The voluminous Freedom Monument (Brivibas Piemineklis) is a sacred place in the hearts and minds of every Latvian. This potent symbol of the nation was built in 1935 with the help of citizen's donations. The author of the project was an outstanding Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale.

    The image of Liberty holding three stars in stretched hands crowns the monument and symbolizes unity of the country. Somehow the monument has survived four decades of the Soviet rule. A popular local joke during the Communist era was that the monument was actually a travel agent, since laying flowers at it guaranteed a one-way ticket to Siberia. Today, the monument, the tallest of its kind in Europe, is back to its best after a major renovation, and still retains its meaning, as well as doubling up as a favorite meeting point for the city's youth.

    This monument takes a very special place in the history of Latvia. In the late 80s - early 90s the monument became a spiritual centre of the nation, a symbol of people's longing for independence. Riga's residents gather on the square round the monument on state holidays and commemoration days. Military parades are held there.