St. Mary Magdalene's Church

St. Mary Magdalene's Church is a Baroque structure in central Riga featuring white walls, painted ceilings, and numerous religious artworks positioned along the sides. The interior layout follows traditional Catholic church design with a nave leading to an ornate altar area.

Founded in 1301, this building ranks among Latvia's oldest religious structures and has served as a Catholic place of worship continuously through centuries of political upheaval. The church survived various social transformations while maintaining its religious function.

The church serves as a gathering place for the local Catholic community during prayer and religious celebrations. You can observe how people engage in traditional practices and attend services throughout the week.

The church is open daily for visitors to explore the interior and attend services at their convenience. Respectful behavior and modest dress are expected since this is an active place of worship.

The bell tower houses an 18th century mechanical clock mechanism that continues to operate using its original components. This working timepiece represents a rare example of preserved technical craftsmanship from that era.

Location: Central District

Inception: 14 century

Architectural style: Baroque

Address: Mazā Pils iela 2; Klostera iela 2; Klostera iela 4

GPS coordinates: 56.95079,24.10328

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48