Criteria i, ii UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription 1997 | Type Cultural Reference 852 | |
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UNESCO region Europe and North America Restaurants B‑Bārs Restorāns, Rozengrāls, Kalku Varti, Pullman Riga Old Town, The Cat's House Hotels Vecriga, Wellton Centrum Hotel & S, Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA, Grand Palace Hotel, Rixwell Old Riga Palace H, Pullman Riga Old Town | ||
Vecrīga (Latvian: Old Riga) is the historical center of Riga, Latvia, located on the east side of Daugava River. Vecrīga is famous for its old churches and cathedrals, such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's church.
Contents
Map of Vecr%C4%ABga, Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
History
Vecrīga is the original area of Riga and consists of the historic city limits before the city was greatly expanded in the late 19th century. In the old days, Vecrīga was protected by a surrounding wall except the side adjacent to the Daugava river bank. When the wall was torn down, the waters from Daugava filled the space creating (Riga City Canal).
Heritage
In the 1980s Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".