IN JUST A LITTLE WHILE, ONLY 5 YEARS, THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JAMES IN RIGA WILL CELEBRATE ITS 800TH ANNIVERSARY.
The Saint James’s Cathedral —one of the four oldest churches in Riga, a symbol of the city and a dominant feature of its silhouette—has been maintained through the centuries thanks to the donations of the faithful. The most recent extensive restoration of the cathedral took place at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and currently, with the support of the state, municipal authorities, and donors, the cathedral is being renewed once again.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Restoration work has been ongoing in several phases since the spring of 2017. The façade, stained glass, and altar area have been restored, the sacristy roof covering has been replaced, among other tasks. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the tower restoration has been completed. The weathervane has returned to the tower, newly restored and gleaming. The news of this event, prepared for future generations by the government, restorers, and the Church, was widely covered in Latvian media.
Message of the Capsule
The Weathervane Returns to the Tower
Restoration in pictures (Photo: Archive of AS ‘Būvuzņēmums Restaurators’):
