Cities
Latvia Riga Central District Monument

Freedom Monument Square

Freedom Monument Square
About

Freedom Monument Square, located in the heart of Riga, is a powerful symbol of Latvian independence and national identity. At its centre stands the Freedom Monument, unveiled in 1935 and funded entirely by public donations. Designed by sculptor Kārlis Zāle and architect Ernests Štālbergs, the 42-metre-high structure features a copper statue of Liberty holding three gilded stars, representing Latvia’s historical regions—Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The monument commemorates those who fell during the Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920) and is adorned with 13 sculptural groups and bas-reliefs that depict key moments in Latvian history and culture2. During the Soviet occupation, the monument became a silent symbol of resistance and was spared demolition, remaining a focal point for national sentiment. Today, Freedom Monument Square is a site of official ceremonies, public gatherings, and quiet reflection, embodying the resilience and unity of the Latvian people.

Riga Latvia
Location

Freedom Monument Square is located in the very center of Riga on Brīvības bulvāris (Freedom Boulevard), forming a prominent plaza between the Old Town and the city’s Art Nouveau district. The monument itself stands as Latvia’s foremost symbol of independence, topped by the iconic figure of Liberty holding three gilded stars, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pedestrian areas. The square is a lively focal point for public gatherings, ceremonies, and the daily changing of the honor guard, drawing both locals and visitors. Nearby, you’ll find the lush Bastejkalns Park and the city canal, the Latvian National Opera with its flower garden and fountain, and the famous Laima Clock—one of Riga’s most popular meeting spots. The area is also close to the University of Latvia, embassies, and a variety of cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks, making Freedom Monument Square an essential starting point for exploring Riga’s vibrant city center and historical attractions.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Riga Art Nouveau Museum Art Nouveau Museum Riga Riga Motor Museum Riga Motor Museum Riga Latvian National Museum of Art Latvian National Museum of Art Riga Latvian National Opera and Ballet Latvian National Opera and Ballet Riga Daile Theatre Daile Theatre Riga New Riga Theatre New Riga Theatre Riga Riga Castle Riga Castle Riga House of the Blackheads House of the Blackheads Riga Bastejkalns Park Bastejkalns Park Riga Vērmanes Garden Vērmanes Garden Riga Esplanade Park Esplanade Park Riga Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Riga St. Peter's Church Tower St. Peter's Church Tower Riga Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Rātslaukums Rātslaukums Riga Dome Square Dome Square Riga Riga Old Town Riga Old Town Riga Rīgas Centrāltirgus Rīgas Centrāltirgus Riga Three Brothers Three Brothers Riga Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Riga Laima Clock Laima Clock Riga

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