Rīga
Riga is the capital city of Latvia and is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in the very heart of the country. The city is an economical, cultural and political centre of international importance. It boasts a long and turbulent history, stretching back to the 12th Century. Riga is one of the most remarkable places in the whole Baltic region, with a priceless cultural heritage from various periods. The unmatched architectural masterpieces in the Art Nouveau style in the old town are included by UNESCO in its World Heritage List. The local cathedral, regarded as the largest Christian temple in the Baltic States, is another major tourist attraction. The city is picturesquely located on the spot where the river Daugava flows into the Gulf of Riga. Around the urban area, there are wonderful parks, gardens and recreational areas, covered with pinewoods and marshlands.