Swedish Gate

Overview

The Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti) is the only surviving gate of Riga's medieval city walls. Built in 1698 during the Swedish Empire's rule over Livonia, the gate was carved directly through an existing residential building as a shortcut to the Swedish military barracks.

Highlights

• Architectural quirk: The gate passes through a living building — windows and doorways of apartments are visible above.
• Trokšņu iela: The narrow cobblestone street behind the gate is one of the most atmospheric in the Old Town.
• City wall remnants: Sections of the original 13th-century city wall and Jacob's Barracks are visible nearby.

History

The gate was cut through a building on Torņa iela to provide soldiers access between the city and the barracks. According to legend, a young woman who had been meeting a Swedish soldier in secret was bricked into the wall as punishment, and her ghost still haunts the passage.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walk through at night for a genuinely atmospheric experience.
• Tip 2: Combine with a stroll along the restored Jacob's Barracks (Jēkaba kazarmas), now housing cafés and shops.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.