Looking at the Riga Town Hall, there is a feeling that it has always stood in this place, but it is not. The first town hall takes its place in what is now towering laboratory buildings MOUTH. They were built in the 60s of the 20th century. When, in the 1990s, began to talk about the restoration of the Town Hall, it was necessary to build a new, and not on its historic site.

According to the historical chronicle of the first City Hall building located at the crossroads of two streets: Tirgonu (Commerce) and Shkyunyu (Shed). Citizens were able to win the right to have the power of authority of municipal government since 1225. In those years, we rose up those who were dissatisfied with the authority of Bishop Albert von Buxhowden. A year later, in 1226 Riga was able to defend the rights of the city and the opportunity to pursue an independent policy. This circumstance led to the creation of the City Council (RATA), and the construction of a building for him. Built Residence Town Hall located in the so-called large gate, which is the central entrance to Riga.

It is believed that the first Town Hall was destroyed in the battle unleashed by the Order when the medal Riga troops lost in a popular uprising in 1297. Although in 1330 the Order managed to win Riga. The new building, mention of which is found in written sources in 1334, was built to replace the old market square in Riga.

It is assumed that the second town hall was built in the Gothic style, it had a high gable roof. A total of 6 rooms. Rooms on the first floor were rented under the shopping area. Every year, on the eve of public holiday - the day of St. Michael, when there were mass festivities, a herald from the balcony of the Town Hall was read the new decrees and regulations, including changes in tax collection and monopoly on the production of a commodity (such as beer). Speeches heralds later became known as burgher speeches. After 175 years at the Town Hall balcony invited musician who attack each new hour "voiced" melody.

The second town hall got heavily damaged during the siege of the city by troops of Peter I in 1709-1710, respectively. The decision to demolish the building was made only in the mid-18th century. At the same time started designing and construction of the new building, the third one, its construction lasted 15 years due to the fact that the government has allocated funds for the construction of the new City Hall periodically.

The third building of the Town Hall was built in the early classicism style, the tower had a baroque form the building framed columns of the portico of the Tuscan order. In 1791, part of the attic was built.

Reconstruction of the building began in 1848, directed the work of a young architect I.D.Felsko. On the improvement of the existing building Felsko worked for 2 years, it was built on the third floor.

In 1877, as a result of the reform of municipal government Riga rata been abolished. The Town Hall building housed the main city library in Riga. In addition to it, the bank was located here and the city orphaned court. It was not until World War II. In the summer of 1941 the former town hall building came under a devastating bombardment, but then there was a big fire in which many buildings, including City Hall, were burned.

Ruins left alone for several years. Only after 1954, according to the decision of the Riga City Council, they were dismantled. And in place of the Town Hall in the mid 50's of the 20th century began to build the new buildings of the University of Riga. Some fragments of the Town Hall miraculously been preserved to this day: the sculptural fragments of the pediment sculpture of Themis.

Design a new building of the Town Hall began in the late 1990s. To implement the project was only by the year 2000. The new Town Hall building was opened in November 2003. The new building is a replica of a historic building, which is, however, different estimated architects and designers. Today this building is the Riga City Council.