Jewish Heritage in Riga Art Nouveau (3h)
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More about this private tour
This Half Day private tour is not just a Jewish Heritage tour in Riga. It focuses on Art Nouveau as well as in Jewish Heritage, and that is why historic places like the Riga Ghetto Museum are not included in this tour.
The main highlights of the tour will a series of exceptional Art Nouveau buildings designed by Jewish architect Paul Mandelstamm and civil engineer Mikhail Eisenstein, two important contributors of Art Nouveau in Riga. In addition to the sight of all these buildings, some of which are real gems of Riga’s architecture, you will also visit the Synagogue , located in the Old Riga quarter.
Through centuries the Riga and Jewish history has been so interwoven that it is almost inseparable. Jews played and play an important role in the country’s economical and cultural life. In this guided private tour you will discover the histories hidden in the buildings that your private guide will unfold.
All this makes this tour both Exclusive and Unique. If you love Art Nouveau and are interested in the Jewish Heritage, this tour is a MUST!
Hotels in Riga
If you’re planning a visit to Riga, you’ll find an array of excellent hotels in three distinct and charming areas: the Art Nouveau district, the Old Town, and the Park area. Each offers a unique experience and convenient access to the city’s attractions.
Art Nouveau District
The Art Nouveau district, also known as the “Embassy district” or “the Quiet Centre,” is renowned for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Here, you can stay at Hestia Hotel Jugend, A22 Hotel, or AC Hotel Riga. These hotels are all within a short walk or taxi ride from Riga’s main shopping streets and the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings for which the city is famous.
Hestia Hotel Jugend is housed in an Art Nouveau building, offering guests a taste of historical elegance combined with modern comforts. While it may not have the striking appearance of Neiburgs Hotel, it remains a solid choice for its quality and location.
A22 Hotel andAC Hotel Riga both provide contemporary accommodations with high standards, making them excellent options for travelers who prefer modern amenities in a historic setting.
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Staying here immerses you in the historical heart of the city.
Neiburgs Hotel stands out as a jewel in the Old Town. This family-owned Art Nouveau era property, located next to the Dom Cathedral, has been meticulously preserved, radiating a century-old romantic charm. If you want to experience living inside an art nouveau masterpiece, Neiburgs is the place to be.
Other notable mentions in the Old Town include the Grand Palace Hotel Riga and Dome Hotel. Both offer luxurious stays with the added benefit of being steps away from historical landmarks, charming cafes, and lively markets.
Park Area
For those who enjoy lush green spaces and panoramic views, the Park area in Riga is an ideal choice. It offers proximity to beautiful parks, as well as modern amenities.
Facing the Opera House, you’ll find the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, which provides opulent accommodations and easy access to cultural performances and the bustling city center.
On the other side of the city park stands the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, the tallest building around. This hotel not only offers stunning views over Riga but also boasts excellent facilities, including a spa and conference center. The Radisson Blu brand has several other properties in the city, all maintaining a high standard of service and comfort.
Each of these areas and their respective hotels offer something unique, whether it’s the architectural splendor of the Art Nouveau district, the historical ambiance of the Old Town, or the green, scenic Park area. Wherever you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a memorable and comfortable experience in Riga.
Description
Itinerary
This unique three hours walking private tour will help you discover the Jewish Heritage in Riga’s Art Nouveau. This exclusive tour is conducted by a local historian specialised both in Jewish history of Riga and Art Nouveau architecture.
Your private guide will show you the Jewish Heritage in two areas of the city of Riga: the Old Riga (in the Old Town) and the Art Nouveau District (also called “The Quiet Center”). These are the two areas of the City that first adopted this Art Style and are key to understand the influence of Jewish architects in Riga.
First, in the Old Town you will enjoy the ten best buildings of Paul Mandelstamm. He was a Jewish architect murdered by the Nazis in 1941. Mandelstamm designed more than 50 buildings in the city and worked on the construction of the first electric tram line in Riga in 1900–1901. Mandelstamm is a key figure of the Perpendicular trend within Latvian Jugendstil movement.
In the same area, you will visit the Art Nouveau style Synagogue Peitav-Shul, built in 1905 and consecrated the same year. It was the only synagogue which survived the Holocaust in Riga. During the Nazi occupations it was used as a warehouse and the building was not burned to the ground as others had been due to its lose proximity to other houses in Old Riga. Nowadays one of the only two active in Latvia (the other one is located in Daugavpils). You will see texts in Hebrew there.
During the Old Riga walk you will see may other examples of Art Nouveau as well as special neighborhoods and buildings, for example the building were the famous photographer Philippe Halsman lived.
On your way to the Art Nouveau District you will pass by the museum “Jews in Riga“ that is located in the former Jewish club, currently Riga Jewish community center. One of architects was Paul Mandelstamm. A visit of the Museum as a part of your private tour is optional. In the same building a coffee and kosher food is available.
Finally, the Jewish civil engineer Mikhail Eisenstein, the most popular Art Nouveau Architect north of Paris, a designer with a similar recognition like with Gaudí in Barcelona and Lavirotte in Paris or Horta in Brussels. Most of Eisenstein buildings are located in Albert Street, and each of them has an interesting history that will amuse and entertain you. He is the main figure of the Decorative Eclecticism trend within Latvian Jugendstil movement.
The history in Riga and the Jewish heritage is connected and during this tour your private guide will tell you about it. You will be accompanied during all the walk by the perfect guide to discover the rich Jewish Heritage that the Latvian capital has to offer.
History of Jews in Riga/Latvia
By 1881 the local Jewish community in Riga consisted of more than fourteen thousand members (8% of the overall city population) and grew up to almost twenty five thousand when Latvia became independent 40 years later. If you are interested in some facts about the History of Jews in the city of Riga Click HERE.
The presence of Jewish in Latvia is confirmed by Jewish tombstones dating back to the 14th century, when Latvia was ruled by the knights of the Livonian Order. More information about the History of Jews in Latvia can be found in the Jews in Latvia museum website. Click HERE to read about th Judaistic history in Latvia.
Riga, a paradise for Art Nouveau lovers, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list by virtue of the outstanding quality and quantity of Art Nouveau buildings, which is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The walk will lead you from Old Riga to the Art Nouveau district in the Quiet Centre of Riga.
Pickup & Drop Off
Pick up for this tour is flexible and can be done in your hotel/accommodation (within Riga old town or Art Nouveau District) or at the cruise ship terminal in Riga Cruise Port – Passenger Port (near Old Riga).
The guide will leave you in the other area of the city, so time is well spent visiting new places during the three hours of the tour. Tour can also end at the ship terminal, according to your interests.
Inclusions
Professional fully licensed guiding service. Our guide will also be flexible to alter the route according to your wishes. The time to start the tour will be at the visitors convenience.
Exclusions
Entrance fee to the Synagogue. It is possible to visit the Synagogue everyday except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. If you are visitors are practicing Jews they can visit inside during the service on your own.
Entrance fee to Museum Jews in Latvia (Optional) is closed on Friday and Saturday.
For clients who have problem walking (2-3 km) we there is the option to go from Old Town to Alberta street by car/taxis. If interested, check the option below the calendar. In our opinion, walking is nice so we only recommend this option to people who don’t like, or have difficulties, walking.
We will suggest you to continue the journey having lunch in a restaurant with an Art Nouveau interior or special for Jewish cuisine. Your guide will recommend you several options.