Riga Jewish History Tour
Description
The history of the Jews of Riga is very rich and significant. Much of this heritage can still be seen today. In three hours with an experienced guide, both by car and on foot, it is possible to visit important places and receive information in a very concentrated way, but at the same time easily and comprehensibly. Please be informed on Shabbat and other Jewish religious holidays, the Synagogue and the Riga Ghetto Museum are closed. The duration of the tour depends on the intensity of the traffic on the street.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Several beautiful buildings in this part of the Riga was designed by Jewish architect Mikhail Eisenstein and in one of the buildings was born philosopher Isaiah Berlin.
This is former territory of Riga Jewish Ghetto where many buildings are in the same shape as 80 years ago in the WW II time.
On July 4, 1941, more than 300 hundreds of Jewish refugees from Lithuania and local Latvian Jews were herded into the basement of the synagogue which was then intentionally burned to the ground. There is a momorial place today.
In November of 1941, the Nazi decided to completely exterminate Jewish prisoners of the Riga ghetto. During the events which took place on the 30th of November and the 8th of December of 1941, more than 25,000 people were killed in the Rumbula forest, including approximately a thousand of Jews who were deported from Germany. A complete memorial was opened on the 29th of November 2002.
The Museum of Riga Ghetto and Holocaust in Latvia: a window into the story of the Riga Ghetto, the Holocaust in Latvia and Jewish life in Latvia before the Holocaust.
The Riga synagogue on Peitavas Street is one of Riga's Art Nouveau jewels and a significant cultural monument. he Synagogue was built 1903-1905 and designed in the Art Nouveau style with Ancient Egyptian motives.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please wait outside of the hotel or apartment, because we are not allowed to park the car in the Old Riga.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code - any is fine (if not naked) and kipa will be provided if the head of the visitor will not be covered by cap, hat, scarf or other.
Reviews(11)
Armands was a wonderful host and tour guild. His in depth understanding of Riga’s Jewish history knowledge was superb. He also shared many fascinating and captivating local stories and legends. I would highly recommend taking this 5 Star tour.
Excellent tour, really enjoyed looking at all the main sights on the Jewish history tour, Armands my tour guide was excellent, would definitely recommend going on this tour.
Very interesting tour of Holocaust memorials and the local synagogue. Very poignant tour of Riga and surrounding areas.
We enjoyed the tour a lot. Our guide was knowledgeable. Very knowledgeable. We saw everything we wanted and were able to spend the time we wanted at each place without being rushed. He went over time originally planned because we spent more time at each site which we thought was so kind.
Excellent tour and very informative. Guide drove me to all the key and important sites and covered everything I was interested in. Highly recommended.
This was a very comprehensive and informative tour about the Jews of Riga. It gave the history, the accomplishments, and the tragic end during the holocaust. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, and explained everything thoroughly. He gave us enough time at all the stops to do a little exploration on our own.
Armands was very knowledgeable and answered our questions. We went to several sites and witnessed memorials for the Jews that were killed in World War II. This tour is a somber tour and was presented with tact and honor for the memories of those lost. We learned much and purchased a book at the Jewish Ghetto museum.
Armando was very knowledgeable and friendly. We visited all sites mentioned and even extra. Definitely recommend.
Excellent tour! We truly enjoyed our tour guide's great knowledge about Jewish life and past history. He was extremely informative and when he didn't know the answer, he admitted it. We were even sad to say goodbye...
Armands was very knowledgeable about Jewish culture and the history of Jews in Riga. We booked the tour for a Saturday which meant that a few things were closed for Shabbat. Armands was flexible and brought us to another place of interest instead.
