The historical
magic of Torņakalns
Torņakalns is a neighbourhood of Riga on the left bank of the Daugava River and is one of the oldest suburbs in Pārdaugava. Built at the end of the 19th century, the neighbourhood's picturesque charm is created by the Mārupīte River flowing through it, Māra's Pond, and Arkādijas Park.
The name Torņakalns comes from the tower, first mentioned in documents in 1483 and located on the right bank of the Mārupīte River near modern day Jelgavas Street. Over time, a settlement rose up at the foot of the tower, which was already known as Torņa gruntsgabali or “Land near the Tower” during the 2. second half of the 17th century.
Create the future history of the neighbourhood
As part of this scenic neighborhood community, shape the future history of Torņakalns. Poēzija will offer you a haven from the frenetic pace of daily life – it is a place to come home and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature.
In the construction of the Poēzija project, nearly all the trees in the territory will be preserved, and new ones will be planted. Special attention will be paid to several large trees in the territory, which will be carefully preserved so they can continue to enrich the scenic value of this new living space.
Neighbouring opportunities
Arkādijas Park
Ojāra Vācieša Street 2B
Arkadijas Park is a pristine example of a landscaped park. Walking through it, everybody can enjoy beautiful natural views in the heart of the city. Located in the Riga neighbouhood of Pārdaugava, between Ojāra Vācieša Street and Friča Brīvzemnieka Street, the history of the park dates back about 170 years. An exemplary landscaped park, here everybody can relax with the family and bask in the beautiful natural views at the heart of the city, where historical bridges from the 1920s are still preserved today.
Ojārs Vācietis
Memorial Museum
Ojāra Vācieša Street 19
The museum was founded in 1988 and is located on what used to Lielā Altonavas Street in Pārdaugava, where the poet and his family lived from 1960. The house is more than 200 years old, once upon a time it was home to the Jeruzaleme tavern, whose visitors included Garlībs Merkelis and Rihards Vāgners, and which was immortalised in the drawings of J. K. Broce. The poet's memorial apartment is open to visitors.
Āgenskalns Market
Nometņu Street 64
Open since 1898, Āgenskalns Market is the biggest and oldest market in the neighbourhood, and has been officially recognised as a national cultural monument. Since 2022, the market has been reincarnated in a new form - alongside retail operations, it has become a creative environment where cultural and historical heritage is intertwined with prevailing global trends.
National Library of Latvia
Mūkusalas Street 3
Rising up on the left bank of the Daugava River is the National Library of Latvia (NLL), also known as the Castle of Light, rises.One of the most ambitious cultural buildings in the history of latter day Latvia, the library offers a rich and interesting programme. Visitors can learn about the library building and its work, view exhibitions on a wide variety of topics, and enjoy the regular series of lectures, seminars and concerts that take place in the Castle of Light.
Lucavsala
Following renovation and landscaping work, this island in the Daugava River, which was full of abandoned garden sheds just a few years ago, has been transformed into one of Riga's most popular leisure and swimming spots. The Lucavsala Recreation Park brings together children, active lifestyle enthusiasts, and city residents seeking to venture into nature while staying close to the city centre.
Culture
Education
Leisure
Medicine
Shopping
Bus stop - 0.1km Old Town - 3.5km Bus Station - 3.6km Airport - 7.7km