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Trip Planner: Europe / Latvia / Riga Region / Riga / Cat House

Cat House, Riga

4.0

#20 of 402 in Things to do in Riga

Landmark · Tourist Spot

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If you're wondering how cats became an unofficial symbol and landmark of the city, spend some time at Cat House. Here, the sculptures of two angry-looking cats perch on twin medieval turrets. The cats' posteriors were originally turned toward the building of the Great Guild. Legend has it that the owner of the house put up the cats as the act of revenge because the guild refused to approve his membership. He was admitted to the guild after a lengthy court battle, but he was forced to turn the cats' posteriors the other way. Architect Friedrich Scheffel designed the house in 1909. Notice how the medieval design merges with some elements of Art Nouveau on its elaborate portal. Cat House is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , custom trip planner Edition.

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Cat House reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

944 reviews

Google

4.5

By ScrumptiousSolent

It’s two cats on the top of an art nouveau house which has seen better days. Amusing story but that’s about it so not worth making a special trip to see it!

It’s two cats on the top of an art nouveau house which has seen better days. Amusing story but that’s about it so not worth making a special trip to see it! more »
By Steviefull

As others have said it's a house with a couple of cat statues on the roof with the story behind it being amusing and not a lot more than that. With Riga being a small city and this centrally located.... more

As others have said it's a house with a couple of cat statues on the roof with the story behind it being amusing and not a lot more than that. With Riga being a small city and this centrally located.... more »

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Google

By Jesse Branthin

I don’t even know what this place is about, but I’m simple man, when I see a cat, I will give 5- star review 🤷‍♂️ Around the Riga there was a lot of souvenir shops that sold different kind of items about these cats, so you should go and see them by yourself. People seems to like it 😁

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By Jadiel Mendes

This building is styled as medieval architecture with some elements of Art Nouveau. The house is situated in the centre of Vecriga and all guides tell the story about these statues. The story behind this unique architecture tells of its Latvian owner who was denied membership in the powerful Great Guild and to show his displeasure, he built two cat sculptures on his roof with their backsides facing the Guild and their tails straight up to finish the insult.

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