About House of the Black Heads
The House of the Blackheads, located in the old town of Riga, Latvia, is a historic building that dates back to the 14th century. It was originally established as a guild for the city's merchants and craftsmen, who were predominantly of German descent.
These individuals joined forces with a brotherhood of banquet caterers known as the Blackheads to protect their trading rights from pirates and robbers. The name "Blackheads" is believed to have been derived from Saint Maurice, a black Roman officer who converted to Christianity and died a martyr's death around 300 AD.
Over the centuries, the House of the Blackheads served as a hub for entrepreneurship, providing a gathering place for merchants and sailors. It was designed to host meetings and banquets, and it played a crucial role in promoting trade and missionary activities in the Baltic Sea.
The building also stood as a symbol of luxury in Riga, preserving the unique historical heritage of the legendary Blackheads Brotherhood and the history of the city itself.
However, the original structure was destroyed during the Second World War when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941. The remains were later demolished by the Soviets in 1948.
Despite this, the House of the Blackheads was fully rebuilt between 1996 and 1999, thanks to funds provided by Valērijs Kargins, the president of Parex Bank, and donations from over 5,000 participants who wanted to contribute to the rebuilding process.
Today, the House of the Blackheads serves as a museum, showcasing grand ballrooms where luxurious events were historically held, including welcoming ceremonies for kings, queens, and presidents, as well as cultural events like balls, classical music concerts, theatre performances, and operas.
Visitors can also explore the historic cabinets, which served as a temporary workspace for the President of Latvia from 2012 to 2016, and the historical cellar, the only original part of the building that survived World War II. This cellar offers a glimpse into the authentic underground of Old Riga, with original wall fragments, floor, and wooden stairs dating back to the 14th century.
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