Three Brothers

Overview

The Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi) are three adjacent houses on Mazā Pils iela in Riga's Old Town — the oldest surviving residential complex in the city. Together they illustrate three centuries of urban architectural evolution, from the late medieval period to the Baroque.

Highlights

• No. 17: The oldest house, dating to around 1490, with a characteristic stepped gable and tiny windows.
• No. 19: A Dutch Mannerist facade from 1646 with an ornate relief above the door.
• No. 21: A late-17th-century Baroque house with a distinctive mask pediment.

History

Though called "brothers," the buildings were constructed independently over two centuries. Together they show the evolution from narrow Gothic merchants' houses to broader Baroque dwellings, reflecting Riga's growing prosperity.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The Latvian Museum of Architecture inside No. 19 is free and worth a quick visit.
• Tip 2: Best photographed from across the narrow street to capture all three facades.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.