House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads is an ornate building facing Town Hall Square, featuring a Baroque facade with stepped gables and decorated columns at its entrances. Inside, visitors find grand halls, historic silver collections, and underground cellars that retain their medieval character.

The structure was founded in 1334 as a gathering place for merchants and underwent several renovations over the centuries. It was destroyed during the war and carefully rebuilt in the late 1990s.

The Brotherhood of Blackheads shaped Riga's social and commercial life as a guild for unmarried merchants and shipowners. Their influence on local traditions remains visible in the events and gatherings still held here today.

The building sits directly on the central Town Hall Square, making it easy to locate and access on foot from the historic center. Plan to spend at least an hour walking through the rooms and exploring the underground sections.

The medieval cellar beneath the building holds original walls and wooden stairs dating back to the 14th century. This underground chamber offers visitors a direct connection to the earliest days of the structure.

Location: Riga

Architectural style: Baroque

Address: Rātslaukums

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +37166957225

Website: http://melngalvjunams.lv

GPS coordinates: 56.94714,24.10692

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:05