The Gaismas Pils

We have often talked about the changes Latvia has gone through in the period of being rebuilt. Literally, post 90's revolution, the architectural growth of the country has been astounding. The nation has always prided itself on its ornate buildings and dedicated museums, and with the newfound wealth it has been offered from the European Union, this is more true now than ever.

A fledgling agency within the government is currently overseeing the building of a new concert hall, a new modern art museum, and a new national library. With each building, special attention is being paid to incorporate mythological and cultural symbolism, as even with modern Latvia, the ties to tradition remain essential.

The proposed national library is of particular interest to our family of devoted readers, and we are especially impressed with the design of the building, which represents one of our favorite Latvian folk legends. The Gaismas Pils, or Castle of Light, was a hill of glass that once stood in the capital, and according to legend, sank into the depths of the river Daugava during the blood period of oppression in Latvia. In folklore this crystal mountain symbolizes the heights of achievement - something not easily attainable but full of rewards for those who make the commitment to reach its peak. Latvian literature also speaks of the Castle of Light as a metaphor for wisdom that has been lost. The legend says that when brave men and women summon it, the castle will rise from the darkness, and the people will once again be free.

The architect, Gunars Birkerts, who designed the project based on the original proposal of Saeima from the 1920's, has incorporated the symbolism by building a literal crystal hill on the bank of the Daugava river. While the reflective paneling is meant to interpret the original tale, it evokes further meaning to the Latvian people who will use the new library: while the building is modern, it is built as a literal mirror across the river from the Old Town, thereby directly reflecting the old roots of Riga throughout its new corridors.

We continue to be so thankful that despite the modern changes taking place in Latvia, the pride and respect for tradition still permeates. To read more about the Gaismas Pils, please click here, and you will be offered a site in both Latvian and English.

We leave you now with one of the most favored Latvian forms of expression, the translating of a Daina folk poem into song. This particular arrangement is at a song festival honoring Jazeps Vitols in his original arrangement about The Gaismas Pils.