House of the Blackheads - Riga - Latvia

Nikon D750 - ISO 199 - Tamron SP15-30mm lens f11 - 20mm - f/13 1/50 sec

House of the Blackheads -Latvian: Melngalvju nams- is a building situated in the old town of Riga.

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was founded in the 13th century as a gentlemen’s club for wealthy single merchants and their journeymen. In 1477 they rented the Great Guild’s New Hall, which was housed in what is now the Blackheads House and in 1773, when the Great Guild moved premises, they bought it. The society’s members were mainly German, but there were also English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian members.

The society’s not so politically correct name originated from one of their patron saints; St Maurice was supposedly a black African Christian Roman commander who died as martyr after refusing to kill fellow Christians. St Maurice’s head was depicted on the Blackheads coat of arms, thus giving them their name.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was destroyed, along with almost all of the Town Hall Square and nearby St Peter’s church tower. The remains were demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999 by Valērij Kargin the president of Parex Bank. The reconstruction was inspired by an engraving in the portal which read “Should you ever see me falling, raise me up, it’s your calling”.

The bear depicted on the photo is one of the “United Buddy Bears” who spent the summer of 2018 in Riga. They stand together “hand in hand”, symbolising the future vision of a peaceful world.

Did you know that the first documented use of a decorated tree during winter celebration was recorded in 1510 in Riga? Take a look to my story to see one of the first christmas tree decoration.

Riga Hotel Guide - Art Nouveau Buildings hotels in Riga, Latvia.

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Top Art Nouveau Buildings Hotel Reviews

Tallink Hotel Riga

10/10 Excellent

"Lovely hotel. Staff were friendly and helpful. Room was spotless. Breakfast was nice and till 11am on a weekebd. 10 minite walk intot he old towb "

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

10/10 Excellent

"The breakfast was a really good variety of choices and healthy choices were ample. They refilled it as fast as they could which really appreciated and service was warm and friendly. The rooms were so quiet and they gave me what i wanted so it was impressive with a nice view and higher floors. Room was clean and just what you expected and area was near the Xmas markets and sights of the old town which was really convenient as such. They decorated the interior with Xmas decor and was really festive. The sauna and gym area was really good and pool was quite cold though, long but its really for a singular person swimming up and down is the only downside but very good length so cant complaint. Highly recommended property. Thank you"

Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

10/10 Excellent

"The room was great, the location fantastic, and the service very good. The hotel and the location are very beautiful. You can easily walk to restaurants, sights, and shopping. A gorgeous Christmas market was just down the block. "

Hotels near other Art Nouveau Buildings attractions

Latvian attraction - house of the Blackheads, sculpture of Saint Roland and Saint Peters Church in old city Riga, Latvia, Shutterstock ID 309897689, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: ,

Cathedral Square

4.2/5 (71 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Riga with a trip to Cathedral Square. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

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Riga Cathedral

4.2/5 (1,036 reviews)

After visiting Riga Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Riga. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Art Nouveau Buildings?

Art Nouveau Buildings is located in a historic area of Riga known for its stunning cathedral and popular art scene. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 301 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay near Art Nouveau Buildings?

Adjacent to Art Nouveau Buildings, Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and a restaurant. Other good choices close by include Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel and Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa.

How many hotels are there near Art Nouveau Buildings?

Expedia has 301 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Art Nouveau Buildings.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Art Nouveau Buildings, will I receive a refund?

Yes, the majority of hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals near Art Nouveau Buildings.

What can I see and do near Art Nouveau Buildings?

Menzendorff House, Powder Tower and Latvian Art Museum feature a variety of fascinating exhibits to see while you're in town. Small Guild Hall, Great Guild Hall and House of the Blackheads are well-known local landmarks worth a visit. You can catch a show at Latvian National Opera, Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre and Latvian National Theatre.

Riga Hotel Guide - Art Nouveau Buildings hotels in Riga, Latvia.

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Our top choices for Art Nouveau Buildings hotels

Neiburgs Hotel

Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

Revelton Suites Riga

Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Relais Le Chevalier

A22 Hotel

Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

Dome Hotel

Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel

Avalon Hotel & Conferences

Konventa Sēta Hotel Keystone Collection

The Benjamin House - self check-in

Hotel Justus

aparthotel Amella

Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town

Pullman Riga Old Town (Renovated 2025)

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

ASTON HOTEL RIGA

St. Peter'S Boutique Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Top Art Nouveau Buildings Hotel Reviews

Tallink Hotel Riga

Hotels near other Art Nouveau Buildings attractions

Cathedral Square

Riga Cathedral

Frequently asked questions