🇱🇻 Iconic Architecture of Latvia

🔆The Cat House (1909) ✅A German merchant, denied entry to the prestigious Great Guild for "poor character," 🔆built this landmark out of spite. He crowned its towers with two furious cats, 💤 their arched tails pointed directly at the guild hall. After a lawsuit, 🧊the cats were turned to face the guild—now they're Riga's most beloved icons (and souvenirs!). ✅Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) 🔆Red-brick cylinder with a green conical roof, once part of Riga's defenses. 💤Today: Houses the Latvian War Museum—look for embedded cannonballs (real or replica?). 🧊Swedish Gate (1698) ✅The last surviving gate of Old Riga's walls, built to honor Swedish bravery in the Great Northern War. 🔆Nearby: Converted Swedish barracks now host cafes and shops. 💤The brick wall bears alleged bullet scars from battles. 🔆Three Brothers 🧊Not siblings' homes, but three adjacent houses on Maza Pils Street: 🔆No. 17 (15th century) 🧊No. 19 (17th century) 🔆No. 21 (18th century) ✅A timeline of medieval architectural evolution. #Latvia #Riga #CatHouse #Museums