Many of our "overview" pictures were taken from the tower of St. Peters. There was another exhibit going on at the church (admission fee, but we weren't interested) so we didn't get a lot of pictures inside St. Peters. The entrance was really nicer than the overview picture at the right suggests

The Orthodox cathedral was just beyond the freedom monument... this picture from St. Peter's tower does it more justice than the ground-level pictures. The Divine Liturgy was being celebrated when we visited, so out of respect, we did not take inside pictures.

This was one of the Catholic Churches that was still Catholic - not taken over during the protestant reformation (there were two almost next to each other). I bet this one has been rebuilt a few times since 1225

The inside of the church was lovely, quite traditional. One of the churches claimed to have Masses in English, but not during the summer, and the late September date they would start again (mid-afternoon Sundays) was postponed. But if you would like Polish, Latvian, or Russian, we are here for you!

Around the corner from the Plaza where there were so many activities "at the Dome" is the entrance. And it really does have a dome with a gold rooster at the top.
 

In addition to the extraordinary organ, the inside was quite beautiful, only occasionally showing the stress of time with visible steel bracing.

Turn right as you enter the Dome, and you will reach a cloister, with many archeological antiquities. There are multiple theories about this giant head, found near Riga.

The sign in English, reads

Albert, canon in Bremen, was son of a noble family in Bexhovede near Bremen. His step uncle, the Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, appointed Albert Bishop of Livonia in March 1199. Following an order by Pope Innocence III, Bishop Albert strove for the christianization of Livonia. Albert was head of the Brotherhood of Swords, an order founded in 1202.

With the help of merchants from Gotland Albert founded the town of Riga in 1201, and moved the episcopal see from Uxkull to Riga. In 1207 the Staufen King Philipp of Suabia transferred Livonia as a royal fief to Albert and appointed him Prince of the Empire. Bishop Albert dedicated "St. Mary's Land" Livonia to the Mother of God and began with the construction of St. Mary's Cathedral in Riga in 1215.

In 1214 Bishop Albert achieved the independence of the diocese of Riga from Bremen. It was Albert's wish that Riga should become an archbishopric, however his wish only came true after his death. Albert von Buxhoeveden is one of the most outstanding missionary bishops of his time. Before the Reformation the first day of June was dedicated in Riga to St. Albert.

The sign goes on to describe in detail how the original life-size copper statue was constructed in 1897 for the 700th anniversary of Riga, but was lost in World War I. A copy of the original was crafted for the 800th anniversary of the city, and mounted in the original place on the outside wall of the cathedral.

The "Powder Tower" was originally part of the defense system for Riga, and was reconstructed as part of a Museum

This is another of the catholic churches that is still Catholic, near the other Catholic church. Look at the amazing brickwork!

The sign on the church said "Everyone welcome. Please come it." Jenny found the door locked!

Doesn't this look like a nice street - a happy place to live in a wonderful city?