Today it was about work and some socializing. But, using the advantage that the sun is going down here later than at home, I have managed to take some photos in the late evening. First, I planned to go to the royal castle and take pictures there from different perspectives. A large part of the castle is under renovation. Trees around the castle made as well impossible to take clean photos. On a hunch, I decided to go outside the historic town for a moment to photograph the enormous orthodox basilica not far from there. It was getting dark and empty in the streets. I was alone. That evening, I did not have a tripod with me, which anyway would make impossible taking long exposures. So I returned through the historic city to the hotel. Or almost returned. On the way back I met my fellows. We sat outdoors almost until midnight, drinking good Latvian beer and making fun.
The building in the photo is the Latvian National Theater, which I photographed a bit accidentally on my way.
It was built in 1902 and was originally called the Riga City Theater. It became the Latvian National Theater in 1919, after Latvia gained independence from Russia. The façade of the building is an excellent example of the national romanticism style, which was popular in Latvia in the early 20th century. It was designed by the Latvian architect Augusts Reinbergs.
