Riga from above - Latvian Academy of Sciences

A while back I started a series entitled “Rīga from Above” on various towers, rooftops and viewing decks that give visitors a bird’s-eye perspective of Rīga. One option that I neglected to include is the Latvian Aademy of Sciences. While it is close enough to Vecrīga to showcase the tile roofs and church spires of the 800-year-old city, it has a unique location that allows for a view of Daugava and the opposite shore including the National Library, and the city to the south.

The 21-story building is believed to be the first high-rise in Latvia, construction stretching from 1951-1961. Architects were Osvalds Tilmanis, Vaidelotis Apsītis & Kārlis Plūksne. Fun fact; there was a small church located at the site until 1812, and the building was constructed on the cemetery.

If you plan to visit, know that there is a fee (reduced for students & seniors), and that the elevator will only take you to the 15th floor… To get to the observation deck on the 17th you’ll have to climb a few flights of stairs.

Other articles in the "Rīga from Above" series include:

St. Peter's Church

Gaismas pils - the National Library of Latvia

Skyline Bar