St. Peter's Church, Lutheran church in Old Town, Latvia
Description
St. Peter's Church is a Lutheran church in central Riga built from red brick with a slender metal spire rising 123 meters (404 feet) above street level. The tower houses viewing platforms that open onto the rooftops of the old town and the Daugava below.
History
The church was founded in 1201 during the Baltic crusades as a gathering place for the merchant community. In 1352 the building received its first public clock, marking time for the growing town.
Culture
The name honors the apostle Peter and reflects the seafaring heritage of the merchant community that gathered here for worship. Today visitors encounter a soaring interior with tall arches and plain walls that create a sense of quiet space in the busy old town.
Practical
The church opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays for evening tower visits. An elevator inside provides access to the viewing platforms.
Did you know?
The tower was rebuilt several times through the centuries, including a wooden version from 1690 that stood as the tallest wooden structure in the world. After a fire during World War II, the tower received its current metal framework.
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