The old city walls

Not much remains of the old city as Riga has been destroyed on numerous occasions by Crusaders, Swedes, Germans and the Soviets to name a few but there are a couple of really old bits that still exist

The Swedish Gate located in the one remaining peice of the old city wall - legend has it that it was called the Swedish Gate as it was were the Swedish troops were garrisoned - also, it was the home of the City executioner and apparently, he would place a red rose in the window when he was being asked to cut someone's head off that day - charming!

The Old City walls - unfortunately, these were rebuilt in the Soviet era and so do not look that old but it gives you an idea of the formidable defences that the city once boasted

The Powder Tower - this is one of the oldest remaining parts of the city and now hosts the Latvian Museum of War