Vērmanes park is a place you’ll have a hard time avoiding if you are visiting Riga. It stands at the crossroads of places like the main building of the University of Latvia and the National Latvian History Museum, and it is only a short walk or tram ride from other tourist and local destinations in the historic center. However, with all these seemingly beaming attractions, many tourists pass up the chance to take a stroll through the park itself, simply taking glances or swiftly dashing through it to get to their next sight-seeing object. Locals, on the other hand, have grown to love this park as a sight for shiny lights in the winter and a perfect relaxing spot in the heat of summer.

And all of this thanks to Anna Vermane, who donated the park to the city for recreational use back in 1817 and whose monument you’ll be able to find in the park’s gardens, alongside other notable and just as historically significant spots, one of which being the park’s astute stage-set. As a part of the agreement back in 1817, the park is forbidden from being sold or closed off to the general public. Thus, next time when you’re traveling with the 11th of 1st Tram, consider stepping out at Merķeļa street and taking a stroll through this lovely garden. Remember, it will always be there to welcome you.