Powder Tower and Latvian War Museum

Overview

The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) is the only surviving tower of Riga's original medieval fortifications, now housing the Latvian War Museum. The massive cylindrical tower, with walls over three metres thick, contains nine cannonballs embedded from the 1656 Swedish siege.

Highlights

• Embedded cannonballs: Nine Russian cannonballs from 1656 are still visible in the tower's exterior walls.
• Latvian military history: Exhibits cover the medieval era, Latvian War of Independence, both World Wars, and the Soviet period.
• Barricades of 1991: A moving section on the barricades erected to defend Riga's key buildings during the January 1991 Soviet crackdown.

History

First documented in 1330, the tower was rebuilt in 1650 after the Swedish siege. It stored gunpowder for the city's defences — hence the name. The War Museum has occupied the building since 1919.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free admission. Budget at least 45 minutes for the exhibits.
• Tip 2: Start here before walking the Old Town — it provides essential historical context.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.