It’s your last day in Riga, the Latvian capital. The New Year’s celebrations are behind you. Your hangover is pretty much gone, you’ve had your fix of the city centre’s museums, markets, cafes and bars. Time to head outside to the city’s backwaters to experience a slice of everyday life in the real Riga and dive into some street photography opportunities. You catch a Bolt taxi, and head out east, to Purvciems, located on the east bank of the Daugava River, to see what you can do with that last roll of film.
Purvciems district, translated as “marsh village” is a large residential area of Riga, characterised by imposing tower blocks from the late Soviet era and early post-independent Latvia (1980s-90s). The area is a far cry from the combination of Dutch Renaissance, gothic and art nouveau settings that dominate the streets and alleyways of the city centre.
Purvciems’ Soviet-era buildings often stand in stark contrast to newer developments, which tend to incorporate more contemporary architectural elements and design principles. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalise certain areas of the district, leading to the construction of modern residential complexes and commercial spaces. Many of the older buildings retain their original features, including decorative elements and communal courtyards characteristic of Soviet housing projects. These structures serve as reminders of the district's past and the legacy of Soviet urban planning in Riga.
Exploring Purvciems provides an opportunity to delve into Latvia's Soviet history and to witness firsthand the architectural legacy of this period. The growing diversity of architecture in Purvciems district reflects the city’s complex history and its evolution over time.
Comments