Rātslaukums, Historic town square in central Riga, Latvia.
Rathausplatz is a cobblestone square in central Riga surrounded by reconstructed medieval buildings with colorful facades and the Town Hall at its heart. The Roland statue stands in the center, marking the focal point of this historic gathering space.
The square began as the city's main marketplace in the late 13th century and became the heart of civic life. Extensive destruction during World War II was followed by careful reconstruction based on historical records and archaeological findings.
The square hosts Riga's Christmas market each year and marks where the city's first Christmas tree was erected over 500 years ago. This tradition continues today, bringing residents and visitors together in the same spot their ancestors gathered.
The square sits in Old Town on Kaļķu Street and offers easy access to nearby museums, restaurants, and shops. It serves as a natural meeting point where people can orient themselves and find passages to other parts of the city.
The Roland statue dating from 1897 stands nearly 6 meters tall and once symbolized medieval concepts of justice and municipal freedom. Few such monuments have survived in the Baltic region, making this one particularly noteworthy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
