The Green Heart of Riga: Vērmanes Garden
In the very heart of the city and less than a hundred meters from Liden and Denz lies a historic and lively space. This is none other than Riga’s Vērmanes Garden, the second oldest public park in the city and an enduring social hub. In the time I have been studying at Liden and Denz, I have found myself drawn to it whenever I have time before or after lessons. So, this article will be a quick dive into the history of this park and its continuing popularity.
The Founding of the Park
Vērmanes Garden was created in the early 19th century, funded mainly by donations from Anna Gertrud Vērmane, thus giving it its name. Anna was a native of Riga, who, becoming a widow, used her wealth to establish the garden. The original park was smaller than the one that can be seen now, but laid the foundations for a green space in the center of the city. Anna died ten years after the founding of the monument and in her will she left the garden to the city, with the condition that it should not be sold to an individual, ensuring it remained a space for all. Later, in 1829, a monument was erected in her honour, which makes sure that her legacy is not forgotten.
The Park Over Time
As time progressed, so did Vērmanes Garden. Not only did it grow in area, but its name was even changed to Kirov Park from 1950 to 1990. However, what remained the same was the popularity and importance of the space. Testament to its significance in Rigan culture, many famous Latvians have visited the park over the years. For example, Mihails Tāls (a successful Latvian-Soviet chess player), is said to have began his career in Vērmanes Garden by playing here. There is now a statue of him in the garden to commemorate this. Other examples are the Riga-born Wilhelm Ostwald, who won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry; the Latvian painter, Kārlis Padegs, whose art is in the National Museum of Art; and the Rigan writer and folklorist, Krišjānis Barons.
The Park Today
Today Vērmanes Garden continues to be a popular space for people to relax and socialise. Local or tourist, old or young, this park is for anyone and everyone. Whenever I spend time there, I am always surprised by the range of activities I can spot: reading on a bench, playing in the play ground, yoga under a tree, relaxing on the grass.
Vērmanes Garden is also a key site in the city for cultural events, particularly in summer, when its permanent stage can be put to use. In early July this year, it hosted many rehearsals and events for the Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival. Throughout August, it will use its vast expanse and outdoor stage to be the host of the Outdoor Concert Season, during which every Friday, residents and visitors of Riga are invited to gather and watch Latvian talent.
So, learning more about Vērmanes Garden, it is clear that it is not only a wonderful place to read a book after lessons in the language school, but also an enduring social hub of history and culture.
