Swedish Gate

Old Rīga


Built into the city’s medieval walls in 1698 while the Swedes were in power, this arched gate is the only one left in Old Rīga. Set in the largest surviving section of the town walls, it leads into Trokšnu iela, Old Rīga’s narrowest and most atmospheric street.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Old Rīga attractions

1. Jacob's Barracks

0.06 MILES

The entire north side of Torņa iela is flanked by the custard-coloured 18th-century Jacob’s Barracks, inhabited by cafes and boutiques.

2. St James' Cathedral

0.08 MILES

Built in 1225, this church has ping-ponged many times between Catholic and Protestant, and has been home to many languages and communities, including…

3. Arsenāls Exhibition Hall

0.09 MILES

Behind a row of granite heads depicting Latvia's most prominent artists, the imperial arsenal, constructed in 1832 to store weapons for the Russian tsar's…

4. Latvian War Museum

0.09 MILES

The round Powder Tower dates back to the 14th century and is the only survivor of the 18 original towers that punctuated the old city walls. Nine Russian…

5. Three Brothers

0.1 MILES

Tallinn has its Three Sisters, so Rīga has dubbed three of its old stone houses the Three Brothers. These architectural gems conveniently line up in a…

6. Cat House

0.12 MILES

The spooked black cats mounted on the turrets of this 1909 art nouveau–influenced building have become symbols of Rīga and Instagram stars. On any tour,…

7. Art Museum Rīga Bourse

0.12 MILES

Rīga’s lavishly restored 1852 stock exchange building is a worthy showcase for the city's art treasures. The elaborate facade features a coterie of…

8. Statue of Rūdolfs Blaumanis

0.16 MILES

One of Latvia's greatest writers, Blaumanis (1863-1908) wrote the short story 'In the Shadow of Death.' one of his most famous works. This statue was…