Riga Central Station

Riga Central Station

Riga Central Station (Latvian: Rīgas Centrālā dzelzceļa stacija) is the name of the main railway station and the surrounding district in Riga city center. It is known as the main point of Riga due to its location near Central Station, and most forms of public transport stop in this area. Central Station is bigger than just the square in front of the station; it includes shops, public transport stops and various buildings.

History

The station was built in 1861 with the project of architect Johann Felsko. It was expanded in 1885 following the project of G. Shel. Two stations were running in 19th century — one to Daugavpils and other towards Jūrmala. They were joined and reconstructed in 1914 and functioned until the 1960s. In 1960 the first station building was opened and in 1965 — a second one. During the years, the station saw many reconstructions.[1]

Shops

There are two supermarkets, Stockmann and Origo.

Cinema

The largest cinema, Forum cinemas, is located near the Central Station.

Eating

In the Central station building on the first floor there is Rimi supermarket. In station there are a lot of popular restaurants such as "Čili pica", Hesburger etc. Opposite the Central Station there is a McDonald's restaurant.

Public transport

There are many stops at this location. The main stop is the railway station, Riga Central Station, which operates all passenger trains within Latvia. Most public transport stops are situated in the nearby street which is called Merķeļa Street. Buses and trolleybuses stop here.

References

  1. (in Russian), Accessed June 26, 2010

Coordinates: 56°56′50″N 24°07′20″E / 56.947222°N 24.122222°E