Object description

The Riga castle has been constructed in 1330, as residence of the master of the Livonian Order. The construction had its courtyard and 4 towers. Many times the castle was destroyed and restored. During the restoration of the castle in 1491 - 1515 the Lead tower has been constructed which has kept its original forms up to now. After liquidation of the Livonian Order in 1562 some separate protective places of the castle have lost their value, and the castle has been included in system of protection of Riga. In the beginning of the 18th century the protective channel around the castle has been covered up, and in the end of the 18th century the Castle Square has been created. The greatest reorganization of the castle took place in 18th and 19th centuries. A new three-storey building has been constructed in 1785 - 1787 for provincial establishments. The Imperial hall has been built in 1818. Because of the light colour design usually it is called as White hall. In 30s of 20th century the tower of Three Stars has been constructed and the castle has been adapted to needs of the President of the country. The Red hall has also been constructed. Now in the castle there are the Historical museum of Latvia, the Museum of foreign art and the Museum of the literature and art.