Communications…essential in a society. If you look closely you will find many means of communication in this picture. Which ones do you see?
This is Antonio in the reception at ”Garni Dolce Vita” hotel in Locarno, Switzerland/Italy.
See more communications visiting Sylvain Landry.
Riga is situated on the river Daugava. 2010 the inhabitants were 706 413, a third of Latvia’s population, and the city is the biggest in the Baltic area.
The header shows a picture of the House of Blackheads. The story about this building starts in the 14th century, when there were three city guilds established: one for craft, one for trade and the third guild of the foreign traders – the Blackheads.
Riga has so much to offer a visitor – in this post I will share some of my favourite impressions from streets and corners – daytime and night time. Later posts will include architecture of old Latvia and of Jurmala – the old seaside resort, now being slowly restored to its former glory after being neglected during the Soviet time.
First out – the puppet theatre, where we were fortunate enough to sneak in and talk to one of the puppeteers. He let us take some photos but wasn’t very English speaking. Very sweet though. We understand that this art form is much more revered in the Baltic countries – they have performances every day.
Visit Ailsa’s and Where’s my Backpack? for more colours and paint! Because there is paint…and there is paint…
An open door in the streets of Riga.
The traditional Russian Doll.
A happy place where I can relax and get away from a busy life…WPC wants to know my secrets…and then they are secret no more. Near and far, some easily reached when needed, some only in my world of memories.
For more secrets, click here.
Sitting in my garden listening to bees humming in the flowers.
Walking in ”my” forest every day…
Far away…not easily reachable, but still…in my memory a place of utmost happiness.
Coromandel, NZ.
The Art Nouveau movement in Europe was the architectural answer to the literary Modernist movement, starting in the 19th century.
Smilšu iela (street) 2 – (1902). One of the best examples of Jugend in Riga. The peacock typical of Jugend style and the sculptures featuring one of the most beautiful Jugend women in Riga.
The Art Nouveau movement reached its peak in the early 20th century, which is when the majority of Riga’s Art Nouveau houses were built. Riga’s term, Jugendstil, originates from the German and Scandinavian movement named after the avant-garde periodical Jugend (”Youth”). Art Nouveau was a reaction to the 19th century Academic art, and ”was inspired by natural forms and structures, not only in flowers and plants, but also in curved lines. Architects tried to harmonize with the natural environment.” (Wikipedia)
Tirgonu iela 4
Art Nouveau and Jugend could also have other names in other countries: Art Nouveau in France, Modernismo in Spain, Sezessionsstil in Austria, Stile Liberty or Stile Floreale in Italy.
In order to preserve Old Riga, Riga’s wooden buildings and the Art Nouveau architecture, the historical centre of Riga has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riga is one of the largest centres of Art Nouveau, with more than a third of the buildings of its Old Town and Central District built in the style; other significant centres include Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna, Krakow, Moscow and St Petersburg.
Elizabetes iela 10A and 10B (1903, M, Eisenstein). Masks, peacocks, geometrical figures and remarkable sculptured heads set among blue tiles.
The main street for Riga’s Art Nouveau district is Elizabetes, which intersects Brivibas Boulevard. Also, Alberta and Strelnieku Streets feature great examples of the style. In total, there are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga.
Most of the Art Nouveau buildings were designed and built by Latvian architects. Buildings by one of the most famous architects, Mikhail Eisenstein (father of director Sergei Eisenstein), can be found at Elizabetes 10a and 10b, as well as at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 8 and 13. Strelnieku Street also features eccentric examples of the style.
In Riga, Art Nouveau might be split into two main directions, decorative and romantic-nationalistic The latter Art Nouveau style can be seen in the buildings by Latvian architects E. Laube, K. Peksens, and A. Vanags, such as those on Terbatas Street 15/17 and Brivibas Street 47, 58, and 62.
The day we had reserved for ”hunting” these architectural wonders started out in rain – so, here are featured only a few of the great buildings we tried to find.
Alberta iela 4(1904, M Eisenstein) is considered to be the most elegant and original eclectic decorative Jugend house in Riga. Three Medusa heads, mouths wide open, above the corniche, the façade covered with eagles and lions and in the middle of the building a woman’s head flying, symbolizing the sun and protection.
What is Art Nouveau then? It is defined as an ornamental style whose main motifs are nature, references to antiquity and mythology. Architecturally, it is characterised by its functional structure and a richly decorated façade, including window and door openings, bay windows, reliefs, sculptures, ornamental lines or areas and stained glass. However, the interior design is just as essential an element in Art Nouveau.
Things of great beauty might reveal a grim Latvian past …On this house we could read:
We should be rather satisfied with our finds, only having three days in total for Riga and its surroundings. Some of these houses were found just roaming around in the City Centre. Finally, some exquisite details!
Leya 
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