Description
The first volume introduces 1196 streets, squares and bridges on the right bank of the Daugava River in Riga, their history, name changes, and notable landmarks located there. Readers will also gain deeper insight into the development of Riga’s neighborhoods and their street networks. The street descriptions are enriched with stories about significant events that took place there, as well as contemporary and historical maps. A visual impression of Riga’s past and present is provided by about 500 historical and modern photographs.
The second volume covers the streets, squares and bridges on the left bank of the Daugava, exploring their origins, name changes, and important landmarks. It also provides a broader view of the development of Riga’s neighborhoods and street networks, complemented by stories of historical events, as well as modern and historical maps. This volume is illustrated with another 500 photographs, both past and present.
Author Edgars Lecis explains:
“Streets are an essential component of any city as a unified structure. They are not only transport arteries but also carry social and representative functions. For centuries, city streets were almost the only place where a person could step outside their closest social environment – to a large extent, they reflected the city’s economic, demographic and national characteristics in a given historical period.”
Special thanks for cooperation in the making of the book to the National Library of Latvia and the National Archives of Latvia.
