Plizio Visual Lab
St. James's Cathedral
St. James's Cathedral in Riga is the primary Roman Catholic house of worship in Latvia and a significant monument of early Brick Gothic architecture. First recorded in 1225, it initially served as a church for travelers and merchants entering the city. Its design showcases the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic, characterized by thick walls and pointed arches. The cathedral's history is marked by frequent denominational shifts: it became Riga's first Lutheran church in 1523 during the Reformation, was later held by the Jesuits, and even served as a Swedish garrison church. In 1923, the property was returned to the Catholic Church and designated as an archbishop's cathedral. A distinctive feature is its slender 80-meter tower, which lacks an external gallery unlike other Riga churches, and is topped with a prominent copper spire. The interior houses precious religious art and is renowned for its acoustics, making it a key venue for sacred music performances.
- Location: Latvia
- Top sights: Swedish Gate · St. James's Cathedral · Arsenāls Exhibition Hall
- 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
Geography
Facts
- First mentioned in historical documents in 1225
- Serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop
- The tower stands 80 meters high and lacks a gallery
- Became Riga's first Lutheran church in the year 1523
- Returned to Catholic ownership in the year 1923
- Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town St. James's Cathedral (10)
Independence Square🌳 park
Square in Riga, venue for state ceremonies and events.
Powder Tower🗼 tower
Medieval defensive tower in Riga, part of the city fortifications, now a museum.
St. Mary Magdalen's Church
Church in Riga, built in the 13th century, formerly a monastery church.
Latvian Museum of Architecture🏛 museum
Museum of architecture in Riga, showcasing Latvia's building history.
Three Brothers
Three medieval houses in Riga, the oldest surviving stone houses in the city.
Cat House
Famous building in Riga with two cat statues on the roof, built in 1909.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was St. James's Cathedral built?
Is the cathedral Catholic or Lutheran?
Are there fixed visiting hours?
Where exactly is the cathedral located?
Is there an entrance fee?
St. James's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. James's Cathedral: what is there to see?
St. James's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
