St. Jacob's Church is one of the oldest churches in Riga. It was mentioned for the fist time in chronicles in 1226. After the reformation it was owned by Lutherans. In 1582, it was given to the Catholic Order of Jesuits. In the 17th century the church building served needs of Swedish garrison. And only in 1922 it was turned over to Catholic community. Now St. Jacob's Church is a Catholic cathedral in Riga.

    The tower of St. Jacob's Church is the only one in the city that still has Gothic spire that was one of the main earlier characteristics for all Riga churches. The steeple of St. Jacob's Church is quite unique. It's the only one in Riga that has a bell hanging outside. This bell somehow gained a name "Bell of Wretched Sinners". As legend says, it was taken away at requests of discontented townspeople because it had a bad habit to ring by itself when any unfaithful wife went by.