Latvian Academy of Sciences — Attraction in Riga

The Latvian Academy of Sciences is the official science academy of Latvia and is an association of the country's foremost scientists. The academy was founded as the Latvian SSR Academy of Sciences. It is located in Riga.

The Academy of Sciences edifice was built after World War II, between 1951 and 1961, collecting the necessary financing from the newly established kolkhozes in Latvia and – as further expenses increased, collecting the finances as "voluntary donations" deducted from the salaries of the Latvian rural population.

The building is decorated with several hammer and sickle symbols as well as Latvian folk ornaments and motifs. The spire was originally decorated with a wreath and a five pointed star, which was removed after Latvia regained independence in 1991. Being 108 metres (354 ft) tall, it was the first skyscraper in the republic and was the tallest building until the construction of the Swedbank Headquarters in Latvia (121 metres, 397 ft), and at the time, one of the highest reinforced concrete buildings in the world.

The building, designed by Osvalds Tīlmanis, Vaidelotis Apsītis, and Kārlis Plūksne, is a cousin to similar Stalin-era skyscrapers, which were representative of what became known as Stalinist architecture (sometimes referred to as Socialist Classicism). The architecture of the skyscraper resembles many others built in the Soviet Union at the time, most notably the main building of Moscow State University. Local nicknames include Stalin's birthday cake and the Kremlin.

The view of Riga cityscape is open for public viewing from the 17th-floor balcony (height of 65 meters, 213 ft). The tower is located in the suburb of...

The little brother of the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw.

The smaller brother of the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw and they are quite alike aside from that this one is smaller and not as impressive. But i would still say that it's worth it since you get one of the best viewpoints over Riga.

The cost of entry is 6€ per person, and you have a lift that almost takes you to the top. You need to walk only the last two floor to the top by yourself. And it's quite an interesting path you take to get there, but it gets the job done since you have signs pointing you the right way.

When you arrive to the top you have a great viewpoint over the city from...

A Stalinist legacy. The Latvian Academy of Sciences stands out not only for its height, but also for its architectural style: socialist classicism or Stalinist style. The building was built between 1951 and 1958/1961 with funds that were mainly to be provided by the rural population. Initially, it was to be an agricultural training centre, but due to circumstances it became the seat of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. With a height of 108 metres, it was the first skyscraper in Latvia, and until 2004 it was also the tallest building in...