Vecrīga

Historic Centre of Riga
UNESCO World Heritage site
The Old Town of Riga
Location Riga, Latvia
Criteria Cultural: (i), (ii)
Reference 852
Inscription 1997 (21st Session)
Area 438.3 ha (1,083 acres)
Buffer zone 1,574.2 ha (3,890 acres)
Coordinates 56°57′15″N 24°7′0″E / 56.95417°N 24.11667°E / 56.95417; 24.11667Coordinates: 56°57′15″N 24°7′0″E / 56.95417°N 24.11667°E / 56.95417; 24.11667
Location of Vecrīga in Riga
Vecrīga (Latvia)

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.

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).[1]

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".[2]

References

  1. ↑ Kadinsky, Sergey "Pilsētas Kanāls, Riga" Hidden Waters Blog July 5, 2016
  2. ↑ "World Heritage List — Riga (Latvia); No. 852" (PDF). unesco.org. pp. 3 (67). Retrieved 2009-07-25.
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