The synagogue on Peitavas Street is one of Riga's Art Nouveau jewels and a significant cultural monument. Peitav Shul is the only active synagogue in Riga.
At the end of the 19th century a Jewish parish was founded in Old Riga.
Land was bought and in 1903 a permit was issued for building a synagogue. The original project was drawn by architect Hermann Seuberlich, later it was improved by outstanding architect and art historian Wilhelm Neumann.
The building is designed in the Art Nouveau style with Ancient Egyptian motives.