The Latvian city of Ventspils is filled with dozens of cow statues showcasing unique themes.

Rent a barrel for a personal view of where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga.

This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

This ornate church has survived Nazi and Soviet occupation, including a short stint as a Soviet-era gymnasium and cinema.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

This impressively complicated radioastronomy research center was once a tool of Soviet spies.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

A stone marker and sculpture in the city of Riga stake a claim for the very first community Christmas tree.

These abandoned vessels are destined to be reclaimed by the forest.

The widest waterfall in Europe is a natural wonder and one of the only places where fish are caught in the air.

A top secret Cold War bunker hidden beneath a Latvian spa facility is now open for tours.

A black cat protests the City Guild in Riga's Old Town.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

These crumbling Latvian forts make for some haunting seaside ruins.

Flamboyant architecture from the turn of 20th century.

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

This riverside restaurant has been serving customers since 1146.

The name doubles as an appropriate adjective for this small ossuary.