Plizio Visual Lab
The Three Brothers
The 'Three Brothers' is the oldest complex of residential buildings in Riga, located on Mazā Pils Street in the heart of the Old Town. Each of the three adjoining houses represents a different era of architectural history, providing a visual timeline of the city's development. The oldest house (No. 17) dates back to the late 15th century and is a rare example of medieval Brick Gothic with its stepped gables and tiny windows, a design influenced by historical window taxes. The middle brother (No. 19) was completed in 1646 and features a Dutch Mannerist facade, boasting one of the most ornate portals in Riga. The youngest house (No. 21) was built in the late 17th century with Baroque stylistic elements. The entire complex was meticulously restored in the 1950s by architect Pēteris Saulītis and now houses the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection, with its pleasant courtyards often used for art events.
- Location: Latvia
- Top sights: St. James's Cathedral · Swedish Gate · Latvian Museum of Architecture
- 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
- House No. 17 is the oldest stone residence in Riga (15th c.)
- House No. 19 displays the construction year 1646
- No. 21 was built in the late 17th century in Baroque style
- Home to the Latvian Museum of Architecture since the 1990s
- Restoration work was carried out between 1955 and 1957
- Showcases Gothic, Mannerist, and Baroque styles together
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 The Three Brothers (10)
St. Mary Magdalen's Church
Church in Riga, built in the 13th century, formerly a monastery church.
Art Museum "Riga Bourse"🏛 museum
Art museum in Riga, housing collections of foreign art.
Arsenāls Exhibition Hall🏛 museum
Exhibition hall in Riga, part of the Latvian National Museum of Art.
Independence Square🌳 park
Square in Riga, venue for state ceremonies and events.
Great Guild
Historic building in Riga, former guild house, now a concert and event venue.
Powder Tower🗼 tower
Medieval defensive tower in Riga, part of the city fortifications, now a museum.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Three Brothers?
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What is special about the facade of No. 19?
Does it cost to take photos from the outside?
The Three Brothers: where is it located?
The Three Brothers: what is there to see?
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Nearby cities
