Riga's oldest group of dwelling houses, built from the 15th to 17th centuries, showing the Gothic, Mannerist and Dutch Renaissance styles side by side.
The Three Brothers are a group of three adjoining dwelling houses at Maza Pils iela 17, 19 and 21 in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia, and together they form the oldest surviving complex of residential buildings in the city. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, they show how housing styles changed over time. The oldest, No. 17, dates from the late 15th century and has a Gothic stepped gable, a narrow facade and a single entrance that was once the main hall of the house. No. 19, from 1646, is Dutch Mannerist in style, with a decorated gable, a stone portal and small windows. No. 21, the youngest, shows Dutch Renaissance influence in a more refined facade. Together they offer a compact lesson in the architecture of Hanseatic Riga, and the narrow lane lined with other old houses adds to the effect. Visitors mostly view the exteriors, which are visible at all hours and free, and the visit takes around 15 minutes, though photographers may linger. No. 17 houses a museum run by the Latvian state heritage bodies with its own hours, which can be checked on the Live Riga website. The best photo angle is from the opposite side of the lane, looking along the line of facades, ideally in daylight when the colours show; early morning is quiet and gives the cleanest shots without people. The houses are about 3 minutes on foot from Dome Square and close to Riga Castle and the Swedish Gate. Crowds peak in the middle of the day in summer when tour groups pass through, but the lane is short and the congestion rarely lasts. The surrounding street is cobbled and narrow, so visitors should watch for deliveries and residents. Combine the stop with nearby sights such as Jacob's Barracks, the Swedish Gate and Riga Cathedral.
| Admission | Adult Free for the exterior · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exteriors visible 24 hours; the museum inside No. 17 has its own hours |
| Typical visit | 15 minutes |
| Best time | Daytime for photographs; the lane is quiet in the early morning |
| Getting there | Walk 3 minutes from Dome Square |
| Address | Mazā Pils iela 17, 19 and 21, Vecrīga, Riga LV-1050, Latvia |
Location
Mazā Pils iela 17, 19 and 21, Vecrīga, Riga LV-1050, Latvia
56.9486, 24.1022 View on map
Highlights
- Three houses showing Gothic, Mannerist and Dutch Renaissance styles
- No. 17, the oldest, dates from the late 15th century
- Compact lane lined with historic merchant houses
- Short stop beside Dome Square and Riga Castle
Tips for visiting
- Photograph from across the lane to fit all three facades.
- Visit early in the morning for an empty lane.
- Check opening hours separately if planning to enter the museum in No. 17.
- Watch for delivery traffic on the narrow cobbled street.
- Combine with the Swedish Gate and Riga Cathedral.
When to visit
Daytime for photographs, or early morning when the lane is quiet.
Accessibility
The lane is cobbled and narrow, which can be uneven for wheelchairs. The exteriors can be viewed from the street, but access to the museum should be checked in advance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 15 minutes for the exteriors, longer if entering the museum.
Is it free?
Viewing the exteriors is free at any time. The museum inside No. 17 has its own hours.
Is photography allowed?
Exterior photography from the street is unrestricted.
Is it worth it for kids?
It is a short stop and mostly of interest to visitors who like architecture. Children may enjoy it as part of a wider Old Town walk.