If you do not know where the Baltic states are located, a map of Europe will tell you its location. This region can be found in the east of this continent, south of the Gulf of Finland, on the coast of the cold Baltic Sea.
Three countries include the Baltic states. The map introduces us to its larger and more powerful neighbors. These are Russia and Germany, Sweden and Poland. The great states bordering it made a considerable, and sometimes quite controversial contribution to the formation and development of this region.
The Baltic states appeared relatively recently. It happened in the twentieth century. In their short history, they managed to visit the USSR. However, at the first opportunity, they joined the European Union.
The Baltic States attract travelers with its historical and natural attractions. Here you can visit interesting and well-preserved or restored castles and churches, as well as palaces. Tourists are also attracted by the medieval centers, which are rightfully proud of the capitals of European countries - Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn.
The Baltic States for the inhabitants of our state is the closest abroad. In her countries they understand the Russian language, but in everything the influence of Europe is visible. The nature in the Baltic is quite diverse. And the beaches of the coast are favorite summer vacation spots. In the southern part of the Baltic, it borders with the Kaliningrad region - the Russian semi-exclave.
Common features of the Baltic states
Many people have the opinion that the region includes three European countries that are similar to each other. Yes, these states have been under the influence of Russia for a long time. After the revolution, they declared their own independence. Before the war with the Nazis (in 1940) , the Baltic countries became part of the USSR. Now they call this event "Soviet occupation."
After the collapse of the Union, the countries in question decided to take a course towards European integration and declared independence. Now all three Baltic states are members of the European Union, are in the Schengen area and are included in NATO. These countries abolished the borders between themselves and introduced the euro instead of the national currency (in Lithuania this will happen from 2015). The indicated points (in addition to geographical location) are similarities between these states.
Differences of the Baltic States
If you carefully study the history and culture of the three countries, it becomes clear that they are not at all similar to each other. Relation is observed only between the Lithuanian and Latvian languages. Estonian is close to Finnish.
Discrepancies are also observed in faith. So, Estonia for the most part adheres to Lutheranism. Orthodoxy is less common here. Lithuania is considered a purely Catholic country, but in Latvia you can find all three of these religions.
The Baltic states on the world map, consisting of three states, appeared only in the twentieth century. In the Middle Ages in this region there was only one country - Lithuania. It was an independent political force and left a significant mark on the territory of not only neighboring Belarus, but also Ukraine. Temples erected in the Vilnius Baroque style are still preserved here. The current capitals of European countries - Riga and Tallinn - became centers of states only in the twentieth century.
Nature
Many still have a stereotype that the Baltic states are pine trees growing on the coast. Indeed, sandy beaches stretch here for hundreds of kilometers, so there is enough space for everyone. However, rocky shores are also found in Estonia, as well as high cliffs overgrown with rose hips and junipers. In some places, this is almost the tundra.
The continental landscape of the Baltic states is the most diverse. So, the nature of Estonia resembles the north of Russia. East Latvia pleases with its beautiful river valleys and sandstone cliffs. As for the territory of Lithuania, here the nature is similar to Central Russian.
Way of life
All Baltic states have one thing in common. This is a way of life characteristic of all three countries. It formed after they gained their independence. What are its features manifested in? First of all, in high consumer activity. In the Baltic countries one can see large shopping centers and supermarkets that work until late. At the same time, peasant markets and primitive flea markets were preserved here. In all three countries, everywhere you can pay with a credit card and eat not a hamburger, but full-fledged hot food. They make coffee in the machine and give out free Wi-Fi. That is why those who have become accustomed to in one country can easily navigate in the other two.
Visit Latvia
Suppose you decide to take a closer look at the Baltic states, and the end point of your route is Riga. What country is this wonderful city? Riga is the administrative center of Latvia. The city is located on both banks of the Daugava River (Western Dvina) , where it flows into the Gulf of Riga. If you need to determine where Riga is located on the world map, then look for it in Eastern Europe on the territory of the Baltic states.
Landscape
Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic states. The name of this settlement in translation from the ancient local dialect sounds like "backwater, backwash, bend." In other words, a place near the bay.
The landscape of the city is characterized by a large number of small lakes and streams. These reservoirs represent almost a fifth of the total area occupied by Riga. What country in Europe can boast such a magnificent natural landscape? What is the reason for the presence of so many lakes and streams? They appeared in this area not by chance. Their occurrence was promoted by the last ice age.
The central regions of the capital of Latvia were built on the territory in the lower reaches of the Daugava River. The northern part of the city is located on the coast of the Gulf of Riga. In the southern and eastern zones there are practically no residential buildings, since there are many swamps and marshes. In former times, they were a natural barrier protecting the city from enemies.
In the north and east, Riga is surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and wastelands. In the north-west, the capital of Latvia is washed by the Baltic waters. The western suburbs of Riga is the famous Jurmala.
This is a resort area, in the territory of which there are a large number of health resorts. Various festivals are held here.
Climate
The city of Riga (Latvia) will meet you in warm, humid summers and snowy winters with numerous thaws. This is due to the temperate continental climate of the territory in which the capital is located. In summer, the average air temperature is twenty degrees above zero, and in winter the thermometer’s column rarely drops below minus three.
By mid-December, Riga is completely covered by snow, which lies in the city until early March. The capital cannot boast of a clear sunny sky. There are almost half cloudy days here during the year. Despite this, there is little rainfall in the city.
Administrative staff
The territory of Riga is divided into three regions. Among them are Ziemelsky, Kurzeme and Central. The city also has three suburbs. These are Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale. They are divided into several small microdistricts.
