St Peter’s is one of the oldest churches in Riga, first mentioned in the early thirteenth century and rebuilt over the following centuries into the great brick Gothic hall you see today. Its spire has fallen and risen several times: the wooden tower burned during the Second World War in 1941, and it was rebuilt after the war in steel to its old shape, so it again rises well above every other building in the Old Town. The church is used mostly as a museum and exhibition space. The big draw is the viewing gallery, at a height of 57 metres, which looks over the red roofs, the Cathedral and the House of the Black Heads, across the Daugava and toward the Art Nouveau district.
When to go: the church is open daily, with late opening until the evening on Fridays and Saturdays, which makes it a good sunset stop in the warmer months. Clear days are worth waiting for, since the view is the point of the visit. In winter, wrap up well: the gallery is open-air and windy.
What to expect: buy a ticket inside for the church and tower. The gallery is narrow and busy at peak times, so go early or late in the day. The interior is spacious and fairly plain after wartime damage, but it hosts changing exhibitions and has memorial plaques and old tombstones worth a look.
Tip: do this early in your trip. The view helps you understand the layout of the Old Town, the bridges and the centre, and you will spot the Central Market hangars and the Academy of Sciences tower from the top.
What to expect
The experience
A visit to the Gothic church and its 57-metre viewing gallery over the Old Town.
Best time
A clear day, early in your trip; Friday and Saturday evenings for later light.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Go early or late to avoid crowds on the narrow gallery, and bring a warm layer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The best overview of the Old Town and the city.
- Families
- Children love the height; keep a close eye on them on the gallery.
- Couples
- Time it for late light on a Friday or Saturday.
- Pair with
- Riga Old Town, House of the Black Heads and Riga Central Market.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
How high is the viewing gallery at St Peter’s?+
The gallery is at about 57 metres, according to the city tourism office.
When is St Peter’s Church open?+
Daily, with longer evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays; check the official site for holidays.
Is the spire original?+
No. The tower burned in 1941 and was rebuilt after the war to its historic shape.
Is it worth it on a cloudy day?+
It is better on a clear day, since the view is the main reason to go.
Is St Peter’s still a church?+
It is used mainly as a museum and exhibition venue, with occasional services and concerts.
