- Address: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia;
- Website: melnaiskakis.lv;
- Phone: +371 67 037 900;
- Working hours: every day from 10:00 to 13:00.
On the honorary central place in the old city of Riga , on the famous Liva Square , among the Grand and Small Guilds and the Riga Russian Theater, stands the legendary House with black cats or Koshkin's house. This building is known far beyond Riga and Latvia . Tourists from different countries come to see this architectural masterpiece.
Koshkin House, Riga - history of creation
Its name was given to the cat by the presence of sculptures of two black cats on the pointed turrets of the roof of this building. Cats are depicted in a rather interesting pose: their backs are bent and tails are tucked up. City legend says that the homeowner Blumer originally placed these metal sculptures with tails in the direction of the Great Guild. In this way, he expressed his position regarding the refusal of the leadership of this influential society in Riga to take Blumer into their ranks. Because of this trick, the businessman even expected a lawsuit. Now there is no common opinion what influenced the owner of this profitable house, but the cats were subsequently deployed in the opposite direction to the Great Guild. You can see the famous sculptures by viewing Riga, Koshkin's house in the photo.
Koshkin's house - description
The building was built in the style of the late rational modern in 1909 and has the following characteristic features that are visible if you consider the Koshkin house in the photo:
- In the central part of the building at the very top is a sculpture of an eagle with open wings - a symbol of achieving victory. He seems to be ready to soar to the sky at any moment, and even the blinding sun will not stop him.
- Above the central entrance of the structure there is an image of a winged female maskeron. It symbolizes the cycle of life and rebirth in Eastern philosophy.
- The building itself has a symmetrical facade, many arched windows, carved balconies and attractive cornices.
In Soviet times, the building was used as a temple of science and philosophy. Here were the Philosophical Society and the Institute of Philosophy. Riga's Koshkin House served as a film set for the multi-part film "Seventeen Moments of Spring". In this film the building became a hotel in Berlin, where Stirlitz and Bormann had a meeting.
Now in the House with black cats there is a restaurant "Melna Kaka Majas Restorans", where you can enjoy a great European cuisine. The cozy atmosphere, delicious food and friendly staff have made the restaurant in the cat house a favorite tourist destination. The remaining four floors are occupied by commercial offices.
How to get to the cat's house?
Koshkin House is located in the area of Liv, which is located in the center of Old Riga. The attractions can be reached on foot from St. Peter's Church, the road takes about 5 minutes.
If you get by public transport, then you should focus on stopping Nacionālā opera. Here tram routes No 5, 7 and 9 are laid. When you get off at the bus stop, you need to drive along the Aspazijas bulvāris to the crossroads from Kalku iela. Having reached the intersection with Meistaru iela, it is necessary to turn onto this street, in a few meters the tourists will be at their destination.