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LOCATION

The historical building of the University of Latvia

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description

Building of the Riga Polytechnic (1862-1896) and Riga Polytechnic Institute (1896-1918). The architect of the main building is Gustav Hilbig. A particularly interesting object of interest is the Student Punishment Cell/Detention Center, which allows an insight into the life of students of the Riga Polytechnic and the Riga Polytechnic Institute (circa 1875-1905) in the Russian Empire (1721-1918). The cell has a historical but also a legendary aura. The pen writings on the walls preserve the authentic historical evidence of student life in the 19th and 20th centuries. These testimonies were left by students and members of German-Baltic, Polish, Russian and Latvian student corporations who once studied here. Another interesting sight of the building is the astronomical tower, specially designed for the building it has served for 150 years (completed in 1869). In the 19th century, the tower telescope was used for scientific observations, in the first half of the 20th century the practical work in the tower was done by students, and since 1986 the Astronomical Tower has been operating as a public observatory. Demonstrations take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 19.00 without prior registration provided there is a clear sky. Apart from interesting stars - Syria, double stars, the telescope can see the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.