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History of Doma Cathedral - Founded in 1211, 13th-18th century architecture The Dome (Doma) Cathedral is one of the main symbols of Riga. It was built in the 13th century as a new residence of Bishop Albert, the founder of Riga. It was aimed to become the most magnificent building in Riga to signify the power of the Catholic Church. The Doma Cathedral was built in the 13th century as a new residence of Bishop Albert, who wasn't any longer satisfied by his old residence in the district of Jana Seta, particularly in comparison with the luxurious Saint Peters Church built for townspeople on money of the magistracy. Since then the building has been rebuilt many times, which has left traces of practically all architectural styles dominating in Riga at different times in it; elements of Late Romanesque, early Gothic, Baroque and Classicism architectural styles can be found in its construction.
The initial decoration of the interior of the Doma Cathedral was destroyed during the Reformation in 1524. Fragments of tombstones of the 14th century have been preserved, pieces of art in Mannerism style of the 16-17th centuries and Baroque; tombstones, epitaphs, the façade of an organ (1601), the pulpit (1641), benches, and marvelous stained glass windows of the 19th century. Also you will find vaults, plaques and crests of knights and nobleman.
The Baroque Style Pulpit made by the woodcarver Thobias Heinz, the court master of the Duke of Courland, was installed in the Cathedral in 1641. It is richly decorated with wooden sculpture of Christ, the Apostles and the Evangelists.
The first Doma organ was built in the 16th century. The present organ was built in the 19th century at that time it was the largest and the most modern organ in Europe. Today the Doma serves both as an Evangelic Lutheran cathedral and a concert hall.
Tags: Tour Travel Events Riga Latvia Dom Doma Cathedral City of History Art Statues Plaques Crests Vaults Stained Glass Windows Head Stones Grave Markers Tombstones Alter Pulpit Organ Churches Historical
