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Latvia

Vidzeme

Cat House (Kaķu Nams)

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Latvia

Vidzeme

Cat House (Kaķu Nams)

Recommended by 75 hikers out of 76

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Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

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2. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads loop from Centre

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Tips

Beyond the Horizon

October 25, 2024

The "Kaķu nams" in Riga is not only notable for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture, but also for the two cat statues on the towers, which tell a curious story. According to legend, a wealthy businessman who was not admitted to the Great Guild had two black cats placed on his house in protest. Particularly provocative: The cats pointed their rear ends directly toward the Guild Hall. This visual statement was more than just a joke—it was an expression of displeasure and caused considerable uproar at the time.

After a lengthy legal battle, the businessman was finally forced to turn the cats around, but they remained on the roof as a lasting reminder of this historic "quarrel" between Riga's merchants. Today, the cats are a symbol of the city and a reminder of the stubbornness and humor of Riga's residents.

Translated by Google •

Lutz - Berlin

April 18, 2019

A wealthy businessman was resentful that he wasn't accepted into the Great Guild. He then placed two cats on top of his house, which showed their behinds to the guild house. The outrage was great, but the cats stayed. However, they had to be rotated.

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1Fritz-Marc 🚴🥾🏊🌲

August 8, 2019

Next to it are the big and small guild houses

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Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 20 September

22°C

16°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

Cat House (Kaķu Nams)

1. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads loop from Torņakalns

2. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads loop from Centre

3. Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) – Riga Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads loop from Āgenskalna priedes

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