The House of the Black Heads is one of Riga’s most recognisable landmarks, its stepped gables, gilded details and ornate clock facing Town Hall Square in the heart of the Old Town. Behind the flamboyant façade are ceremonial halls and museum displays that tell the story of the city’s merchants and civic life.
First built in the 14th century, the house became associated with the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a fraternity of unmarried merchants whose patron was St Maurice. The original building was bombed during World War II and its ruins were demolished in 1948. The present house is a reconstruction completed in 1999, ahead of Riga’s 800th anniversary in 2001; its medieval cellar preserves a connection to the earlier structure.
Visit for the richly decorated halls, historic collections and the contrast between the reconstructed interiors and the old cellar. Check opening hours before you go, as events can affect access, and allow time to see the façade from across Town Hall Square. The exterior is free to admire, while entry to the museum requires a ticket.