The Freedom Monument is a memorial erected in honor of soldiers who died in action during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920) is located in Riga, Latvia.
Inaugurated on November 18, 1935 on the 17th anniversary of the country’s independence, this monument is affectionately called “Milda” by the townspeople. Considered an important symbol of Latvian freedom, independence and sovereignty, it is often the central location for public events and official ceremonies.
The tall 42-meter stele is made of gray and red granite, travertine and concrete. The young woman, personifying “Freedom”, holds in her hands three stars, which symbolize three historical regions of Latvia: Kurzeme (Courland), Vidzeme (Livonia) and Latgale (Latgale). The height of the statue itself is 9 meters.
The monument is located in the center of Rīga on Brīvības bulvāris (“Liberty Boulevard”), near old Rīga. In 1990, part of the street around the monument, about 200m long between boulevards Rainis and Aspazija, was pedestrianized to form a square.
Today, the base of the monument is often decorated with wreaths of flowers, usually red and white, the colors of the national flag , a guard of honor stands at the Freedom Monument, symbolizing the sovereignty of the state.
Access : Coordinates: 56.951389, 24.113056 / The monument is located in the center of Rīga on Brīvības bulvāris (“Liberty Boulevard”), near old Rīga.
Highlights :
- The idea for the monument was born in the early 1920s, when the Prime Minister of Latvia, Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, launched various competitions for the design of a column for the memorial.
- Composition : The Freedom Monument expresses the idea of independence.The composition of the 42.7 meter high monument is formed by 56 sculptures united in 13 sculptural groups on four levels, reflecting the history and culture of Latvia.
- The height of the structure reaches 42 meters. The monument is the tallest of its kind in Europe. The author of the project is K. Zale, a well-known sculptor in Latvia and abroad.
- The central element of the composition is a female figure holding three stars in high hands. The stars represent the three territorial parts of Latvia – Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale.
- The monument has another name – Milda, which is widespread among local residents. In some circles, there is an opinion that the model Milda Vintere, who allegedly posed for K. Zale, became the prototype of the bronze woman.
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / Long distance walking / Good place to glance history!!
Go next : the Latvian National Opera with a flower garden and fountain in front of it / The famous Small Guild Building in Riga was built in the 13th century / One of the brightest symbols of the Latvian capital , the famous “Swedish Gate”.
