Dear Delegates and Guests of the 32nd Conference of the Regional Commission for Europe, please find below a dedicated page for the cultural scene and attractions of Latvia.
Discover the cultural heritage of Latvia through a journey from the peaceful seaside resort of Jurmala to the historic heart of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Combining nature, history, architecture and local traditions, this excursion offers delegates an authentic introduction to Latvia’s cultural landscape and one of the Baltic region’s most distinctive destinations.
The excursion begins in Kemeri, one of Jurmala’s oldest spa districts, renowned for its therapeutic sulphur mineral springs since the 18th century. A guided walk through the historic Kemeri Resort Park reveals elegant canals, romantic pavilions, mineral springs and landscaped gardens that have welcomed visitors for generations.
A highlight of the visit is the magnificent Historic Kemeri Hotel, designed by celebrated Latvian architect Eižens Laube. Once regarded as one of Europe’s most modern spa hotels, the building remains one of Latvia’s finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture.
The journey continues with a leisurely walk along Jomas Street, Jurmala’s lively pedestrian promenade connecting Majori and Dzintari. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, boutiques and elegant wooden villas, the street reflects the unique atmosphere of Latvia’s most famous seaside resort.
The walk concludes at Dzintari Beach, where the wide white sands, fresh Baltic Sea air and peaceful coastal scenery provide a memorable experience of Jurmala’s natural beauty.
The Jurmala Open-Air Museum offers an insight into the traditional lifestyle of Latvia’s coastal fishing communities. Nestled among pine forests near the Baltic Sea, the museum preserves an authentic fisherman’s homestead dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Historic buildings, fishing boats, workshops, smokehouses and traditional equipment illustrate the maritime heritage that shaped everyday life along Latvia’s coastline for centuries.
Founded in 1201, Old Town Riga is the historical heart of Latvia’s capital and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its charming cobblestone streets, medieval churches and beautifully preserved buildings reflect more than eight centuries of European history.
As an important member of the Hanseatic League, Riga flourished as a centre of trade and culture, creating the diverse architectural heritage that visitors enjoy today.
The cultural programme concludes in Riga’s elegant Quiet Centre, home to one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau architecture.
Magnificent buildings along Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street showcase elaborate façades, sculptural ornamentation and exceptional craftsmanship that earned Riga international recognition as one of Europe’s foremost Art Nouveau capitals. Nearly one-third of the city’s historic centre was built in this distinctive architectural style, making Riga a unique destination for architecture enthusiasts.
About Latvia: https://www.latvia.travel/en
About Riga: https://www.liveriga.com/en/
About Jurmala: https://visitjurmala.lv/en/
