Riga skylines and views - Latvian Sciences Academy Building, bridges

Riga skylines and views from the Science Academy Building
and the bridges
CITY CENTER, OLD TOWN, OUTSKIRTS

Riga has a pretty decent skyline for being a Northern European city, with a mix of medieval towers in the old town and a few modern skyscrapers on the island Pardaugava (opposite the old town) and in the outskirts. The skyline has changed the last 10 years, since most highrises have been constructed after 2000. The TV tower on Zakusala island not very far from the center is very prominent. The tower is the tallest tower in the Baltics (3rd tallest in Europe), and it offers views of the city from afar. The tallest building is the modern curvy Saules Akmens and the old, sharp St Peter's Church (both equally tall, 123.1m) to the spire.The best view of the skyline (old and new) is from the TV tower or the Latvian Sciences Academy Building, both located a bit away from the immediate city center.

This part is about the tall historic highrise Latvian Sciences Academy Building in Maskavas Forstate near the city center, and the views from the building. There is an outdoor observation balcony on the 17th floor, at 65m, that can be reached by elevators. Just when I reached the top a heavy rainstorm swept over the city. Fortunatley only for about 20 minutes.

THE LATVIAN SCIENCES ACADEMY BUILDING:

The Latvian Academy of Science Building was completed in 1958, during the Soviet rule. It was the first skyscraper in Latvia. It has 21 floors and the top of the spire reaches a height of 107.6m. To the right you can see the top of the TV Tower.

The Latvian Academy of Science Building is sometimes nicknamed "Stalin's wedding cake" because of its shape. It resembles Stalin's 7 gothic towers of Moscow. The outdoor observation balcony is situated on the height of 65m.


Latvian Academy of Science Bldg		Latvian Academy of Science Bldg, entrance		Latvian Academy of Science Bldg


Latvian Academy of Science Bldg		Latvian Academy of Science Bldg		Latvian Academy of Science Bldg, lobby

SKYLINE VIEWS FROM 17th floor of THE LATVIAN SCIENCES ACADEMY BUILDING:

Views from the left (click on the photo to enlarge!): Z-Towers (u/c), National Library, Preses Nams and Saules Akmens (Swedbank) on Pardaugava Island , Vansu Bridge above River Daugava, St Peter's Church, Riga Cathedral, St James Cathedral and Ministry of Agriculture Bldg in the old town/city center.

Background: Z-Towers (u/c), Preses Nams, Saules Akmens, Vansu bridge, St Peter's Church, Riga Cathedral. Foreground: Central Market.

Riga Radio & TV Tower, the tallest structure in the Baltics (369m), on Zakusala Island, in the middle of River Daugava. I visited the tower's observation deck at 97m height just hours before.

Riga Radio & TV Tower

Towards the TV tower

National Library with Panorama Plaza in the background and the railway bridge.

Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg

Central Riga and one of the red lamps on top of the Academy Building

Central Riga and North Riga: Skyline dominated by Radisson Latvija Hotel (left) and Skanstes Virsotnes (4 bldgs to the right). In the far left corner is my hotel.

Central Riga, around Freedom Square with Radisson Latvija Hotel. The white/beige building with blue roof to the left in the foreground is my hotel, Riga Hostel.


Pardaugava Island skyscrapers, opposite the Old Town		Pardaugava Island, Stone Bridge, Old Town		Old Town


Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg		Maskavas Forestate (Moscow suburb)		Maskavas Forestate reminds of Moscow and Berlin


Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg		Orthodox Church, the oldest building in Maskavas Forstate		Latvian blue/yellow train. These neighbourhoods reminds me of Berlin


All Saints Orthodox Church, Maskavas Forstate		The only goldplated Oldbelievers Church in the world, Maskavas Forstate		St Francis Church, Maskavas Forstate Built 1892


City center with the Old Town		Central Market, Maskavas Forestate		One of the red lamps on top of the Academy Building


Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg, and TV Tower		History of Sciences Academy Bldg		Inside Sciences Academy Bldg

Riga Central Station. The neighbourhood near my hotel.

Tram stop in the Maskavas Forstate

Latvijas Televizija on Zakusala Island


Riga TV Tower. Just when I reached the top a heavy rainstorm swept over the city. Fortunately only for about 20 minutes.		Rainstorm/architectural feature		During the rainstorm I discovered the interior of the top of the building, that is in a pretty bad shape.


Rainstorm above Daugava and the Municipal Library. Just when I reached the top a heavy rainstorm swept over the city. Fortunately only for about 20 minutes.		Rundown wooden buildings near the Science Academy Bldg		Central market and River Daugava


Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg		Architectural feature near the entrance, Sciences Academy Bldg		Architectural feature of the observation platform, Sciences Academy Bldg

Views from the left (click on the photo to enlarge!): Z-Towers (u/c), National Library, Preses Nams, Latvijas Televizija, Saules Akmens (Swedbank), Vansu Bridge and 3 other bridges above River Daugava, Riga Castle, Riga Cathedral, Ministry of Agriculture Bldg, St James Cathedral, St Peter's Church, Academy of Sciences, Radisson Hotel Latvija

SKYLINE SEEN FROM BRIDGES:

Modern Skyline on Pardaugava Island and Daugava river seen from the Island Bridge (Salu Tilts)

Skyline seen from the Island Bridge (Salu Tilts), with Zakusala Island to the left and the Old Town to the right of River Daugava.

Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge: City center including the Old Town

Old Town skyline

Skyline seen from the Island Bridge (Salu Tilts): Maskavas forstate district dominated by the Sciences Academy Bldg and the Radisson Latvija Hotel near Freedom Square in the background.


Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge, North		Skyline seen from Akmens Bridg, North		Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge, South towards the TV Tower


Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge, North		Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge, towards Maskava Forstate with the Academy Bldg and Central Market		Skyline seen from Akmens Bridge, West towards the National Library

SEEN FROM THE BUS FROM THE AIRPORT:

Skyline of the district Pleskodale in West Riga, near the airport, dominated by Panorama Plaza (114m) from 2007 and Spice shopping mall.

NIGHT SKYLINE:

Night skyline: Saules Akmens and Vansu Bridge seen from Akmens Bridge

Saules Akmens and Vansu Bridge, illuminated by night

Saules Akmens, with the neon Swedbank logo and Vansu Bridge