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...simply Riga...
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Ivana Chudikova (Elaine_Blath)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1321 W: 31 N: 1751]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (8518) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-07-16 |
| Categories: Daily Life, Architecture |
| Exposure: f/4, 1/200 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-02-27 0:55 |
| Viewed: 775 |
| Points: 12 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Classical view on Riga´s skyline.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the river Daugava. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, which UNESCO considers to be unparalleled anywhere in the world.
With 722,485 inhabitants in 2007, Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States, though its population has been on the decrease since 1991. Business and leisure travel to Riga has increased significantly in recent years due to improved infrastructure.
Riga was founded in 1201 by German crusaders. Before then, a Liv village of merchants and sailors existed where Old Town now sits. The Livs were one of several nations that resided in the territory now known as Latvia. At the beginning of the 13th century, international trading opportunities grew rapidly. Riga joined the Hanseatic League, Europe’s first common market. At its height in the 14th and 15th centuries the Hanseatic League was as powerful as any monarchy in Europe, and Riga thrived. The houses in Old Town and the city centre remind us of this period of major German cultural influence.
In the 16th century, Riga was occupied by Polish troops, but in 1621 was conquered by the Swedes and became the largest and most developed city in Sweden. In 1710, during the Great Northern War, Riga and most of Latvia was invaded by the Russian Tsar Peter the Great and annexed to Russia.
At the turn of the 20th century, Riga possessed the second largest port in the Russian Empire. Once again the city was flourishing; magnificent Art Nouveau style buildings were erected. These masterpieces created by German, Russian and Latvian architects are still very much appreciated by locals, and cause foreign tourists to gaze upwards in amazement. The historic centre of Riga has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which recognizes that Riga has the finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
In 1918 Latvia declared its independence, and for the first time in history, Latvian became the official language of Latvia. From then until World War II, Riga became known as a premiere city of style and produced Europe’s highest number of university graduates. Because of its numerous shops, cafes, and elegantly-dressed people, Riga was dubbed the “little Paris”. After World War II, Latvia was annexed into the Soviet Union and regained sovereignty only in 1991.
Over the last decade, Riga’s buildings are being restored and the city modernised. Gradually Riga has converted itself into a cosy and modern European city, as well as a centre of various cultural and sporting events. In 2002, Riga rang in its 800 anniversary in fine style, offering both traditional and modern festivities as the entire city celebrated for days. In 2003 the Eurovision Song Contest and the international “Cutty Sark” regatta took place in Riga. In 2006, Riga will host the Ice-Hockey World Championship, an event which the hockey-loving Latvians await with much anticipation. |
jarkko, Charo, Photo65Net, ydarias has marked this note useful
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- jarkko
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 109 W: 0 N: 81]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(1157) - [2008-02-27 1:34]
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Hello Ivana! Thanks for the photo and note. Your photo woke up the memories of my visit to Riga in 2002. It is really nice town and I've been wanting to go back there since my visit - maybe some day I will.. =)
hi ivana,
a nice image, just one remark: it is almost divided in two dur to the position of the shore.
nice light
regards
didier
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- Charo
(19030)
- [2008-03-01 15:52]
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Hello Ivana,
Beautiful image of this nice city and accompanied by a good note.
The light, colors and definition are excellent. Good work.
Cordialmente
Charo
Ivana,
I like a lot the way you composed this image, with great use of the river as a FG.
Light and colors on the city are superb.
Nice one,
Regards,
JB.
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- Angshu
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 170 N: 7806]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(25466) - [2008-03-06 20:05]
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Hello Ivana
A clean, crisp, beautifully composed image. The spires stand out in the lovely light. Good contrast with the blue waters of the river in the FG. I might have wanted less of the FG & more zoomed in part of the lovely city..but otherwise this is well done!
Regards
Angshu
Hello Ivana, good photo. I like very much the illumination from dark in left side to lights in the right side. The good saturated colours are very good too. Congratulations.
Yeray.
P.S: Great note too, very good job.
