Vecrīga

Historic Centre of Riga *
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Country	Latvia
Type	Cultural
Criteria	i, ii
Reference	852
Region **	Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription	1997 (21st Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO

Vecrīga (Latvian: Old Riga) is the historical center of Riga, Latvia, located on the east side of Daugava River. Vecrīga is famous for its old churches and cathedrals, such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's church.

History

Origins

Vecrīga is the original area of Riga and consists of the historic city limits before the city was greatly expanded over the years. In the old days, Vecrīga was protected by a surrounding wall except the side adjacent to the Daugava river bank. When the wall was torn down, the waters from Daugava filled the space creating Riga City Canal.

Heritage

In the 1980s Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".^[1]

Gallery

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References

1. ^ "World Heritage List — Riga (Latvia); No. 852" (PDF). unesco.org. pp. 3 (67). http://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/852.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-25. 

External links

• Multimedia virtual tour of Old Riga

Coordinates: 56°57′0″N 24°6′30″E / 56.95°N 24.10833°E / 56.95; 24.10833