Riga is the European capital home to Latvia’s Freedom Monument, unveiled in 1935 to honor Latvian independence.
The monument stands in central Riga and is one of Latvia’s best-known national symbols. Its design by sculptor Kārlis Zāle and architect Ernests Štālbergs includes three stars held aloft by a female figure called Milda. The stars represent Latvia’s historical regions.
The monument commemorates those who died during the Latvian War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. During the Soviet period, it remained standing, although public displays of Latvian nationalism around it were restricted. After Latvia restored independence in 1991, the monument again became a major site for national ceremonies.
Riga is Latvia’s capital and largest city, located on the Daugava River near the Gulf of Riga. It is sometimes confused with neighboring Baltic capitals Tallinn and Vilnius, but the Freedom Monument is specifically in Riga.