia. It's the Red Nose Hostel. A newly opened hostel situated in the middle of the UNESCO City of Riga, Latvia, this hostel offers room starting from 10Ls.

The front of the hostel in which you will be able to identify its trademark man with a red nose

The Red Nose Hostel from far

Colorful old clothes hanging atop is just at the front of the hostel's entrance

One of the few bed rooms available in Red Nose Hostel accompanied with beautiful red blankets to keep your nose from getting red :D

Shared toilets are new and very clean. Shower gels are provided in the toilet.

Kitchen is also provided at your own convenience

 My Review of Red Nose Hostel:

Bathroom Amenities: 

Shower gel is provided for free of charge but towels will be provided for a small sum of money. It would be great if towels are provided for free :D

Internet Wifi: Free high speed internet provided which is very convenient.

Location: 

Strategic location in the middle of UNESCO Old City of Riga, convenient for sight-seeing tour of Riga. Free and very reliable tour advice are provided by young and friendly staff.

The rooms are very clean and the whole buildings are perfectly insulated. Very comfortable stay indeed. 

Overall, I would like to give Red Nose Hostel a rating of 4.5/5 and it is highly recommended for anyone who wants an affordable and yet comfortable stay in Riga, Latvia.

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