The Three Brothers are a trio of historic houses on Mazā Pils iela in Riga’s Old Town, now home to the Latvian Museum of Architecture. Their closely packed façades offer a compact lesson in how the city’s domestic architecture evolved, from medieval stonework to the more ornate styles of the 17th century.
The oldest house, at number 17, dates from around the late 15th century and is considered Riga’s oldest surviving residential building. Its stepped gable and stout façade contrast with its younger neighbours, making the group especially rewarding to study from across the narrow street. A small courtyard adds another perspective on the complex and its centuries of restoration and reuse.
Inside, the museum presents exhibitions drawing on its collections of architectural drawings, photographs and other material. Check current opening hours and exhibitions before visiting, as access can be limited. Allow time to see the façades as well as the interior, and combine the stop with a walk past nearby Riga Castle and St. James’s Cathedral.