Monument of Freedom

National Architectural Monument. A symbol of freedom for the Latvian people, built largely on public donations and was officially unveiled on 18 November 1935 - the day when in 1918 the independent Republic of Latvia was founded.

The monument is made of light grey and rubicund Finnish granite and Italian travertine, while the statue of Freedom was cast in bronze in Sweden (sculptor Kārlis Zāle, architect Štālbergs). The three golden stars were forged by metal forgers Zobens and Naika.

During the Soviet occupation gatherings of people and laying flowers at the monument were forbidden.

With the national awakening, despite possible repressions rallies started taking place at the monument, people gathered to commemorate the most significant events for the Latvian nation - proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, struggle for freedom, occupation and repressions. Members of Helsinki-86, the human rights advocacy group, were the first who did it openly on 14 June 1987. After Latvia regained its independence, the guard of honour was resumed at the monument.

On the central part of the base of the monument, below the Mother Latvia sculptural group a dedicatory inscription reads “For Fatherland and Freedom” – words by Latvian author Kārlis Skalbe.

The 42 m high monument is capped by a bronze cast statue of Freedom – an allegoric symbol of liberty with the three historic regions – Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme – as stars representing statehood and unity.
 
The sculptures and reliefs of the monument depict scenes from Latvian history. Among the sculptural groups are Freedom, Mother Latvia, Lāčplēsis (mythical hero), The Breakers of Chains, The Priest, Work, Cultural Figures, Fight with Bermontians, The Song Festival Procession etc.