Originally, a wooden church was built on this site in 1597. However, it was rebuilt several times over the centuries and finally given a distinctive brick facade. The current tower, which was added in 1872-73 according to plans by architect M. P. Berči, was the highest point in the city at the time, with a height of 60 meters.
Historically, the church was an important place for national events: in 1918, the later national anthem of Latvia was sung here for the first time in thanks for the founding of the state. In addition, the funeral service for the Latvian military leader Oskars Kalpaks took place in this church in 1919. This history, combined with the monumental baroque altar, which was created in 1697 by the sculptor Nicolaus Söffrens the Younger, makes the Svētās Annas Church an impressive testimony to Latvian culture and religious history.