Tornakalns

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Tornakalns is a neighbourhood of Riga, Latvia. Located on the western bank of the Daugava River (neighborhoods along this shore are collectively known as Pardaugava), Tornakalns was an early suburb to Riga, consisting largely of gardens and mansions. In contrast to the Soviet-built Zolitude and Ziepniekkalns suburbs, there are plenty of gardens, parks, and monuments. Marupe Park encircles the Maras Dikis pond, which was once dammed by a mill. The Marupe creek then continues into the Arcadian Park, where early 20th century landscaping provides an oasis from the city.

The neighborhood's name derives from "peat hill." Prior to being developed, the peat found in the land was used as fuel. As the supply of peat began running out, the city looked south towards Ziepniekkalns for additional peat reserves. In 1940, the Soviet Union annexed Latvia and began mass deportations of Latvians who were deemed to be political and social threats to the new communist government. Because Tornakalns contained a number of affluent residents, these deportations took place at the Tornakalns railway station. Many of the mansions were confiscated, with some being divided into smaller units, and others turned to public use, including kindergartens and clinics. During the Second World War, railway service between Riga and Tornakalns was suspended, following the destruction of the original railway trestle over the Daugava.

Following the war, the neighborhood experienced an influx of non-Latvian Soviet citizens, reducing the ethnic Latvian percentage of the population. In the postwar development, the railway was electrified, streetcar service was expanded, factories and a military arsenal provided jobs in the neighborhood.

Following the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, many non-Latvians left the country, and Soviet-era street names were removed. A boxcar was installed at the Tornakalns station as a memorial to the Stalinist deportations. At the same time, a Soviet victory monument on the neighborhood's northern edge was aloowed to remain standing. Today, it remains a focal symbol for the city's Russian community.

The main shopping venues for local residents includethe Agenskalns Market and Vienibas Gatve. In spite of initial economic uncertainty following independence, the neighborhood has since regained its status as a garden suburb within minutes of Old Riga. Most Tornakalns residents commute to the central business district by the electric railway, which contains a large staiton and railyard in the neighborhood.

Coordinates: 56°56′N, 24°05′E