It boasts the finest Art Nouveau architecture in the world

The old town of Riga, among one of the things to know about Latvia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the city's 13th-century churches contributed to its elevated status, it is the Art Nouveau architecture that truly distinguishes it. Over 800 Art Nouveau buildings can be found in the city. Riga was at the forefront of the movement at the turn of the twentieth century. Art Nouveau influenced designers of furniture, silverware, porcelain, linens, and clothing in addition to architects. Art Nouveau was the first example of modern design, which grew in popularity after World War I and continued to evolve throughout the century.

Take a walk down Alberta Iela to admire the intricate motifs, curved lines, and vibrant colors. Mikhail Eisenstein (1867-1921), father of the legendary Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, who gave the world such cinematic treasures as Battleship Potemkin and Ivan the Terrible, was one of the city's most prolific Art Nouveau architects. He is best known for his Alberta iela collection of buildings, which are known for their unusual sculpture, colored bricks and tiles, geometric ornaments, and uniquely shaped windows.