House of the Black Heads
Building in the old town of Riga, Latvia, a historic guild house.
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Blackheads Square
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Landmark
Blackheads Square, or Rātslaukums, is the historical and administrative center of Old Riga, dating back to the city's foundation. The square is most famous for the House of the Blackheads, a magnificent building with a Dutch Renaissance facade that was originally the headquarters of a guild for unmarried merchants. Also located on the square is the Riga Town Hall and the Statue of Roland, which symbolizes the city's medieval rights and judicial independence. Historically, the square served as the primary marketplace and the site of important civic announcements and festivities. Although the original buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, the square was painstakingly restored in the late 1990s to its former glory. Today, it stands as a testament to Riga's Hanseatic past and its resilience in the face of historical challenges. It remains one of the most visited and photographed locations in the Baltic states, representing the wealth and cultural heritage of the Latvian capital.
- Location: Latvia
- Top sights: House of the Black Heads · Museum of the Occupation of Latvia · Rīgas mākslas telpa
- Nearby: Buļļi (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 43 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 69 | 72 | 73 | 55 | 71 | 68 | 57 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Blackheads Square is a public square in Riga's Old Town, always open for visitors to walk around and admire the architecture. The square is paved and features a statue, making it a popular meeting point.
Typical hours
As an outdoor public space, the square is accessible at any time of day or night. There are no opening hours or entry fees, so you can visit whenever you like.
Photography
Photography is encouraged on the square, with the House of the Blackheads providing a striking backdrop. No restrictions apply, so feel free to take photos from any angle.
Time needed
A quick visit to see the square and take photos typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you sit at a nearby café, you might spend 30 minutes or more enjoying the atmosphere.
Combine with
Combine a visit to Blackheads Square with the adjacent Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads interior. It is also a short walk to St. Peter's Church and the Riga Castle.
Getting there
The square is centrally located in Riga's Old Town, easily reachable on foot from most hotels. Trams and buses stop at the nearby 'Grēcinieku iela' stop.
Insider tip
Visit in the early evening when the square is beautifully lit and less crowded. The changing of the guard ceremony occasionally takes place here on special occasions.
Geography
Facts
- First mentioned in the 13th century.
- House of the Blackheads built in 1334.
- The square was fully restored in the late 1990s.
- Features the Statue of Roland (1896 copy).
- Site of the Riga Town Hall.
- Historical center of Hanseatic trade.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Blackheads Square (10)
Fashion museum🏛 museum
Museum in Riga showcasing fashion and textile history.
Mencendorfa nams🏛 museum
Building in Riga, Latvia, a historic residential house.
Jauniela
Street in Riga, used as Baker Street in the Soviet Sherlock Holmes series.
St. Peter's Church
Church in Riga, a major Gothic building with an observation tower.
Riga Cathedral
Cathedral in Riga, Latvia, the largest medieval church in the Baltics.
Apsīda
Gallery in Riga presenting rotating art exhibitions.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which famous building stands on Blackheads Square?
The House of the Blackheads, one of Riga's most beautiful symbols.
Was the square rebuilt after the war?
Yes, the buildings on the square were faithfully reconstructed in the 1990s.
What does the statue in the middle of the square represent?
It is the statue of Roland, a symbol of freedom and justice.
Is the Town Hall also located on this square?
Yes, the Riga Town Hall stands directly opposite the House of the Blackheads.
Are there museums on Blackheads Square?
The House of the Blackheads itself is open to visitors as a museum.
Blackheads Square: where is it located?
Blackheads Square is located in Latvia.
Blackheads Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include House of the Black Heads, Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Rīgas mākslas telpa.
Blackheads Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Blackheads Square: why is it worth visiting?
Blackheads Square, or Rātslaukums, is the historical and administrative center of Old Riga, dating back to the city's foundation.
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