The majestic monument dedicated to the Latvians who fell in 1918-1920 in the struggle to gain Latvia's independence stands in the center of Riga, on Brivibas Boulevard.
This 42-meter structure is called the Freedom Monument. It was erected in 1935 based on a design by Karlis Zale. The vertical monument is crowned by a figure of a woman holding three stars in her hands. They symbolize the unity of the three historical Latvian provinces: Courland, Livonia, and Latgale.
At the foot of the monument there is a multi-tiered composition consisting of 56 sculptures that form 13 groups. Architect Ernests Shtalbergs brilliantly realized the complex vision of Karlis Zale.
The traditions of the Latvian people are reflected in stone, and the most important historical events are captured. Bas-reliefs on the themes of labor, family, and spirituality alternate with images of real and fictional characters of whom the locals are proud.
Interestingly, the people of Riga call the Freedom Monument by the female name "Milda." There is a version that a certain lady named Milda Winter posed for the sculptor when he was creating the key element - the woman with stars in her hands. There is no direct evidence of this, but the rumors proved sufficient for the grand monument to receive such a simple nickname.
