National cuisine of Latvia for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Latvia deservedly bears the title of the heart of the Baltics. On its territory, it has gathered many cultural, historical, architectural, and religious attractions. They are scattered throughout the country. Riga is the capital of Latvia accommodating a number of cultural attractions, which are sure to surprise even experienced tourists. The famous House of the Blackheads became one of the Latvian capital's symbols. It was founded back in 1334. After a couple of centuries, the building was leased by the Blackheads Society, the brotherhood of young merchants in Riga. The facade of the house has become an amazing merger of many architectural styles from different historical eras. The building's interior strikes the eye. Crystal chandeliers hang on painted ceilings, luxurious stained glass windows are inserted into openings, walls are decorated with the brotherhood's coat of arms and portraits of rulers in gilded frames. Today the historic building houses a museum whose exposition is full of things that once belonged to the Brotherhood members. These are snuffboxes, paintings, silver, and ceramic products. The House of the Blackheads is often used as a concert hall where classical music concerts take place.

In the heart of Riga is St. Peter's Church. It is considered the city's oldest building and dates back to 1209. The church is clearly visible from different distances. The reason for this is a tower rising to a height of 123 meters. Its spire got 64 meters of the entire height. The cock flaunts at the tip of the spire. The tower has an observation platform, which can be reached by elevator. The platform offers magnificent views of the capital and the Western Dvina River lying below.

Riga offers a number of interesting museums. The National Museum of Art founded in the year 1869 is the oldest in the Latvian capital. After an art gallery was merged with Riga Art Society in 1905, the museum got a separate building with unique architecture. The museum offers three separate themed expositions. This is the art of the Baltic countries of the 18th-19th centuries, the art of Latvia of the 19th-20th centuries, and Russian art of the 18th-20th centuries. The Russian art exposition includes works by Svyatoslav and Nicholas Roerich. In the interesting Museum of Decorative and Design Art, visitors can see works of art and design by Latvian artists. The museum presents exhibits on such subjects as textile production, ceramics, porcelain, metal, wood, and glass products. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

50 kilometers away from the capital is the small town of Sigulda. It is famous for Turaida Castle, a specially protected cultural monument built by order of the Archbishop of Riga in the early 13 century. At different times it was the residence of the Bishop and the Livonian Order and was besieged by Swedish troops. The castle grounds includes as many as 37 buildings, each one of great historical value. The oldest and most interesting structure of the castle is its massive tower. There is a viewing platform at the top of the tower and a museum exhibition at its bottom. In the southern and western wings of the castle, tourists can see exhibitions telling about its rich history. Nowadays, besides exhibitions, Turaida Castle that has quickly turned into one of the country's most popular attractions holds all kinds of concerts, festivals, events, and exhibitions.

Such outstanding architects as Rastrelli and Graff worked together with such artists as Martini and Tsukki on the creation of Rundāle Palace The palace covering an area of over 60 hectares is located in the historical region of Semigallia. Most of the area is occupied by a hunting park and a French-style park. The design of the 18th-century French park has not changed since its foundation. In the park, you'll find a fountain and a greenhouse with roses. All kinds of performances and firework shows are organized here. Rundale Castle has 138 rooms located on two floors. The palace is now a museum. Its expositions tell about the history of Latvia and the palace itself. Visitors can admire fine and decorative arts.