Old St. Gertrude Church, Riga

Located on Ģertrūdes Street, Old Saint Gertrude is one of the oldest churches in Riga. It is named after Saint Gertrude of Nivelles who lived between 626 and 659. Before the current, red brick building was constructed, the site was occupied consecutively by seven wooden churches, each named Saint Gertrude and burnt down by invading barbarians.

The present, Neo-Gothic style edifice was designed by J.D. Felsko, a prolific local architect. Works on the temple started in 1864 and continued until 1869. The brick walls were left uncovered on purpose, whereas the façade and the spire got embellished with concrete decorations.

The building has the shape of a cross, featuring a nave, incorporating three segments, and a shorter cruciform nave. The church organ was custom bought in 1906 at a cost of 8,000 roubles. The instrument is still functional and is a great pleasure to the ears of multiple worshippers and tourists who come to the church every day.

Old Saint Gertrude Church is surrounded by a number of Art Nouveau buildings which are also well worth seeing.