Located in the heart of Old Riga, Kalēju 23 is one of the most artistically elegant examples of eclectic-decorative Art Nouveau. Designed by Paul Mandelstamm in 1903, the building’s facade is famous for its rich ornamentation. The central highlight is the corner bay window, surrounded by lush chestnut foliage and floral motifs. At the very […]
Kalēju 23: Sun Symbols and Chestnut Leaves in Old Riga Read More »
Built in 1907 by architect Jānis Alksnis. The building at Matīsa 44 is famous for its exceptionally rich decorative ornamentation. The facade features a vertical Art Nouveau composition with allegorical reliefs representing the ideal of human life — a harmony of labor, art, and culture. Finish your journey where it began, at the elegant Alberta
Built in 1904, Alberta 4 is one of Mikhail Eisenstein’s most architecturally complex designs. The facade is defined by strict symmetry and is heavily adorned with sculptural elements. Key highlights include the Medusa heads above the entrance, majestic lions on the roofline, and winged figures that emphasize the building’s central axis. Finish your journey where
Alberta 4: The Theatrical Facade of Mikhail Eisenstein Read More »
Built in 1898, Elizabetes 17 is a cornerstone of Riga’s famous Art Nouveau district. Designed by Heinrich Scheel and Friedrich Scheffel, the building serves as a bridge between 19th-century Eclecticism and the emerging Art Nouveau style. The facade is noted for its rhythmic symmetry, elegant bay windows, and refined ornamental reliefs that hint at the
The two female figures at the entrance are the true icons of this house. They stand, holding to symbols of light, guarding the passage to the inner courtyard. And don’t forget to look at the very top: the “open-sky” windows. These are false windows with no roof behind them, designed solely to let the blue
The Faces of Alberta 2a: Eisenstein’s Most Dramatic Facade Read More »