CASTLE OF RĪGAS (RĪGAS PILS)
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Along the bank of the Daugava River stands the imposing Rīga Castle, built between 1330 and 1353 by the Livonian order. In the 15th century, the archives mention that this castle was already in ruins and renovation work was not completed until 1515. In 1988, for the first time since the Soviet occupation, the Latvian national flag is raised on its tower. Today, the castle is the residence of the President of the Republic. It also houses the Museum of Latvian History, the Museum of Literature Rainis and the Museum of Foreign Art. Walking along the Palace on the left, you can get to the bank of the Daugava River, near the Poļu Bridge. From there, the Yellow Palace will present itself in all its splendor.
Nearby: the statue of the Great Christopher (Lielas Kristaps), the protector of the city against bad weather and other natural disasters. Since the 16th century, his statue is venerated, but the original is now in the walls of the Museum of Latvian History. Legend has it that this man was so tall that he carried his fellow citizens across the Daugava on his back. One stormy night, it was the infant Jesus himself that the Great Christopher brought back to shore against all odds. In the morning, the child disappeared, but a huge pile of gold and jewels took its place. It is with this fortune that the giant is said to have founded Rīga. Even today, flowers and candles show the deep respect Latvians have for this legendary figure.
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