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Riga Latvia & Tallinn Estonia Slideshow After enjoying the sophisticated pleasures of Helsinki, the imposing majesty of St. Petersburg and the medieval beauty of Stockholm, how could Riga and Tallinn possibly compete?  They do. And nearly outshine their more reknown neighbors. Riga is a beauty. Just a few steps inward from the Baltic Sea, Riga's medieval spires soar above the shores of the Daugava River. Its more recent neighborhoods spill eastward.  The city is home to one of the largest collection of Art Nouveau-styled buildings in Europe. It is also has a surprisingly respectable National Art Museum and a movingly informative Latvian War Musuem. Tallinn, at first, seems a little too well-preserved (a little "Disneyesque") and touristically accommodating ("well-worn, cruise ship port-of-call") to feel genuine.  But how can Estonians be faulted for getting the "tourist thing" so right when they possess such an extraordinary medieval treasure.   But don't misunderstand: neither of these cities are simply outdoor medieval museums.  They are both on the vanguard of our technological age.  Estonia and Latvia are galloping forward - at an economic pace greater than many of their larger Baltic rivals.  Their futures may become even more interesting than their pasts.  Just maybe not as beautiful. August 201139 Images2675 visitsAlbum by David KohlPhotos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg

View of Riga - from St Peter's Church View of bridge across the Daugava River View of Riga looking south View of Castle in Riga View in the City Park along the City Canal Sculpture in the City Park Bridge of Locks in the City Park Close up on the bridge of locks Couples inscribe their names on padlocks and attach them to this bridge. Riga's Freedom Monument Constructed in 1935. Top of the Freedom Monument The statue atop the momument is nicknamed "Milda" - one of the most popular Latvian first names between the two world wars - is an emblem of Latvia.  The three stars she holds above her head symbolize the three main regions of Latvia. Base of the Freedom Monument The red granite base has sculptures of Latvian heroes and an inscription meaning,"for fatherland and freedom". Building the old town of Riga The top of the Black Cat building Black cat The three brothers buildings Art Nouveau exterior Art Nouveau exterior Art Nouveau building exterior Art Nouveau building exterior Art Nouveau detail Art Nouveau detail Latvian Riflemen's Monument Detail of Latvian Riflemen's Monument Grafitti Nicholas Roerich painting in the Latvian Art Museum Lativan Art Museum Latvian Art Museum View of Tallinn View of Tallinn View of Tallinn streets Tallinn View Tallinn Cathedral detail Tallinn cathedral Tallinn view Tallinn street sculpture Tallinn street scene Olympic sculpture - Pirita Pirita - St Bridget's Guesthouse Guesthouse room