Riga Castle (National History Museum of Latvia)

Riga Castle (Rigas pils) at Pils laukums 3 on the Daugava bank of the Old Town in Riga, Latvia, was founded in 1330 by the Livonian Order after the earlier fortress was destroyed by the city's inhabitants. It has been expanded, damaged and rebuilt many times, with the current complex reflecting phases from the medieval period through the 20th century. The castle serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia, so parts of it are closed to the public and may be guarded. The restored rooms and exhibition halls house the Latvian National Museum of History and other collections, with displays covering the history of Latvia from prehistoric times to the present, archaeological finds, historical documents and artefacts. Because the castle recently reopened after restoration, hours vary by exhibition, and tickets are sold per exhibition or guided tour, with prices from about 8 euros. A typical visit lasts one to two hours depending on how many exhibitions are seen. The courtyard and exterior, with the yellow walls and corner towers, can be viewed from the square, and the best photo angle for the whole complex is from the embankment looking toward the castle with the river behind. The castle stands about 7 minutes on foot from Dome Square, near the Latvian War Museum and the Powder Tower, and the route along the embankment is pleasant in good weather. Crowds are usually lighter than in the central squares, with weekday mornings quietest. Guided tours should be booked ahead online through the museum ticketing site, which also lists current exhibition schedules. Visitors should take their passport or ID when booking certain tours, as the building contains presidential offices, and should expect security checks. Combined tickets across exhibitions may be offered, so the ticket desk or website is the best source for current options.