The Powder Tower in Riga, a historic building from the 17th century, is more than just a silent witness to time. As part of the former city fortifications, it was once used to store gunpowder and thus secured the city against invaders. The original tower that stood on this site was the so-called "Sand Tower", built in the 14th century. This secured access to the city along the "Great Sand Road", an important trade route. But the Sand Tower fell victim to the wars, and so the Powder Tower was built in the 17th century, which has survived to this day.
What fascinates me about this massive tower is the mix of military history and today's peaceful use. In the 1930s, the tower was given an extension that houses the Latvian War Museum. A short walk through the old walls impressively shows how Latvia's history has manifested itself in stone - from the time of the Teutonic Order through the wars to the Soviet era.
Today, the tower acts as a quiet sentinel over the busy streets of Riga. It is bustling with activity, but once you stand in front of the old building, you can almost feel the history emanating from the thick walls. I find it particularly impressive how well-preserved the structure is, and how it blends seamlessly into the modern city.
Despite the peace today, the tower reminds us that Riga was not always so quiet. Every stone of the Powder Tower could tell of the fierce conflicts that took place here over the centuries. If you are interested in history, you should also take the time to visit the Latvian War Museum - an exciting journey into the past of this fascinating city.