Spain’s Best Kept Travel Secrets
Millions of visitors come to Spain annually because of its vibrant culture, fascinating past, and amazing scenery. Still, the real spirit of Spain is found…
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While they are often disregarded jewels in the middle of Europe, the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have a fascinating beauty and a rich cultural-historical legacy that invites visitors. These nations are ready to be major travel destinations with their brilliant architecture and energetic cities. Travelers find the capitals—Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius—attractive because they provide the ideal mix of old-world elegance and contemporary vitality.
The capital of Latvia, Riga, throbbs with vitality and activity. Tucked down along the 500-meter Daugava River, Riga’s terrain is a harmonic mix of architectural brilliance and natural beauty. With its cobblestone lanes and ancient structures that whisper stories of antiquity, the old town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—reminisences a storybook.
With fewer than half of its people identifying as ethnically Latvian and a sizable Russian component contributing to its global tapestry, the city has seen a rebirth recently. The energetic city reflects this variety, where modernism and heritage live together.
Not missing the famous Riga Castle, which represents the city’s legendary history, visitors to Riga should not overlook the Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity, evidence of the city’s varied religious legacy; the National Museum of Art exhibits an amazing collection of Latvian treasures. Important stops on every trip include the Laima Clock, a renowned monument, and the Monument of Freedom, a moving homage to Latvia’s freedom. The Museum of Occupation presents a somber view of Latvia’s turbulent past; the National Opera gives a taste of the performing arts.
Wandering the busy Market City Assembly, one may have regional cuisine and really experience the energetic surroundings. Additionally worth seeing are Torna Street, with its little stores, and the old Sweden Gate, a reminder of the city’s defenses. The cityscape gains some mystery with the quirky “Cat House” and the now-museum Gunpowder Mill. Any visitor should definitely visit the Church of St. Peter as its soaring spire provides panoramic views of the city.
Highly advised is a little trip to Jurmala, a lovely beach village with a 150-year legacy. Its lovely wooden buildings and sandy beaches provide the ideal haven from the city buzz. Furthermore, evidence of Latvia’s natural beauty are Turaida and Sigulda’s breathtaking scenery, with their medieval castles and rich vegetation.
Being on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has maintained its medieval appeal. With its cobblestone lanes and well-kept houses, the charming old town whisks guests back in time. Two of the main attractions are the 13th-century Gothic cathedral Saint Mary the Virgin and Toompea Castle, a medieval fortification with amazing city views.
With its arresting onion domes, the Russian Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky represents the many cultural influences of the city. Rising from the 15th century, the Town Hall Square is the center of Tallinn, humming with stores and cafés encouraging slow discovery. Another architectural wonder not overlooked should be the Church of St. Olaf, previously the highest structure in the world.
Set against a beautiful background, the collection of ancient Estonian buildings—including rural cottages, windmills, and water mills—shown at the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum offers a unique experience. Established in 1957, this museum offers an amazing window into the rural history of Estonia.
Foodies will also find paradise in Tallinn, with its many art deco cafés and pastry stores offering strong coffee and mouthwatering cuisine. The gastronomic landscape of the city is varied, with eateries serving worldwide cuisine to suit every taste. The energetic nightlife opens up as night falls; several pubs and clubs tucked away in the old town allow guests to experience live music ranging from pop to jazz.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, captivates guests with the elegance of its old center. The domes of Orthodox and Catholic churches decorate the skyline, a visual reminder of the great religious legacy of the city. Celebrated by UNESCO as the most baroque city in Europe, Vilnius is a tapestry of architectural forms that chronicles its legendary history.
The city has embraced modernism in recent years, with new buildings, hip restaurants, and cafés emerging alongside its ancient landmarks. The great cathedral with its bell tower, which sits on the site of an old pagan temple dedicated to the deity Perkunas, dominates the Cathedral Square in the center of the city.
One finds the Church of St. Anne, a magnificent specimen of Gothic architecture that has enthralled both architects and painters, while meandering through the small, twisting lanes. Another monument that highlights the cultural legacy of the city is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul with its lavish interior and complex stucco work.
From Vilnius, a short trip brings Trakai, the historic capital of Lithuania, where the fairytale-like Traki Castle magnificently rises out of the still lake Galvė. Now housing an art museum with insights into Lithuania’s cultural past, this 14th-century fortification throughout one hundred thousand crosses have been placed by Christians throughout the ages at the nearby Hill of Crosses, often referred to as the “city of prayer.”
Another must-see is Rundale Palace, a masterwork of baroque architecture created in the 18th century by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Its lavish rooms and well-manicured grounds capture the grandeur of the age and provide a window into the aristocratic history of the area.
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