FREEDOM MONUMENT IN RIGA

THE FREEDOM MONUMENT IN RIGA

The Freedom monument is a symbol of the freedom of Latvian people. It was built on citizens’ donations and opened on November 18, 1935.

The monument was built according to a project of sculptor Karlis Zale and architect Ernest Stalberg. For construction of the monument light-grey granite and rosy granite from Finland were used, as well as travertine from Italy; the bronze figure itself was cast in Sweden.

In the middle section of the monument, under the sculptural group Mother Latvia, the words of Karlis Skalbe are engraved, saying, “For the Fatherland and Freedom.” The monument is 42 meters high and it is topped by a bronze figure of Freedom. The sculpture holds three stars in its hands as a historical symbol of cultural regions of Latvia – Kurzeme, Latgale and Vidzeme. This allegoric image signifies the oneness of the state. The history of Latvia is engraved in the sculptures and moldings of the monument. The footing of the monument is adorned with symbolic bass relieves – those of Freedom, Mother-Latvia, Labor, Motherland’s Guards, Song Festival, etc.

Since November 11 of 1992 an honorary guard was stationed at the monument.