Swedish Gate

The Swedish Gate is situated in Riga, Latvia, as part of the Riga Wall, providing access to barracks outside the city wall. Like many medieval towns, Riga encircled itself with defensive walls. In Riga Old Town, you'll discover a fragment of the Old City Walls, the oldest remaining portion of fortifications built between the 13th and 16th centuries. It once ran between the Bishops' Castle and the Castle of the Brothers of the Sword. Erected in 1698 to celebrate the Scandinavian occupation of the city, it is the only such structure left in Old Riga.  

Legend has it that the apartment above this gate belonged to the city executioner. When a beheading was imminent, he would place a red rose on the window ledge to announce the impending execution. It sounds a bit creepy, doesn't it? But people were curious about such acts. Discover more intriguing stories about the Swedish Gate by joining one of our tours.