Being the architectural monument of the first third of the 14th century, the Blackheads House originally served as a meeting place for various public organizations in Riga. In the 17th century, its main masters were members of the association of foreign merchants, whose patron then was St. Mauritius. The symbol of the saint was a black head depicted on the coat of arms of the brotherhood and enshrined the name of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
The Blackheads House suffered badly during the Second World War bombings and was restored to its original place already in our days (1995-1999. ), to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Riga. After reconstruction, a museum was located in the basement of the building, and during the visits of foreign heads of state in the halls of the House of Blackheads, solemn receptions are organized.
The Blackheads House in Riga
From August 2012 to December 2015 the house is closed to visitors: during this period here will be the office of the President who has moved here from the Riga Castle