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Offered languages
- English
This Soviet Riga by car tour is an exploration of Riga's functional and monumental Soviet heritage. We focus on mid-20th century architecture, viewing major structures like the Academy of Sciences and the experimental Riga Diesel Factory Laboratory Building on Ganību dambis.
We step inside everyday history by going inside of a typical 1960s Soviet apartment bloc - we’ll ride a typical elevator and walk the utilitarian corridors to truly experience the functional design of the common spaces.
We will also ascend a reclaimed landfill hill for a unique panoramic view over a vast mikrorajons (Soviet era planned neighborhood), highlighting the sheer scale of Soviet urban planning.
This is a powerful and candid look at the city's modern architecture and its recent past
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet at the Strelnieku laukums. In the middle of the square there is a statue of the Latvian red riflemen. That is where the tour starts.
Itinerary
-
1
The Riga technical university - a typical 1940s Stalinist era building.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The Latvian academy of Sciences - nicknamed Stalin's birthday cake is an iconic example of Architecture from the early Soviet period.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
We will drive down Latgale street ( formerly Moscow street) and see typical soviet era residential architecture.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
We will stop at a Soviet era residential apartment complex and go inside. We will see the staircase, Soviet era elevator and the corridors. We will NOT be going inside an apartment.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
We will stop at the Deglava street hill - a reclaimed land fill that offers panoramic views of one of the largest Soviet era neighborhoods in Riga
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The Riga diesel factory laboratory - a unique example of 1980s experimental Soviet architecture
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
We will conclude the tour at the Latvian riflemen monument - an iconic example of Soviet era sculpture
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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