Book Description
Latvia possesses the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals and all visitors to Riga will find their interests well-catered for in this guide - from museums, art nouveau buildings and opera to casinos, bars and jazz clubs. For visitors touring the peaceful Latvian countryside a host of options is covered: long sandy beaches at Jurmala, Gauja National park and quaint provincial villages all merit a visit and are easily discovered with the Bradt guide. Latvia's fascinating heritage of folklore, customs, language, cuisine and national costume have also been investigated along with a thorough overview of the country's history of invasion and revolution which has given rise to many interesting landmark features such as the Freedom Monument and Powder Tower in Riga.



From the Back Cover
For the history enthusiast, the culture vulture and the nature lover, Latvia has an irresistible draw. Its picturesque and cosmopolitan capital, Riga, entices the visitor with attractions ranging from museums and historic churches to lively bars and jazz clubs. Further afield, Gauja National Park and the sandy beaches of Jurmala are rural temptations begging to be explored.
This revised and extended third edition of Latvia: The Bradt Travel Guide includes thorough coverage of the country's turbulent history and strong cultural heritage. With valuable practical information, it is the essential companion for those on weekend breaks or longer, more leisurely trips.



About the Author
Co-authors Stephen Baister and Chris Patrick both live in Surrey, England. Stephen is a barrister and Chris is the director of the Europe-Japan Centre



Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
'So why go to Latvia? Perhaps the main reason for most people would be to see the capital, Riga. Of the three Baltic capitals, Riga is the largest and the most cosmopolitan. Its Old Town area is picturesque, well restored and contains many historic churches and museums. Whether walking around the cobbled streets, viewing the many art nouveau buildings, or eating at one of the many good restaurants and cafés, just being in Riga is a pleasure. For visitors with more time to spare, a number of interesting day trips can be made from Riga. The historic towns of Cesis, Sigulda and Bauska, with castles dating from the middle ages, the seaside towns of Jurmala overlooking the Gulf of Riga, and the palace of Rundale, built by the architect of St Petersburg's Winter Palace, are all within easy reach of the capital.'

FROM THE PUBLISHER

For the history enthusiast, the culture vulture and the nature lover, Latvia has an irresistible draw. Its picturesque and cosmopolitan capital, Riga, entices the visitor with attractions ranging from museums and historic churches to lively bars and jazz clubs. Further afield, Gauja National Park and the sandy beaches of Jurmala are rural temptations begging to be explored.
This revised and extended third edition of Latvia: The Bradt Travel Guide includes thorough coverage of the country's turbulent history and strong cultural heritage. With valuable practical information, it is the essential companion for those on weekend breaks or longer, more leisurely trips.

SYNOPSIS