This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

Flamboyant architecture from the turn of 20th century.

This controversial statue once honoured a Russian Field Marshall, before ultimately being dismantled in a push to remove symbols of Russian influence.

A map store filled with original Cold War era Russian maps of the world.

A Latvian rescuer who saved countless lives during World War II.

A monument to the grand synagogue that stood in this space before Nazis burned it down.

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

A preserved oak tree about 3,500 years old found in Riga, Latvia.

With a design inspired by traditional Latvian textiles, this monument honors the Latvian people who suffered under Soviet occupation.

A statue built to honor the elite soldiers who fought for Latvia during World War I.

A stone marker and sculpture in the city of Riga stake a claim for the very first community Christmas tree.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

This enigmatic artifact remained buried in a churchyard for years.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

A black cat protests the City Guild in Riga's Old Town.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

The statue of a legendary giant who carried Christ and shouldered the world's sins.

This abandoned beacon is moving closer and closer to the sea.

This atmospheric spot in Pärnu's historic old town is located in a 17th-century almshouse.

Legend says lovers who hold hands while venturing along this stone jetty and kiss at the end will remain together forever.

This abandoned fighter jet launch center is now a haunting street racing course.

The gutted remains of this Estonian mansion are a monument to a tragic love.

This stunning limestone waterfall is the highest in Estonia.

This behemoth bovine guards an Estonian town and is a memorial to the lost species.