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Offered languages
- English
- English
This Soviet Riga tour provides a compelling view of life under occupation, grounded in the memories of those who lived it.
Our local guides use significant city centre landmarks, such as the imposing Latvian Riflemen Monument and the notorious KGB "Corner House," to share personal accounts and human stories of survival, quiet resistance, and the struggle to maintain Latvian identity right here in the heart of Riga.
The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the heavy shadow the Soviet regime cast and the resilience shown by the people until independence was regained.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In the middle of Latvian rifleman's square, next to the statue of the Latvian riflemen.
The tour finishes at the Daile theatre, approximately 15 min walk to the old town
Itinerary
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1Latviešu strēlnieku laukums
A brief overview of the Soviet period - the different eras from Stalin to Gorbachev. The history of the Latvian red riflemen and the significance of their monument in the broader discussion of Soviet cultural heritage.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The deportations to Siberia will be discussed - the reason, scale and impact of the deportations will be covered.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The climax of the fight for Latvia's independence - the era of the barricades will be discussed.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The Baltic way - the largest non violent anti Soviet demonstration in the Baltics - will be analysed. The logistics, mood of the time period and impact will be covered.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Freedom Monument
The monument of freedom - Riga's most iconic monument - it's significance and how it survived the Soviet period.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The Orthodox cathedral - the role and treatment of religion in the Soviet period will be discussed.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Formerly Hotel Latvia - the only hotel where western tourists where allowed to stay in Soviet Riga, the rooms famously bugged by the KGB
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Freedom street - formerly Lenin street. The street features examples of Soviet era residential archiecture and Soviet Latvia's most famous fashion house - Rigas Modes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
KGB building. The HQ of the Russian secret police in Latvia - the highest building in Riga - from the top of it you can see all the way to Siberia... KGB recruitment methods, interrogation methods and more will be discussed
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Dailes theatre - an iconic example of Soviet era architecture is our final stop. The collapse of the Soviet union will be discussed.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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