City walls in Riga, Medieval defensive structure in Old Town, Latvia
The city walls of Riga are a fortification system made of stone sections that include surviving walls, towers, and gates surrounding the Old Town center. These defensive structures form a ring around the historical urban core and remain partially visible from various angles throughout the area.
Construction of the walls began in the 13th century under German knights to defend the growing settlement. The structures were expanded and rebuilt multiple times over the following centuries, particularly during periods of Swedish and Russian control.
The walls display construction techniques and architectural styles from different rulers who controlled the city over time. These influences appear visibly in the stonework patterns and gate designs that visitors can examine today.
Visitors can access well-preserved sections of the walls near the Swedish Gate and Powder Tower for easy exploration. Guided tours are available year-round to provide insights into the structure and history of these fortifications.
After the walls lost their defensive purpose, residents built houses directly into them, using the stone structure as part of their own homes. This integration created an unusual architectural solution where medieval fortification and domestic space became tightly woven together.
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