- Address: Northern District, Riga, LV-1045, Latvia;
- Founding date: 1721;
- Area: 7,6 hectares;
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
About the time when the Riga Principality was part of the Russian Empire, there are many buildings and parks. But the main attraction, relating to that period, is the Viestura garden. This is the modern name of the natural monument, and in the distant past it was known as the Petrovsky Park. From year to year, it attracts the attention of numerous tourists from different countries.
Viestura's Garden - History
The garden was opened in 1721 by the order of Peter I, it is the first public park in Riga . It occupies a modern Petrovsky Park area of 7.6 hectares and is located between Gnasejskaya Street, Vygonnaya Dam and Andrejsala Island. Originally it was located on 12 hectares, including the summer imperial house, which was dismantled because of the dilapidation.
In 1727, a plate with inscriptions in German and Russian was installed in the park, confirming that Peter I personally planted elm trees in the park. The tablet has survived to this day. About planting a tree, a lot of Latvian legends have been composed, according to which a large number of people can be fed. In another legend it is said that the elm grows roots up.
Petrovsky Park was created according to the Dutch system, that is, straight paths were laid in it, there were avenues and canals. Also, the architects provided for the installation of pergolas and entertainment pavilions.
In its original form, the park lasted until 1880, until the time when it was decided to re-equip it. The case was commissioned to the famous master of garden design Georg Friedrich Kufaldt. Thanks to his efforts, new types of trees and shrubs appeared in the garden.
In 1973, the Viestura garden changed its name again, as it was one hundred years after the first celebration of the Latvian spring. Therefore, a new name was invented - the Park of Spring Holidays. The old name managed to return only in 1991.
What to see in the park for tourists?
Unfortunately, the elm, planted by Peter I, will not be met, because it was burnt back in the 60s of the 20th century. But in the park there are various sculptures, including a monument to the 100th anniversary of the festival of songs and the picturesque sculpture "Leopards".
Petrovsky Park, photo of which is a memo about a good holiday, will appeal to both adults and children. There is a rectangular swimming pool, there is a duck pond, tourists can make fascinating walks along the picturesque avenues.
How to get there?
The Viestura garden is located just north of the Old Town , so it is easily accessible by public transport.