Alberta Iela (Albert Street) 8, Riga

Known as Leo Pole’s Apartment House, this building is yet another jewel of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga. It was also designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, built in 1903.

Being one of the most expressive examples of Eclectically Decorative Art Nouveau style, this multi-storey edifice boasts a wealth of decorative finish on the façade. The most ornate part of it is the central risalit (projection), reminiscent of a tree. At the top of it is a lion’s head, symbol of strength and power.

The façade is rhythmically divided by pilasters, each decorated with expressive mascarons of women’s heads, which symbolize beauty. Decorative reliefs – masks of scary beasts and frightening monsters – are used to adorn the windows and intended to protect those inside. The glazed blue bricks, making up the façade, create an excellent background for fabulously sculpted elements in white plaster.

The house has a U-shaped floor plan, with two flats on each floor. The drawing rooms are facing Albert street, while the other rooms line a long, dim corridor and overlook the inner courtyard. The staircase is also very exuberant.