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One more silhouette of my town Riga. This is one of Riga's visiting-cards - very famous bell tower of St.Peter’s Cathedral. On the top of this is located not a cross, as usual, but the golden Cock, the same as on top of other large and small churches in Riga and Latvia. The legend says that in middle ages the Cock had saved Riga from fire, warning inhabitants. In honour of this and to protect Riga form fires inhabitants had put Golden Cocks on the highest towers.
First time St.Peter’s Cathedral has been mentioned in chronics in 1209 several years after Riga was founded by Livonian crusaders. The first tower was built in 1491 and was 136m high. It was rebuilt several times after collapse in 1666 (Devil's digits :-0), hit of lightning and subsequent fire in 1721. The last time the tower was rebuilt after the Second World War. Now it height is just 121m. There is the tradition that main architect after finish of construction have to sit on the Cock, to drink glass of beer or champagne and through down. How many pieces the glass is broken so many years tower will stand. The last time in 1973 when construction have been finished a miracle happened - the thrown glass didn't break. Surprised people decided that this is a sign that this tower will never break again.
By the way, St.Peter’s Cathedral's tower is sightseeing object not just to look at it, but also it is possible to look at Riga form bird-fly altitude. There is an elevator built in the tower, which takes visitors to tower’s second gallery located on 72 m height to enjoy the city panorama.