Swedish Gate and City Wall, Riga

The Swedish Gate and the Old City Wall are what's left of the once mighty fortification system that surrounded Riga in the Middle Ages. Much of the complex, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, was destroyed by time or invaders or torn down in the 19th century.

The Swedish Gate is the only city gate still in place, and was built in 1698 by the Swedes, who ruled the city at that time. It stands on the site of the Jürgen tower, a semicircular defensive structure, whose lower part was later built into the nearby house no.11. The apartment above the gate is said to have been, at some point, occupied by an executioner who used to put a red rose in the window each time a convict was beheaded. In 1926, the property was leased from the Society of Architects of Latvia, and rebuilt.

During the Soviet period, the complex underwent two renovations: one in 1953-1956, run by A.A. Reynfeldsa, during which it was extended with a new building, no.13; and another time in 1986-1987, during which it was attached with the freshly built house no.15.

Today, the gate and the walls no longer serve their original fortifying purpose, but merely separate the Old Town from the busy nearby area, packed with bars, restaurants and other businesses.