Пам'ятник Свободи Freedom Monument

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The Freedom Monument was erected in the center of Riga in 1935 in honor of the fallen fighters for the independence of Latvia. The idea of ​ ​ creating such a monument appeared in the 20s of the 20th century. Several competitions were held for the design of the monument, the winner of one of which in 1930 was the sculptor Carlis Zale. The architect of the project is Ernest Stalbergs. The 30.000 lats allocated from the state budget were not enough for the creation of the monument, so the government appealed to the population to raise funds. Work began in 1931, the opening of the Freedom Monument took place on November 18.1935.
The monument is 42 meters high, made of gray and pink granite, light gray Italian travertine. 13 sculptures and bas-reliefs are placed around the base of the monument on four sides, which represent the main values ​ ​ of life - work, spirituality, family and protection of the Motherland. The inscription "T? vzemei ​ ​ un Br? v? bai" (To the Motherland and Freedom).
The next level is represented by a sculptural composition, the central figure of which is Mother Latvia. Her daughter and son next to her represent the vitality of the Latvian people. On the side of the terrace is the composition "Those who break bonds". Two bas-reliefs are included in the fence of the terrace - "The Feast of Song" and "The March of the Warriors".
The monument is crowned by a 9-meter statue of Liberty - a young woman holding three stars in her hands, symbolizing the three provinces of Latvia - Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. The figure of a woman is made of bronze and covered with patina.
The Freedom Monument is considered a symbol of Latvian statehood, national unity, independence and freedom. Today, most of the official ceremonial events are held near the monument, an honor guard is on duty, and fresh flowers are always lying at its foot.