Cities
Latvia Riga Central District Monument

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
Freedom Monument Square
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 Museum Art Nouveau Museum Art Nouveau Museum Museum Riga Motor Museum Riga Motor Museum Museum Latvian National Museum of Art Latvian National Museum of Art Museum Latvian National Opera and Ballet Latvian National Opera and Ballet Opera House Daile Theatre Daile Theatre Theatre New Riga Theatre New Riga Theatre Theatre Riga Castle Riga Castle Castle House of the Blackheads House of the Blackheads Museum Bastejkalns Park Bastejkalns Park Park Vērmanes Garden Vērmanes Garden Park Esplanade Park Esplanade Park Park Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden St. Peter's Church Tower St. Peter's Church Tower Church Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Cathedral Tower Cathedral Rātslaukums Rātslaukums Square Dome Square Dome Square Historical landmark Riga Old Town Riga Old Town Historical landmark Rīgas Centrāltirgus Rīgas Centrāltirgus Market Three Brothers Three Brothers Tourist attractions Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Museum Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Tourist attractions Laima Clock Laima Clock Tourist attractions Art Museum Riga Bourse Art Museum Riga Bourse Museum Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Museum Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum Museum Museum Storage Facility and Forest of Sculptures Museum Storage Facility and Forest of Sculptures Museum Art Museum Arsenāls Art Museum Arsenāls Museum Latvian War Museum Latvian War Museum Museum Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Museum The Corner House The Corner House Museum Andrejs Upīts’ Memorial Museum Andrejs Upīts’ Memorial Museum Museum Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine Museum Latvian Museum of Pharmacy Latvian Museum of Pharmacy Museum Latvian Film Museum Latvian Film Museum Museum The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia Museum Krišjānis Barons Memorial Museum Krišjānis Barons Memorial Museum Museum Latvian Museum of Architecture Latvian Museum of Architecture Museum Latvian Museum of Natural History Latvian Museum of Natural History Museum Latvian Museum of Photography Latvian Museum of Photography Museum Latvian Railway History Museum Latvian Railway History Museum Museum Riga Aviation Museum Riga Aviation Museum Museum Riga Porcelain Museum Riga Porcelain Museum Museum LOOK! Art Gallery LOOK! Art Gallery Gallery Art Platz Art Platz Gallery Digital Art House Digital Art House Gallery MuseumLV Gallery MuseumLV Gallery Gallery Planetarium at Science Centre Tehnoannas pagrabi Planetarium at Science Centre Tehnoannas pagrabi Museum