UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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Location | Latvia |
Criteria | i, ii |
Reference | 852 |
Coordinates | 56°56′55″N 24°06′30″E / 56.9485°N 24.1082°E |
Inscription | 1997 (21st Session) |
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Vecrīga (Latvian: Old Riga) is the historical center of Riga, Latvia, located on the east side of Daugava River. Vecrīga is famous for its old churches and cathedrals, such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's church.
Vecrīga is the original area of Riga and consists of the historic city limits before the city was greatly expanded in the late 19th century. In the old days, Vecrīga was protected by a surrounding wall except the side adjacent to the Daugava river bank. When the wall was torn down, the waters from Daugava filled the space creating (Riga City Canal).
In the 1980s Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".
The House of the Blackheads in Vecrīga
Reconstructed section of the medieval city wall
Riga Castle in Vecrīga
Riga Town Hall in Vecrīga
Houses and streets in Vecrīga, with an aerial view of the town hall
Coordinates: 56°57′0″N 24°6′30″E / 56.95000°N 24.10833°E