Līvu Square

Overview

Līvu Square (Līvu laukums) is a vibrant open square in the heart of the Old Town, flanked by colourful medieval guild buildings and the Cat House. In summer it fills with outdoor café terraces; in winter it transforms into a small skating rink and Christmas market.

Highlights

• Great Guild: The 14th-century Great Guild building, now the Latvian National Philharmonic concert hall.
• Small Guild: An ornate neo-Gothic building from 1866, used for exhibitions and events.
• Cat House: The famous Art Nouveau building with cat turrets anchors the square's corner.

History

The square occupies the site of a former branch of the Rīdzene stream (the Līvu stream). Filled in and paved in the 19th century, it became a public square where the city's guild buildings face each other across the open space.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Grab a table at one of the outdoor cafés for prime people-watching.
• Tip 2: Live music and performances often occur in summer evenings.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.