The House of the Blackheads is one of Riga's architectural treasures.  It was originally erected in 1344 as a meeting and celebration venue for all the social organizations in Riga.  In the 17th century its sole occupants were the German merchants called "the Blackheads' Society".  Their name became synonymous with the building.  A Moor's head became the sign of recognition and the symbol of the society.  It's also depicted on their coat of arms.  

The building was embellished and expanded in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries.  It's like a "city hall" and was called Riga's grandest adornment, but sadly it turned to rubble in WWII.  However it wasn't forgotten.  Above the entrance of the buildings was a quote, " If I should fall, build me again".  In the late 1990's, in keeping with that saying, it rose from the ashes.

Riga has regained its "grandest adornment" and It's indeed a striking Gothic building with a Dutch Renaissance facade.  Without question, it's the most photographed building in the city.