Lielais Kristapas (Big Christopher) Riga, Latvia
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 56° 56.981 E 024° 06.008
35V E 323632 N 6315527
This is the man who founded the city of Riga.
Waymark Code: WMJJX7
Location: Latvia
Date Posted: 11/26/2013
Views: 10
This box in the middle of a park along the shores of the river, explains the legend of Riga. The plaque says, "'Once upon a time, long ago, before the city of Riga was founded, a tall stron man named Lielais Kristaps (Big Christopher) carried people across the river Daugava. Kristaps lived in a cabin on right bank of the river.
While sleeping on night, Kristaps heard a small child crying on the other side of the river. He immediately rose to fetch the child, and began to carry it across the river. Half way across, the child became so heavy that Kristaps barely managed to get to the other bank. Exhausted, he laid the child down to sleep in his shack, and fell asleep himself.
The following morning Kristaps awoke to find a large chest of gold coins where the child had been. Upon his death, the money was used to found the city of Riga, the first building was build on the spot where Kristaps cabin had once stood.'
Gint Upitis in 1997 ade a copy of the original wooden sculpture built by Michael Brinkman in 1693. The original statue is located in Museum of History of Riga and Navigation."
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
24/7
Admission Prices:
Free
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Less than 15 minutes
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle Only
The attraction’s own URL: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.