The Freedom Monument is a memorial located in
Riga, Latvia, which honors the soldiers killed during the
Latvian War of Independence. Designed by
Kārlis Zāle and unveiled in 1935, this 42-metre (138 ft) monument includes thirteen groups of statues and
bas-reliefs depicting Latvian culture and history. At the top is a 19-metre (62 ft)-high
travertine column bearing the copper figure of
Liberty lifting three gilded stars. Following
Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940, the monument was considered for demolition but ultimately saved. It remains a focal point for public gatherings and official ceremonies.Monument:
Kārlis Zāle; photograph:
Diego Delso
The Freedom Monument is a memorial located in
Riga, Latvia, which honors the soldiers killed during the
Latvian War of Independence. Designed by
Kārlis Zāle and unveiled in 1935, this 42-metre (138 ft) monument includes thirteen groups of statues and
bas-reliefs depicting Latvian culture and history. At the top is a 19-metre (62 ft)-high
travertine column bearing the copper figure of
Liberty lifting three gilded stars. Following
Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940, the monument was considered for demolition but ultimately saved. It remains a focal point for public gatherings and official ceremonies.Monument:
Kārlis Zāle; photograph:
Diego Delso