https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/riga-1245-129949338?locale=en-NZ
CHARLIE SHAWUnited States

Discover the Cat House in Riga, a landmark steeped in the legend of the black cat.

🧐 Built in 1912, the Cat House is a beautiful Art Nouveau building. A rather "interesting" anecdote surrounds the wealthy merchant who owned the building. He applied to join the guild across the street, full of anticipation, only to be rejected. Not one to be easily defeated, the merchant expressed his displeasure in a unique way. He added two black cat sculptures to the roof of his building, with their backsides pointed towards the guild hall, a playful act of revenge. This escalated into a legal battle that continued until the outbreak of World War I. Perhaps the war made such disputes seem trivial, and the cats were eventually turned. However, the "Cat House," with its story of feline defiance, became one of Riga's most famous buildings. 😻 Walking through the streets surrounding the Cat House, you'll experience its unique charm. The surrounding architecture is diverse, from ancient Baroque buildings to modern skyscrapers. But no matter what, the Cat House always catches your eye first. Its two black cat sculptures seem to silently tell the story of the past. Even today, standing on the street looking up at the Cat House, you can still imagine the merchant's anger and stubbornness. 🎉 Stepping inside the Cat House is like entering a palace of art. Every corner exudes the elegance and sophistication of Art Nouveau. The exquisite murals on the walls, the ornate chandeliers, and the uniquely shaped furniture all showcase the superb architectural and artistic standards of the time. You can stroll through the building, feeling the passage of time, and imagine the lively balls and gatherings that once took place here. 😉 Near the Cat House, there are many interesting small shops. There are handicraft shops full of Latvian character, where you can buy exquisite wood carvings and small hand-woven items. There are also fragrant coffee shops where you can sit, savor delicious coffee, and reflect on the story of the Cat House. Walking among these small shops is like traveling between Latvia's history and its present. 🤳 For photography enthusiasts, the Cat House is an excellent location. Whether it's the morning sun shining on the building or its silhouette against the night lights, you can capture artistic photos. You can capture its beauty from different angles, each photo telling a small part of the Cat House's story. 😘 The Cat House in Riga, Latvia, is more than just a building; it's a place filled with history, culture, and stories. Whether it's the legendary story, the unique architectural style, or the charming surrounding atmosphere, it's worth experiencing for yourself. 💖
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Mar 7, 2025
_tx***du
飯村拓海
2 people found this moment helpful
1 Comments
飯村拓海
飯村拓海
View original text
Submit
2
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Cat House

4/525 reviews
Riga
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Explore Riga - Latvia Riga, Latvia’s capital, has a way of blending charm, history, and a little bit of whimsy all in one walkable city. The journey through the Old Town begins with the House of the Blackheads, a striking building with a façade that almost feels too ornate to be real. Once the headquarters of merchants, it now stands as one of Riga’s most photographed treasures. Just a short stroll away are the Three Brothers, a row of houses that showcase different periods of Riga’s architectural evolution. Each one has its own personality, almost like three siblings with different tastes who still manage to live side by side. The famous Cat House adds a playful note to the city’s atmosphere. With its mischievous-looking black cats perched on the turrets, the building has a backstory rooted in defiance and humor, which makes it even more memorable. It’s one of those places that brings a smile, reminding visitors that Riga’s history isn’t only about battles and trade, but also about quirky stories. Nearby, the Swiss Gate provides a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. As one of the few remaining parts of the old fortifications, it feels like a portal between centuries, linking modern Riga with the days when walls and gates protected its people. To top off the experience, there’s the cherry liquor, a local specialty with a sweet yet strong flavor. Sipped slowly, it captures the warmth and character of Riga itself—rich, welcoming, and a little surprising. Riga leaves behind a mix of admiration and delight, with every corner offering a story worth remembering. #latvia #riga #travel #exploring #baltictrip #summer #cathouse

Nishani Amarasinghe
Cat House

Winter in Riga: Cozy Charm, Quiet Streets & Baltic Elegance

PassportVibes
Town Musicians of Bremen

Do you know Latvia?

Dacchi
Cat House

The second stop of the three small countries of the Pineapple Sea - Latvia🇱🇻

勝.
Old City Riga (Vecriga)

Riga | Discover the Treasure of the Baltic Sea

Mia Taylor~10
Cat House

A castle in Riga with a magical world

Isabella~Foster72
Old City Riga (Vecriga)

🇵🇱🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪Travelogue of the Baltic States and Poland VOL.2

makaji
Cat House

Latvia 🇱🇻 Attractions-Livu Square

TAC You To Travel
Vanalinn

A Detailed 7 Days 6 Nights Guide to Roaming the Three Baltic States

ROSEMARY NEWTON
Riga Town Hall Square

Riga was great. The whole city is lovely, downtown is where all fun begins, i.e. dancing, singing, and riding beermobiles. There are beautiful buildings all around you, and the history of each of them is amazing Strolling Through Riga’s Storybook Streets 🌧️✨ Downtown Riga instantly charms with its rich tapestry of Western-style architecture and winding streets, each building whispering tales from centuries past. Even on a cloudy or rainy day, the city’s outdoor cultural landscapes sparkle with history and cozy vibes—don’t let drizzle dampen your spirits! Set out from the Town Hall Square, weaving through the maze of Art Nouveau gems on Alberta Street and stopping to admire the close-up details of decorated facades and whimsical statues. Must-do: Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for panoramic shots of Old Town rooftops painted with rain, then wander down to the Dome Cathedral where the city’s heart beats oldest. Photo spot alert: Capture reflections in puddles for unique architecture-vision shots—especially by the Blackheads House. Rain actually deepens the colors of brickwork and brings moody atmosphere to your images! Practical tips: Keep your raincoat or a sturdy umbrella handy—weather can shift quickly, and cobblestone streets get slippery. Many cafés and bakeries nearby offer shelter and hot drinks; they’re cozy breaks if you need to wait out a downpour. Most museums and historic sites open by 10:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM—early mornings mean fewer crowds and gentler light for outdoor photography. Precautions: Be mindful of wet pavement and traffic in crosswalks; waterproof shoes are a lifesaver. Some outdoor courtyards may close in heavy rain, so check ahead for access. #Riga #ArchitectureLovers #UrbanExploration #RainyDayMagic #CultureTrip

Anaepst
St. Peter's Church

Baltic Medieval Fairy Tale

Brooks_Ella_46
Old City Riga (Vecriga)

Don't Come to Venice, Come Here 🌅🇱🇻

pym106