Three Brothers, Riga

The Three Brothers are a unique set of architectural treasures in Old Riga. The name applies to three adjacent houses, each built at different times and in different styles. Together the treehouses represent the oldest dwellings in the city, and each one demonstrates a different development period.

The oldest house is at number 17 Maza Pils Street--it dates from the late 1400s. It has crow-stepped gables and a few Gothic and Renaissance details. The interior is one large room with an attic.

The exterior of its neighbor at 19 Maza Pils Street is from 1646. The exterior style of this building has elements of Dutch Mannerism. This is the middle building and has a distinctive pale yellow exterior. Above the door, the Latin inscription reads, "Glory to God alone!"

Number 21 Maza Pils Street is the newest, a narrow Baroque structure last updated in the 17th century. The green color was meant to guard against evil spirits.

Today, Number 21 houses the Latvian Museum of Architecture and State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection. It's open to the public and is a good place to see photos of the history of Riga. The Three Brothers earned the European Heritage Label in 2020.