Big Christopher
Big Christopher, the city's protector from floods and other natural disasters, first appeared in the 16th century, in a small cave by a bank of the Daugava River. Legend says that one day after returning home from carrying the Christ child across the deep waters of the river, the humble giant found a pile of gold which he used to build Riga. For centuries he has been a symbol of the city, and its inhabitants paid tribute to him with flowers and lit candles, asking for his blessing before embarking on a long journey. In modern times, Big Christopher was moved to the safety of the Museum of Riga's History and Navigation. Today, a replica stands in a small glass structure on the bank of the Daugava, so he might once again greet seafaring visitors and keep a close watch over the city he built.
National Opera
National Architectural Monument, 1860-1863 The first public building, which was built in the park area, was the 1st city theatre (German theatre) (presently the opera and ballet theatre). It was designed (1822-1885) by professor L.Bonstedt from Petersburg Art Academy and was built from 1860 to 1863 under the supervision of architects F. Hess and H. Šels. The semi-round hall with 1240 seats and 150 standing places, with the three balconies, has good acoustics and appropriate proportions. Among the many Eclectic buildings constructed at that time, the compact, balanced theatre building with its six columned ionic portico is as if a delayed echo from the Classicism period of the beginning of the 19th century.
Freedom Monument
'Milda,' as she is affectionately known, was unveiled in 1935 and is a national shrine for Latvians. Designed by Karlis Zale, the friezes around the base of the sculpture depict Latvians singing, working and fighting for their freedom, while the three stars in the maiden's hands represent the three historical regions of the country: Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. Locals are always placing flowers at the base of the monument, an act for which people were deported to Siberia in Soviet times. The honour guard changes every hour on the hour from 09:00 - 18:00.
RIGA
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