History
The first records about the place of Riga were made in the annals of 1198. Since 1201, this settlement has become the city chosen by the Bishop of Livonia as his residence. The Swedes conquered Riga in 1621. Since 1710, the city became part of Russia. In 1919, Riga became the capital of the Republic of Latvia, since 1940 - the administrative center of the Latvian SSR. And now Riga is the capital of which country? Since 1991, this city has been the heart of Latvia. The city of Riga is the seat of the president, government and parliament.
sights
You need to start acquaintance with the capital of Latvia from the area where its first stones were once laid. This is the so-called Old Riga. This part of the city is a magnificent architectural and historical ensemble, on the territory of which there are about one hundred and sixty monuments of ancient architecture.
The most famous building in Old Riga is the Dome Cathedral. Every tourist who has visited the capital of Latvia must visit it and listen to the famous organ. The cathedral was founded as early as 1211. The end of the thirteenth century is considered the period of completion of construction. Throughout the history of its existence, the building has been rebuilt several times. So, side chapels were built, and in the Romanesque style appeared gothic features. The crown of the cathedral was the baroque tower, which has a height of ninety meters, on the spire of which is a golden rooster. Now this building has become a symbol of the city.
In 1601, an organ was installed in the Dome Cathedral. He is rightfully proud of Riga. Which country's capital can boast such an instrument? Dome organ is unique in its beauty of sound. Today it is one of the largest in the world.
The majestic monument of medieval architecture is Petra Church, located on Skarnyu Street. The construction of this structure began in 1209. In 1941, the church building was destroyed. To date, the monument has been completely restored. From its observation deck offers a magnificent view of the Baltic capital.
If Latvia (Riga) is chosen as the place of your stay, a map of the city will certainly be needed. It will help you quickly navigate the streets of the Baltic capital. Near the church of Peter you will find Castle Square. It is also a famous landmark of Old Riga. On this square you can admire the Order of the Crusaders Castle, which was built in the XIV century. It is called Riga Castle. In the old days, this building housed the residence of the Magistrate of the Livonian Order. After the rulers of Poland and Sweden lived in Riga Castle. Since the end of the seventeenth century, this building has become the residence of the Governor General of Russia. Today, the castle houses several museums. Their expositions acquaint visitors with the history of Latvia, foreign art, as well as the history of literature and art of the country. The castle has a small courtyard. It houses a permanent exhibition of garden sculptures.
Continuing the tour of the Old Town, you can see another monument of medieval architecture. It is the Powder, or Sand Tower. This is the only surviving structure that was part of the defensive fortifications of Riga. The tower, erected in 1650, has a height of 25.5 m, and its diameter is 14.5 m. This building has three-meter-long blank walls laid out of red brick. And only in some places in the tower there are narrow windows-loopholes. The majestic and powerful structure makes a lasting impression.
On the map of the city is to find Tornia street. This is where the Swedish Gate is located. They were pierced in 1698 in the fortress wall. Passing under the arch of these gates, you can see the Church of St. James. Above this building, built in 1225, rises the Gothic spire, on top of which there is a golden cockerel.
Riga - Europe. That is why in the capital of Latvia you can find buildings that housed the Big and Small Guilds. This is a characteristic feature of all medieval European cities. Guilds were associations of privileged citizens. Riga was no exception. So, the Great Guild in the city included merchants of German descent, and the Small Guild included artisans.
Old Riga invites you to visit the architectural ensemble of the 15th century, which is called "Three Brothers". He will give an idea of how the medieval dwelling was arranged.
On the territory of the ancient part of the city are the most famous metropolitan cafes. Among them are the Old Riga and Thirteen Chairs establishments. You can order a black balm in them, prepared according to a recipe that has come down to us from the Middle Ages.
In its central part, the city of Riga (see photo below) is much younger. This region is characterized by a variety of architectural styles. The buildings in the central area of the city are beautiful and elegant.
The border of Old Riga is the Bastion Hill. This is a kind of monument, which recalls the redevelopment made in the city in the middle of the XIX century. It was then that the moats and bastions of the Old part of the capital were demolished. After all, they completely lost their mission as defensive structures. In the place where the sand bastion used to be, the Bastion Hill was built. The moat turned into the City Canal.
The new city center was finally formed by the end of the XIX century. On the site of the demolished structures, wide boulevards and streets were laid on which public, administrative and residential buildings were built. The decoration of the new center of Riga was the parks created in the late XIX - early XX centuries.
Attention of tourists is attracted by the Latvian Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, which is located near the Bastion Hill. It was built in 1863. Initially, the building was erected for the German Riga Theater. The composer R. Wagner worked in it, there were tours of R. Schumann and F. Liszt, as well as many other celebrities.
If you go to
Jan Rainis Boulevard
, you can see the largest educational institution in Latvia - State University. The building was built in 1866-1869. Initially, it housed a polytechnic school, subsequently transformed into an institute, and then into a university. It is worth taking a leisurely walk along Jan Rainis Boulevard, because it is one of the most beautiful in Riga. Here are the squares, which were laid out in the style of an English garden, which has a free layout. As ornaments of the green territory, decorative sculptures were used. The capital of Latvia has always been proud of its boulevards, squares, parks and gardens. Green spaces in many places adorn sculptural compositions.
The Central Park of Riga - Lesnoy is noteworthy. On its territory is a large stage for singing groups. Not far from Lesnoy there is a Zoological Garden. There is a Song Festival park in Riga, which hosts the Latvian folk art festival.
A landmark of Riga is the Freedom Monument built in 1935. It is a sculpture of a woman holding three stars above her head. This is a symbol of the freedom of the city. The stars crowning the monument are visible from the territory of many parks in the capital of Latvia.
The sights of Riga can be safely attributed to the central market, which is one of the largest indoor structures of this kind in Europe.