Discover why House Of The Black Heads used to be called the "grandest adornment of Riga." You can see carvings, reliefs, and embedded statues on its facade, then head for the arched entrance flanked by a virgin and child, plus the patron saint himself. The city built this house in the 14th century as a meeting venue for different social organizations. In the 17th century, its sole occupants were the Brotherhood of Blackheads--a guild of unmarried German merchants. Nazi Germans and Soviets destroyed the building during and after World War II, but it was completely restored in 1999. Notice the portal engraving, which states, "Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, 'tis your calling." A visit to House Of The Black Heads represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Riga holiday planning app to plot your vacation.
Tours to House Of The Black Heads
House Of The Black Heads reviews
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We paid a visit to this wonderful place in February. A superb welcome by the friendly staff, we decided to partake in a glass of black basalm which you could buy alongside your entrance fee. It is a..... more
We paid a visit to this wonderful place in February. A superb welcome by the friendly staff, we decided to partake in a glass of black basalm which you could buy alongside your entrance fee. It is a..... more »
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A must do when in Riga, fantastic looking building that has been rebuilt after WW2 and looks splendid in the marketplace. There were no tours available when we visited which would have made the visit.... more
A must do when in Riga, fantastic looking building that has been rebuilt after WW2 and looks splendid in the marketplace. There were no tours available when we visited which would have made the visit.... more »
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The most iconic building in all of Latvia! Once a merchant guild for unmarried Germans, the building was completely destroyed in WW2. After independence the it has been rebuilt back to its former glory. The inside is as beautiful as the exterior, I would highly recommend a tour of the museum. The building is also claimed as the location where the first cristmas tree was created. 🎄
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Beautiful place! Very nice building, and beautiful representative premises. It includes the museum of the Blackheads Guild, as well as various halls full of Renaissance art and furniture. The whole building of the Blackheads Guild is very nicely restored, where as it was very damaged during WW2. The staff is friendly and welcoming. NB Possibility to enjoy the place with a glass of sparkling wine or coffee.
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