One of the architectural treasures of Riga, it was rebuilt in honour of the city's 800th anniversary in 2001. Dating from 1344, it was destroyed in 1941. The Soviets completely pulled down the ruins in 1948, because it was considered to represent 'decadent' German architecture. A striking Gothic building with a Dutch Renaissance facade, it was used to house travelling, single members of the merchants' guild. Many of its fantastic riches accompanied Baltic-Germans who repatriated to Germany in the late 1930s. The building is now open to the public.

House of Blackheads comments

• 21
  Nov
  2009
  Brian - Norway
  A very beautiful building! Though difficult to photograh in the winter months, and the facade faces north, and pictures end up being back-lit, making the front very dark.It's nice to see the city reclaim its history this way, and not let it be forgotten in the rubble of past Soviet ideology.