Riga Castle
Riga Castle features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Riga. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Riga Riga guide
About Riga Castle
Founded by the Livonian Order in 1330 and rebuilt many times, Riga Castle is the Latvian president's official residence; a 2013 fire gutted its Red Hall before restoration.
Riga Castle stands on the bank of the Daugava at the northern edge of the Old Town. Founded in 1330 by the Livonian Order, it was thoroughly rebuilt between 1497 and 1515, extended with spacious annexes under Swedish rule in 1641, and repeatedly altered between the 17th and 19th centuries, so little visible fabric dates from its founding. Since 1922 it has been the residence of the President of Latvia, and parts have housed national museum collections.
On the evening of 20 June 2013 a major fire damaged roofs, the attic and upper floors, affecting about 3,200 square metres; the Red Hall was almost completely destroyed, while other state rooms suffered less. After restoration, President Raimonds Vejonis resumed work in the castle in August 2016. As a working presidential residence, interior access is limited to specific museum and event areas. The castle lies within the Historic Centre of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Did you know? Riga Castle was founded in 1330, but so many rebuildings followed - a thorough reconstruction of 1497-1515, Swedish wings in 1641, and later additions - that very little of the original medieval fabric survives today.
How long is a visit to Riga Castle?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Riga Castle. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Riga Castle worth your time?
Riga Castle is among the 21 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Riga, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Riga
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Riga Castle and read more:
Day 1 of the Riga in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Riga Castle
Preview the Riga tour free in the Gingerguide app.