Cat House - black cat on white cat tree
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Cat House

4.5
·3k reviews·Rīga, Latvia

A medieval-inspired building in Riga's Old Town, famous for its two striking black cat sculptures on the roof.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Afternoon

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Cat House - black cat on white cat tree

Cat House

Best Time

Morning or Afternoon

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A medieval-inspired building in Riga's Old Town, famous for its two striking black cat sculptures on the roof.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A quirky and charming spot in the Old Town, worth it for a smile and a story!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Town

The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Cat Sculptures

The Iconic Cat Sculptures

Rooftop turrets

Two striking black cat sculptures adorn the roof, a whimsical and memorable sight that's a symbol of Riga.

Medieval-Inspired Architecture

Medieval-Inspired Architecture

Exterior facade

Admire the building's intricate details, built in 1909 with a distinct medieval flair.

The Legend of the Cats

The Legend of the Cats

Building exterior

Discover the intriguing local lore behind why these feline figures are perched so prominently.

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Planning Your Visit

A Quick, Quirky Stop

The Cat House is a charming architectural gem in Riga's Old Town. It's a quick visit, perfect for a photo op and a smile. Don't expect a long tour; it's more about appreciating the unique facade and its feline residents.

Best Views for Photos

To capture the iconic cat sculptures, aim for morning or afternoon light. The building is best viewed from street level, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the Old Town's cobblestone streets.

Best Times

When
Morning or Afternoon
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Help my freaks won’t use the cat house I got them.

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Town

The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets. Reddit

reddit.com

Need Advice: Outdoor Cat House

reddit.com

Tips on getting feral kitty to use a heated cat house?

⏱️ Quick Visit

It's a quick stop, perfect for a memorable photo and a bit of local history. Reddit

🐈 Cat Lover's Delight

A must-see for any cat enthusiast visiting Riga! Reddit

reddit.com

Tips for getting cats to use shelters

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Town

The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit

It's a quick stop, perfect for a memorable photo and a bit of local history. Reddit

🐈 Cat Lover's Delight

A must-see for any cat enthusiast visiting Riga! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cat House for its quirky charm and unique architectural appeal, especially the iconic cat sculptures. It's described as a quick, memorable stop in Riga's Old Town, perfect for photos and a touch of local legend. While not a destination for extended exploration, its distinctive character makes it a beloved landmark.

"We really enjoyed visiting the Cat House in Riga – it’s such a quirky and charming spot in the Old Town! The building itself is beautiful, but what made it even more special was watching the kids search for the famous black cat on the rooftop. They were so excited when they finally spotted it with its arched back and raised tail! It turned into a fun little game for them, and definitely a great photo opportunity for us. A quick but memorable stop – worth it for a smile and a story!"

Eleonora Baldassari

"Fun! If you like architecture, you'll enjoy this building and the history of why the cats were part of the design. It doesn't take long to see it and it is well worth seeing."

Paul Cave

"The history behind this place is very interesting. It is considered one of the symbols of Riga, so I don't need to say that you should go there to see the building and take some pictures. Go during the morning or afternoon to take nice pictures."

Wislan Nogueira

What People Like

Iconic cat sculptures
Quirky charm
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Very brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cat House is conveniently located in the heart of Riga's Old Town. You can easily walk to it from most central locations. If you're arriving by public transport, look for bus or tram stops near the Old Town and enjoy a short stroll to the building. Reddit

Parking in Riga's Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking lots on the outskirts of the Old Town. Reddit

Absolutely! The Cat House is a perfect quick stop for day-trippers. Its central location means you can easily fit it into a short itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need a ticket to see the Cat House. It's an exterior architectural landmark that you can view and photograph from the street. Reddit

As it's an exterior building, there are no specific opening hours. You can view the Cat House at any time of day or night. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to see the Cat House. It's a free landmark to admire from the outside. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For the best lighting and to avoid harsh shadows, aim to photograph the Cat House in the morning or late afternoon. This will make the cat sculptures and the building's details pop. Reddit

