Excursion Art & architecture of liepaja tour at Liepāja

Liepaja is a city defined by its contrasts – a place where sweeping historic trends and powerful geopolitical crosscurrents have translated over time into its art and architecture. This expert-led walk focuses on important examples, both classically old and dramatically new, for an in-depth perspective.

Concentrated along Graudu and Liela streets within Liepaja’s Old City core, a collection of some 70 Art Nouveau buildings stands among the foremost examples of this style in Europe. Not only will you encounter historically accurate residences reflecting the Nouveau design aesthetic, but schools, cinema houses, office buildings, and even the oldest professional theatre in Latvia, considered its most beautiful by many. During this 90-minute tour segment, your guide will take you inside several houses with notably well-preserved interiors – from authentic staircase ornaments to the paintings on their walls.

But bold contemporary architecture thrives equally in Liepaja, as you’ll see clearly on an in-depth tour of a modern design marvel, the Great Amber Concert Hall inaugurated in 2015. Standing 8 stories tall and clad in glass the color of its name, this Internationally acclaimed gem contains multiple performance and display spaces. During your hour stay, you’ll visit all the Great Amber halls – from the 1st-floor Civita Nova Art Space and intimate 2nd-floor Chamber Hall to the main 972-seat Great Hall and Civita Nova 6 and Experimental Stage spaces on the 6th floor – and learn much about their designers. Afterward, enjoy 30 minutes at your leisure in Rose Square before the brief coach drive back to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. Anne’s Church, local market, Old Town, Amber Concert Hall

Note

Please note: This moderate excursion involves approximately 1.5 km/0.9 mi of walking over flat terrain with some cobblestones, and 150 steps must be negotiated in the Amber Concert Hall. The tour is not suitable for those who utilize a wheelchair; those with mobility concerns should evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina before participating. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along your preferred sun protection. Food and drink (not included) are available for purchase at Rose Square. The order of sights and activities may vary.