The first sunny days in Riga have awakened the city’s fountains that provide refreshing relief and mitigate the noise of the city all day long. The fountains are turned off only one hour after midnight and restarted again each morning.

Each spring, a number of fountains bloom in Riga like flowers – in Vērmanes Park, Kronvalda Park near Riga Congress Centre, at the Esplanade near the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, at Opera Square, in Ziedoņdārzs Park, in City Canal near Bastejkalns Hill, plus Bastejkalns cascade waterfalls. Each fountain has its own unique history.

The fountain at the Vērmanes Park open-air stage is a bronze sculpture of two putti playing atop a vase and four figures taking cover from water at the foot of the vase, symbolising the endless flow of time through four seasons, represented by the four figures. During the summer season at the Opera Square, water flows endlessly over the edges of an enormous clam that a naked lady holds above her head, with several children sitting at her feet – this is arguably the most beautiful fountain in Riga. With the majesty of the Opera House in the background, flower beds and green grass all around, this place is a true oasis in the very heart of the city.

A floating fountain in City Canal near Bastejkalns Hill creates a harmonious duo with Bastejkalns cascade fountains. This pair makes an organic and integral part of City Canal, and its romantic appeal is undeniable to those who go for a boat trip in the canal.

The city’s largest fountain is an octagonal fountain in Kronvalda Park near Riga Congress Centre. It is made up of 120 smaller fountains and several steps leading to the central fountain in the middle of the octagon. The fountain offers an unforgettable view in the sunny evening hours, when the water shines in all the colours of the spectrum.

Another fountain, located near the Nativity of Christ Cathedral at the Esplanade, produces the feeling of youth and artistry – quite possibly because of the proximity of the Latvian Academy of Art. After dark, the fountain becomes a captivating bunch of arches of light coming from the ground.

The seventh water wonder of Riga is in Ziedoņdārzs Park. This fountain was built at the end of 1930s. The fountain was not working for a period of twenty years, but by now the fountain in the middle of the park has been renovated and is operational again.

The fountains are turned on at 8 a.m. and off at 1 a.m., and, weather permitting, continue to work up until October.