Most visitors photograph the building from street level, focusing on the rooftop cats. Experiment with different angles to capture the full facade and its unique charm. Reddit

The Cat House is primarily an exterior attraction. You can view and photograph the building's facade and its famous cat sculptures from the outside. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Lore

Built in 1909, the Cat House is a medieval-inspired building. Its fame comes from the two black cat sculptures on its roof, which are said to have been placed there in protest by a disgruntled merchant. Reddit

The legend goes that a wealthy merchant, denied membership in the Great Guild, placed the cat sculptures on his house facing the guild's building, with their tails towards it, as a form of protest. Reddit

Yes, the Cat House is considered one of Riga's unique symbols and a quirky landmark that attracts many visitors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cat House is a fantastic, quick stop for families. The main attraction for children is spotting the two black cats on the roof. It turns into a fun 'I Spy' game, and the story behind the cats adds an element of intrigue. Reddit

It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing without requiring a long attention span. The building's unique appearance is also captivating for kids, and it provides a memorable photo opportunity that children will enjoy looking back on. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

For photographers, the Cat House is a must-visit for its unique subject matter and architectural details. The medieval-inspired facade offers a rich backdrop, but the real stars are the two black cat sculptures. Aim for morning or late afternoon light to capture the best shots, avoiding harsh midday sun. Reddit

Art lovers will appreciate the building's historical context and the story behind its feline adornments. It's a piece of Riga's cultural tapestry, offering a blend of architectural interest and local folklore that makes for a compelling visual narrative. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers

The Cat House is ideal for solo travelers and day-trippers due to its central location and the fact that it requires only a brief visit. You can easily incorporate it into a walking tour of Riga's Old Town without dedicating a significant amount of time. Reddit

It's a perfect spot for a quick photo and a moment to appreciate a quirky piece of local history. The ease of access and the memorable visual make it a worthwhile addition to any short itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Feline Guardians

The Cat House in Riga is more than just a building; it's a landmark steeped in local lore. Constructed in 1909, its striking medieval-inspired architecture is instantly recognizable, but it's the two black cat sculptures perched on its roof turrets that truly capture the imagination. These feline figures aren't just decorative; they are central to a fascinating local legend that adds a layer of intrigue to any visit. Reddit

The most popular tale surrounding the Cat House involves a wealthy merchant who, after being denied entry into the city's prestigious Great Guild, decided to express his displeasure in a rather unique way. He commissioned the placement of two black cats on his rooftop, positioned with their tails pointed directly at the Great Guild building. This act of architectural defiance is said to have eventually led to the merchant's admission into the guild, making the cats not only symbols of protest but also of eventual reconciliation. Reddit

Visitors often find themselves searching for these iconic cats, making it a fun, interactive element of exploring Riga's Old Town. It’s a story that resonates with many, adding a touch of whimsy and historical drama to this charming building. The Cat House serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly simple architectural features can carry rich narratives and cultural significance. Reddit+1

Architectural Charm and Photo Opportunities

The Cat House, officially known as the Melngalvju nams (though this is often confused with the House of Blackheads, a different building), is a visual delight for architecture enthusiasts. Built in 1909, it showcases a distinctive medieval architectural style, complete with intricate detailing and a picturesque facade. Its unique design makes it stand out even amidst the historic beauty of Riga's Old Town. Reddit

For photographers, the Cat House offers excellent opportunities. The best time to capture its charm is during the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, highlighting the building's textures and the expressive poses of the cat sculptures. While the cats are the main draw, don't overlook the surrounding architectural elements that contribute to the building's overall appeal. Reddit

Many visitors describe it as a quick but memorable stop, perfect for a unique photo opportunity. It’s a landmark that consistently brings a smile to people’s faces and provides a delightful visual anecdote of their time in Riga. Reddit

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